FAQ

1. Why Choose Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver offers several advantages, making it a great choice for jewellery lovers and designers alike.

Durability & Longevity

Made from 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% alloy (usually copper), sterling silver is strong and resistant to wear. 

Unlike plated jewellery, sterling silver lasts a lifetime with proper care.

Hypoallergenic & Skin-Friendly

Ideal for sensitive skin—nickel-free and less likely to cause irritation compared to lower-quality metals.

A safer alternative to brass or costume jewellery, which can trigger allergic reactions.

Timeless & Elegant Appearance

Classic and sophisticated, sterling silver complements any outfit or occasion.

Pairs well with gemstones, diamonds, and other metals for a luxurious look.

Easy Maintenance

Can tarnish over time, but regular polishing restores its original shine.

Simple cleaning methods (like silver cloths or baking soda solutions) keep it looking new.

Investment Value

Unlike cheaper metals, sterling silver retains intrinsic value due to its silver content.

Can be repurposed or resold, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Versatile & Adaptable

Works well for modern, vintage, or minimalist designs.

Suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Sustainable & Recyclable

More eco-friendly compared to disposable fashion jewellery.

Many jewellers use recycled silver for ethical sourcing.

2. Is Sterling Silver Real Silver?

925 sterling silver refers to silver that is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% alloy (usually copper).

The addition of copper strengthens the silver while maintaining its shine and beauty.

Pure silver on its own is too soft for jewellery-making, so mixing it with an alloy improves durability and prevents excessive bending or scratching.

Some of our 925 Sterling Silver has been plated with Rhodium, Pure Silver, or Gold Plating for enhanced appearance and longevity.

Plating Methods & Benefits:

Rhodium Plating – Provides tarnish resistance, enhanced shine, and scratch protection, making silver appear brighter for longer.

Pure Silver Plating – Adds an extra layer of silver, reducing tarnish while maintaining the natural beauty of sterling silver.

Gold Plating (14k & 18k) – A luxurious finish that combines sterling silver’s strength with the richness of gold.

14k Gold Plating – 58.5% pure gold, offering better durability and wear resistance.

18k Gold Plating – 75% pure gold, providing a warmer, deeper tone with a more luxurious appeal.

3. What Is the Best Way to Tell If Silver Is Genuine?

Authenticity is key when purchasing silver jewellery. Here are the best ways to verify if your silver is real:

925 Stamp – Look for hallmarks like "925" or "Sterling", indicating 92.5% silver content.

Magnet Test – Silver is not magnetic, so if your jewellery sticks to a magnet, it likely contains other metals.

Nitric Acid Test – Applying a drop of nitric acid to silver should result in a creamy white reaction. Fake silver may turn green or brown.

Ice Test – Silver is a great heat conductor, so ice should melt faster when placed on genuine silver.

Weight & Sound Test – Silver has a distinct ringing sound when tapped gently and tends to be heavier than many fake alternatives.

4. Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time due to exposure to air, sulphur, and moisture. However, this is easily preventable and reversible!

Quick Fixes for Tarnish:

Baking Soda & Aluminium Foil – Place silver in a bowl lined with foil, add hot water & baking soda, and watch the tarnish transfer!

White Vinegar & Baking Soda – Soak silver in a mix of white vinegar & baking soda for a few hours, then rinse and polish.

Toothpaste Method – Apply non-whitening toothpaste, rub gently with a cloth, and rinse for a quick shine.

Deep Cleaning Methods:

Silver Polish – Use a specialised silver polish for heavily tarnished pieces.

Boiling Water Method – Boil water, add salt & baking soda, and soak silver for a few minutes for a refreshed look.

5. Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver tarnishes due to chemical reactions with air, moisture, and sulphur. Here’s why:

Exposure to Air & Humidity – High moisture accelerates oxidation, leading to tarnish build-up.

Contact with Chemicals – Perfumes, lotions, chlorine, and even sweat can trigger tarnishing.

Sulphur in the Environment – Found in foods, wool, and pollution, silver reacts with sulphur to create tarnish.

How to Prevent Tarnishing:

Store Properly – Keep silver in a dry, airtight jewellery box or anti-tarnish pouch.

