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JEWELLERY INFO
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All of the jewellery pieces you see on our web site have been carefully crafted by our designer, Lin Aw in her own home. Due to the handcrafted nature of these pieces, subtle variations in detail and finish can occur.
Materials The pieces are handcrafted using gemstones together with either 14kt gold filled or silver findings.
The gemstones used in our jewellery are natural. They therefore have inclusions ("internal characteristics") in them. We believe that the organic nature of these "internal characteristics" add to the natural charm and beauty of the stones. It is a commonly accepted practice that most of today's natural gemstones have been subject to treatments to enhance their appearance. There are three main processes that gemstones may undergo individually or in combination with each other. They are heat treatment, irradiation, in which the stones are heated with gamma rays, and dyeing.
14kt gold filled is solid 14kt gold permanently bonded by heat and pressure to a core of base metal. The top layer (20 percent) of a 14/20 gold filled product is 14 karat gold. The remaining core (80 percent) is the base metal, usually a yellow colored metal such as brass. Gold filled should not be confused with gold-plate. Gold-plate is a microscopic film of gold particles that have been adhered to a base metal by means of an electroplating (or dipping) process. Gold-plate has the tendency to chip, flake, and wear off due to the thin layer of gold particles. Gold filled products on the other hand, have a much higher percentage of bonded gold and as such, it is more durable and its appearance remains gold for a lifetime if cared for properly.
Sterling silver has a 92.5% content of silver alloyed with copper. The copper makes it stronger and allows it to patina (turn dark) faster, giving details more "depth." Hill Tribe silver is sterling silver with a higher content, typically at 98%.
Care and Handling To revive a gem's sparkle instantly, breathe heavily on its surface and then wipe off the condensation with a tissue. Use warm water and mild soap on transparent gems mounted in metal. Opaque gems should be cleaned only with a soft cloth as water and cleaning solutions can damage the stones. Chemicals can mar the finish of all your jewelry. Put on your jewellery last, after you have applied perfume, hair products and the like.
Keep your jewellery in a jewellery bag, box or drawer away from direct sunlight. Over time intense sunlight will bleach some stones.
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