All Amanda Hagerman jewelry is made using solid 18K yellow gold due to its higher purity (75% pure gold) and beautiful glowing luster. It is an investment with high durability that lasts forever, and has great intrinsic value. Due to its higher purity, 18K gold will likely not cause skin irritations due to metal allergies. Tarnish is also not an issue. Solid gold is the superior option if you prefer a gold tone.
Care: Clean jewelry with a mild dish soap, water, and very soft toothbrush. To maintain the satin finish, avoid polishing cloths. To keep your jewelry in tip top shape, remove when: performing high impact activities, gardening, working with chemicals (i.e., household cleaners), sleeping, swimming, &
applying hairspray, serums, & lotions. Over time, exposure to pool chlorine will weaken gold & moisturizers will diminish brilliance of gems. Keep pieces stored in a soft dry place, free from scratching against other jewelry.
As a designer and crafter it is important to me that the materials I use are ethically sourced whenever possible.
The 18K gold I work with comes from refiners on the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) good delivery list, EICC/GeSI conflict –free compliant smelter list, certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council or refiners which certify and independently audit that all gold supplies are conflict free, in accordance with one of the following standards: RJC chain of custody standard, OECD Responsible Supply Chain of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High Risk Areas Supplement or the World Gold Council Conflict-Free Standard.
Diamonds and gems come from suppliers that only offer conflict free, fair trade and ethically sourced stones.
I'm no longer producing vermeil jewelry, but am providing the details for any clients who have purchased it in the past. Vermeil, pronounced 'Ver-May', is a thick layer of gold over silver. I offer vermeil jewelry because it is the best quality gold plated finish at a more affordable price then solid gold for my larger designs. Gold plated and gold filled pieces are typically gold coated base metals (brass, steel, etc). Vermeil is intrinsically more valuable because the entire piece is made from precious metals. The industry standard for vermeil is 2.5 microns of gold over silver. At 3 microns thick, my jewelry is higher than the industry standard. All vermeil jewelry is NICKEL FREE.
Tarnish: Because vermeil is gold over silver, and silver tarnishes, it can develop a tarnished appearance over time. In the case that a mild tarnish develops, use Goddard's Silver Care Liquid Dip. The dip will safely restore the piece back to a brighter finish without harming the gold. NEVER use a polishing cloth or any type of abrasive tarnish removing products on vermeil, this will harm the gold finish. For pieces with pearls or porous stones, gently swab piece with cleaner using a q-tip to avoid the stone/pearl. Always dry pieces extremely well after cleaning. Moisture welcomes tarnish.
Care: To remove any build up, clean with alcohol or Dawn dish soap and water. Dry extremely well with a soft cloth (100% cotton or microfiber). Avoid harsh household cleaners and always remove vermeil jewelry prior to swimming, or bathing. Avoid using a gold polishing cloth on vermeil at all times. Store jewelry in a soft, dry location free from scratching against other jewelry pieces.
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