At Adeiá, we don’t just sell jewellery; we share a piece of Mediterranean heritage. Each of our designs is handmade in small batches by two skilled brothers in a traditional village in Cyprus. Because these pieces are crafted slowly from premium 925 Sterling Silver and 14ct Gold Plating, they deserve a little extra love to ensure they last a lifetime.
Whether you’ve treated yourself to a solid silver statement or a glowing gold-plated piece, here is your definitive guide to keeping that "day one" sparkle.
1. The Sterling Silver Care Routine
Our solid sterling silver is durable and timeless, but it is a natural metal that can react to oxygen and moisture (a process called tarnishing).
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Wear it Often: Believe it or not, the natural oils in your skin actually help prevent tarnish. Your silver loves to be worn!
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The Polishing Touch: If you notice your silver looking a bit dull or dark, use a specialized microfiber silver polishing cloth. A few gentle strokes will lift the oxidation and restore the mirror-like finish.
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The Deep Clean: For intricate designs, mix a little mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the crevices, then rinse and pat dry immediately.
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Water Safety: While sterling silver is generally waterproof - we still suggest taking your pieces off before swimming in chlorine or salt-water to preserve the silvers shine.
2. The 14ct Gold Plated Care Routine
Our gold-plated pieces feature a thick layer of 14ct gold over a sterling silver base. To keep that golden glow from fading or wearing thin, you need to minimize friction and chemical exposure.
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The "Last On, First Off" Rule: This is the golden rule! Always apply your perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your jewellery. Chemicals are the fastest way to erode gold plating.
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Skip the Scrubbing: Never use abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths on gold-plated items, as this can physically "sand" the gold layer off.
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Water Safety: Always remove gold-plated jewellery before showering, swimming in chlorine or salt water, as these elements can cause the plating to flake or change colour.
3. Storage: The Secret to Longevity
How you store your jewellery when you aren't wearing it is just as important as how you clean it.
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Stay Dry: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place. Bathrooms are often too humid and can accelerate tarnishing.
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Separate to Elevate: Use the pouch or box provided with your order. Storing pieces separately prevents them from tangling and—more importantly—prevents them from scratching each other.
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Airtight is Best: If you live in a particularly humid climate, storing your silver in a small airtight zip-lock bag can work wonders in preventing oxidation.
A Quick Cheat Sheet
| Care Step | Sterling Silver | 14ct Gold Plated |
| Cleaning Tool | Polishing Cloth | Soft lint-free cloth |
| Soap & Water? | Yes, if heavily tarnished | No, avoid liquids |
| Perfume Safe? | Avoid, but can be cleaned | No, it will damage plating |
| Swimming? | Take off to be safe. | No, take off to avoid tarnishing |
Handcrafted Excellence
Remember, every mark on your jewellery tells a story of a small village in Cyprus and the hands of the brothers who made it. By following these steps, you aren't just cleaning a piece of metal - you’re preserving a piece of art.