GLOSSARY

BRASS

Brass is a copper and zinc alloy, which results in a gold color.  Brass jewelry is the fraction of the price of gold jewelry, yet it looks comparable. Given proper care, finished brass can have longevity. To clean, a simple cleaning with water and soap can remove ordinary dirt. If your brass jewelry has begun to tarnish or look dull, wipe it with a damp cloth and pat dry, or use a cotton polishing cloth. Store in an airtight container or bag. 

STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver is usually compromised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (often copper). Pure silver is a very soft metal, so its strength is increased when it's mixed with another metal. Although it  tarnishes quickly, it also cleans up easily. To clean, use a jewelry polishing cloth or sterling silver cleaner. On sterling silver jewelry with a brushed finish, lightly polish your pieces with a fine steel wool. If you wear sterling silver/silver filled daily, it should not tarnish as quickly. Store in an airtight container or bag. 

GOLD FILL 

Gold filled jewelry uses a technique in which thin layers of gold are bonded by heat and pressure to a base metal center, such as brass. Several layers of a core metal are surrounded by at least 10k gold. Gold filled is the next best, quality alternative to  solid gold.  Compared to gold plated, gold filled is more  valuable and tarnish resistant. To clean, a simple cleaning with water and soap can remove ordinary dirt. You can also gently polish with a jewelry polishing cloth. Store in an airtight container or bag. 

GOLD Plate

Gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold overlaying a base metal such as brass. The time-span of gold plated jewelry depends on several factors. It largely depends on your care of it. Avoid wearing gold plated jewelry during any activities were you may scratch or rub them against rough surfaces. Avoid direct contact with chemicals, water, or large amounts of sweat. Clean your pieces with a soft cotton cloth and warm water. A small drop of liquid soap can be used, but avoid using abrasive jewelry cloths with chemicals.  Store in an airtight container or bag. 

RHODIUM PLATE

Rhodium is a rare silver-white metal within the platinum family. It is particularly hard and is one of the most expensive precious metals, and unique for its high reflectance. When used in plating, it has a thin layer of rhodium overlaying a base metal such brass. Just like gold plating, rhodium plating may wear off or last a lifetime depending on several factors. Avoid wearing rhodium plated jewelry during any activities were you may scratch or rub them against rough surfaces. Avoid direct contact with chemicals, water, or large amounts of sweat. Clean your pieces with a soft cotton cloth and warm water. A small drop of liquid soap can be used to clean, but avoid using abrasive jewelry cloths with chemicals.  Store in an airtight container or bag.