What type of metal is best?
We do our upmost to make sure our jewellery will last eternally in it’s beauty. The metal you choose and the environment you keep it in determines how quickly it tarnishes, however even one tarnished can easily be brought back to it's shine. Firstly let's talk metals.
Silver and gold are top choice metals due to their durability. Our sterling silver is at least 92.5% silver with some base metals to strengthen the pieces. YOu can see the carat of the gold in the description, the higher the purer, and if it is a plated piece we list what the underneath metal is. Stainless steel body jewellery tarnishes the least quickly and is great for body jewellery however, due to it's thickness it is the hardest to work intricate designs into. Silver and Gold is next for durability and will last for live times if treated properly. Brass and white brass tarnish more quickly. Our natural organic collection including wood, shell and bone are great for skin sensitivities, however wood can tarnish and is affected by damp over time. Less so when worn in the skin, for some reason they clean together in harmony. We have some suggested steps to help you keep your Tribalik pieces in perfect condition and how to clean them.
Storing your Jewellery.
All metals can tarnish over time, even sterling silver but to avoid this we recommend keeping your jewellery away from damp conditions. Taking off when bathing or swimming, avoiding handling liquids, cleaning often, taking off at bedtime to avoid damp build up from sweat, and storing well wrapped away from damp or humidity, for example the bathroom. You can store them in the plastic poly bags to avoid humidity. Applying liquids to our body in our health regimes can tarnish your pieces so removing your jewellery during these processes is better. Please note that septum jewellery, and any jewellery around the mouth or jewellery in newly stretched ears does especially tarnish except stainless steel pieces. This is due to the moisture in the area. You can clean as per steps below.
Cleaning your Jewellery.
There are a variety of ways to polish your jewellery from natural to chemical cleaners.
1) Warm soapy water and a soft brush is great for getting the grit out. Especially body jewellery.
2) You can use specialised chemical jewellery cleaners for your metal of choice but do be advised these can cause reactions to skin and do not use where the jewellery comes into contact with the inside of your body as they are extremely toxic.
3) Toothpaste especially colgate and if you can get the powder version or even natural toothpastes can shine up your Tribalik jewellery perfectly but do not use on gold or silver plated jewellery, you need to use gold jewellery polish on these that you can buy online. Also simply clean the part that's been in your piercing with soap and water to sanitise it.
3) Natural cleaners are a great choice! You can find tons of recipes online but bicarbonate of soda is great with a soft brush to shine up your silver or solid gold jewellery. It can be too abrasive on brass or on plated jewellery though.
The curse of the green finger.
Occasionally with brass jewellery and even more precious metals our fingers or body parts can go a little green. Usually with first use of a new piece and then it fades.
What to do it this occurs? Firstly take off the jewellery and gently scrub with soap and water. Make up remover is a great option and if still stubbornly there, alcoholic cleansing wipes.
"It's not real silver my finger is green!"
This is in fact a myth, it is the alloys in the silver or other metals that react with moisture, water or sweat to create a chemical reaction which gives the green effect.
If you have any other questions do contact a professional piercer or chat with us at orders@tribalik.co.uk