JEWELLERY INFORMATION

This section will give you some information and details on how to care for jewellery purchased from Black Pearl. All items on the site fall into two categories ‘Non Precious Metal’ and ‘Precious Metal’:

NON PRECIOUS METAL ITEMS

Items under the ‘Non Precious Metal’ heading are made of various base metals, the majority of the charms are made of the metal pewter. They are hard wearing but the gold colour may fade over time. This can be avoided by taking extra care when wearing the item, for example not wearing it in the bath or shower, and keeping it in a closed box or pouch when it’s not being worn.

Silver colour chains have a gunmetal or antique silver finish, they hardly change when worn and keep the colour well. Chains marked as 'Brass' will always retain the gold colour and can be polished using a brass polish if they tarnish. Alternatively dip in a solution of vinegar and salt to keep the chain bright and shiny. Leave the chain in the solution for about a minute, rinse in water and dry with a clean cloth. 

PRECIOUS METAL ITEMS

Sterling silver items:
Sterling silver items on this site are made of solid 925 Sterling Silver. If you buy a Sterling silver item it will have been professionally polished and will look as bright and shiny as can be. Over time, the item will change colour as you wear it, darkening and losing it’s shine. You can easily brighten it up by using a silver polish, or you may prefer the ‘worn’ look and keep it that way.

Gold plated sterling silver items:
Gold plated sterling silver items on this site are made of solid 925 Sterling silver and have been plated to a high standard using 24 karat gold. The plating does not wear off easily, but can be affected over time by perfume and perfumed body products. Keep your gold plated items shiny by using a gold polishing cloth.

Please note that precious metal items on this site are not hallmarked unless they weigh over 7.78 grams, which is the legal requirement in the UK. Most of the items weigh less than this, so therefore in a bid to keep costs down they will not be hallmarked.

CHAIN LENGTHS

You will see various sizes mentioned in regards to necklaces, the length is measured in inches from one end of the chain to the other. You can gauge how long the chain will be on you by measuring one of your own necklaces and comparing.