F.A.Q's
For any questions not answered below, please contact me.
WHAT IS KAREN HILLS TRIBE FINE SILVER?
This is silver handmade by the people in the Karen Hills in Northern Thailand. It is actually more pure than 925 sterling as it contains between 96% and 99% pure silver, and less filler material. Sterling is only 92.5% pure, and the 7.5% filler metal used is often copper.
WHAT IS GOLD FILLED?
Gold-filled is an economical alternative to solid gold. By law, it has 1/20th by weight layer of 14 karat gold permanently bonded over a core of base metal. It is tarnish-resistant, safe for sensitive skin and, unlike gold plated, will not wear off. It is considered a fine metal, and you care for it in the same way as you do your solid gold pieces, gently cleaning them with mild detergents, soft brush and a buffing cloth.
METAL CARE?
Sterling, Bali, silver filled and Karen Hills silver will all eventually tarnish as the black discoloration is a natural - and easily reversible - process of oxidation when silver is exposed to the oxygen in air. You can lessen the impact by storing your silver pieces in little ziplock bags, and avoid exposing them to humidity. Care for your Thai & Bali silver the same way as sterling - clean with a soft brush or cloth and gentle detergent, or use a special jewelry care cloth such as the one I sell here https://www.etsy.com/listing/603112787 Gold filled is also sturdy and won't flake, Polish with a soft cloth. For 24K yellow gold vermeil you do have to be more careful, and the jewelry cloth impregnated with cleaning agents is not suitable. Simply use a mild detergent such as baby soap, and a soft cloth, and air dry after patting with a towel. Be very careful with any pearls or stones set in jewelry items.
WHAT ARE FRESHWATER PEARLS?
A pearl formed in a mollusk, often a mussel, that lives in freshwater rather than salt water. The pearls come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They form as any other pearl, built up in layers called nacre. The only real gem made by an animal!
WHAT IS "SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS"?
Austrian Swarovski crystal is fired using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand, cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions, a process perfected by the Swarovski family over the last 100 years. These crystals contain a higher than average percentage of lead, which increases light refraction, and the crystals are extremely crisply faceted, hence the extra sparkle!
I also have a ready-to-wear collection of jewelry at https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlauntDesignsJewelry