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips – Place tarnish-absorbing strips in your storage container.

Wear Regularly – Frequent wear keeps silver brighter, as natural oils on the skin help polish the jewellery.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or applying skincare products.

How to Remove Tarnish:

Polishing Cloth – A simple rub with a silver polishing cloth removes light tarnish.

Baking Soda & Water Paste – Apply with a cloth, rub gently, then rinse.

White Vinegar & Baking Soda Soak – Soak for a few hours, then rinse.

Lemon Juice & Olive Oil – Mix and rub onto silver, then wipe clean.

Professional Cleaning – For heavy tarnish, jewellers offer ultrasonic or chemical cleaning.

6. Does Sterling Silver Change Colour Over Time?

Yes, sterling silver can change colour due to exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals. Here’s what happens:

Tarnishing (Darkening) – Silver reacts with sulphur in the air, forming a dark coating. Easily cleaned with polishing methods.

Yellowing – Prolonged exposure to pollutants, lotions, or improper storage can cause a yellow tint.

Green Stains – Unlike brass, pure sterling silver does not turn green. However, silver-plated jewellery with base metals may oxidize and leave green residue.

Regular cleaning and proper storage help prevent discolouration.

7. How Do I Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery?

Taking care of sterling silver jewellery ensures it stays beautiful for years.

Cleaning Tips:

Gentle Polishing – Use a soft, lint-free silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish.

Mild Soap & Water – Mix warm water with mild dish soap, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Baking Soda Paste – Combine baking soda & water, gently rub onto jewellery, then rinse.

White Vinegar & Baking Soda – Soak tarnished silver in white vinegar & baking soda for a deep clean.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Never use bleach or harsh cleaners, as they can damage silver.

Storage Recommendations:

Keep It Dry – Moisture speeds up tarnishing, so store in a dry place.

Use Anti-Tarnish Pouches – Store jewellery in individual anti-tarnish bags or soft cloth pouches.

Separate from Other Metals – Prevent scratches by storing silver separately.

Silica Gel or Chalk – Absorb moisture by placing silica gel packs or a piece of chalk in your jewellery box.

Proper care ensures sterling silver remains shiny and tarnish-free.

8. What Is Oxidised Silver, and How Is It Different from Regular Sterling Silver?

Oxidised silver refers to sterling silver that has been intentionally darkened through a chemical process, giving it a vintage or antique look. Unlike regular tarnish, oxidisation is permanent and designed to highlight intricate details in jewellery.

Differences Between Regular & Oxidised Sterling Silver:

Regular Sterling Silver – Bright, polished, and reflective, ideal for a sleek and modern finish.

Oxidised Sterling Silver – A dark, matte appearance, often used to create contrast in detailed designs.

9. What does Micron mean

In jewellery, "micron" refers to a unit of measurement, specifically one-millionth of a meter, used to indicate the thickness of gold plating. A micron is equivalent to 0.001 millimetres.

1-micron gold plating is generally considered good quality and suitable for most jewelry, especially when considering wear and tear, While flash plating (below 1 micron) is not recommended for durable jewelry, 1 micron plating offers a good balance of affordability and longevity, particularly for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. For rings, which experience more friction, a 2-3 micron plating is often recommended for greater durability. 

10. What Is Rhodium Plating, and why is it used on Silver Jewellery

 

Rhodium plating is a specialised process where a thin layer of rhodium (a rare, durable metal) is applied to jewellery. This enhances its shine, protects against tarnishing, and improves scratch resistance.

Benefits of Rhodium Plating:

Tarnish Resistance – Prevents oxidation, keeping silver shiny and new for longer.

Enhanced Appearance – Adds a brilliant, highly reflective finish.

Hypoallergenic Properties – Rhodium is non-reactive, making it safe for sensitive skin.

Scratch Resistance – Provides extra protection against everyday wear.

Maintenance Note:

Regular silver can be polished when needed, but oxidised silver should not be aggressively polished, as it may lose its darkened effect.

11. What Is Demi-Fine Jewellery, and How Do Our Pieces Fit In?

Demi-fine jewellery bridges the gap between fine jewellery and fashion jewellery, offering high-quality materials without the luxury price tag.

How Our Jewellery Fits In:

Crafted from 92.5% Sterling Silver – Ensuring strength, durability, and long-lasting beauty.

Rhodium-Plated Designs – Resistant to tarnish, offering a premium finish.

Gold-Plated Pieces (14k & 18k) – Adds a luxurious touch while maintaining affordability.

Timeless Elegance for Everyday Wear – Combining craftsmanship, durability, and style, our demi-fine jewellery is perfect for those seeking long-lasting sophistication.

12. Stainless Steel vs. Sterling Silver – Which Is Better?

When choosing between stainless steel and sterling silver, consider appearance, durability, value, and resale potential.

Comparison Chart:

Feature	Sterling Silver (925)	Stainless Steel
Material	Precious metal (92.5% silver)	Industrial alloy (iron, chromium, nickel)
Appearance	Bright, elegant, highly reflective	Sleek but lacks prestige
Value	Luxury metal with resale value	No resale value after purchase
Customization	Easily engraved, shaped, and handcrafted	Harder to engrave and modify
Hypoallergenic	Safe for sensitive skin	Some types contain nickel, which can cause allergies
Timeless Appeal	Classic, historically significant	Modern but lacks tradition
Jewellery Prestige	Used in fine jewellery	Common in fashion & utility items
Maintenance	Requires polishing but retains value	Low maintenance but lacks refinement

Why Choose Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a true investment—it holds intrinsic value and can be resold, unlike stainless steel, which has no resale worth after purchase.

13. Does Sterling Silver Have Healing or Spiritual Benefits?

Silver has been historically valued for its metaphysical and health-related properties. Some believe it has:

Antibacterial Properties – Historically used for water purification and medical applications.

Energy-Balancing Effects – Some believe silver absorbs negative energy, promoting balance.

Moon Connection – Silver is linked to feminine energy & intuition, tied to lunar symbolism.

Improved Circulation – Some wearers say silver aids circulation and reduces inflammation.

While there’s no scientific proof of silver’s healing effects, many cultures consider it spiritually significant.

14. Common Myths About Sterling Silver

There are several misconceptions about sterling silver—here are a few worth debunking:

"Silver Always Turns Green" – No, pure sterling silver does not turn green. Only silver-plated items or low-quality metals may do this.

"Sterling Silver Isn’t Valuable" – Sterling silver has real intrinsic value and can be resold.

"Silver Doesn’t Tarnish If It’s High-Quality" – Even the best sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time due to environmental exposure.

"You Can’t Wear Silver Every Day" – Actually, regular wear prevents tarnish—the oils on your skin help keep silver bright!

15. Who Are We? What Makes Our Brand Special?

At Bijou Jewellery, we believe jewellery is more than an accessory—it’s a statement of timeless elegance and confidence.

What Sets Us Apart?

Sustainable Craftsmanship – We prioritize responsible sourcing, using recycled silver whenever possible and ensuring eco-conscious packaging.

Timeless, Minimalist Designs – Inspired by modern elegance, our jewellery enhances personal style while remaining versatile.

Expert Plating Techniques – We offer rhodium and gold-plated designs for added durability & brilliance.

Customer-Centric Approach – Our commitment to quality, exclusivity, and trust ensures an exceptional experience, from purchase to aftercare.

Want to learn more about our story, values, and craftsmanship? Visit our About Us page to discover what makes Bijou Jewellery truly exceptional.

16. Shipping, Packaging & Returns

Packaging:

Every Bijou Jewellery purchase is beautifully wrapped, featuring:

An elegantly branded jewellery box, tied with a beautiful ribbon.

Branded tissue paper, adding a luxurious touch.

Sparkling sequins, making each unboxing extra special.

A free silver gift, included with every order!

Delivery Times & Options:

UK Standard Tracked Delivery: £1.99 | Estimated arrival: 2-4 working days.

UK Priority Tracked Delivery: £4.99 | Estimated arrival: 1-2 working days.

European Tracked Delivery: £9 | Estimated arrival: 7-14 working days (Currently suspended for EU deliveries).

International Tracked Delivery: £9 | Estimated arrival: 7-14 working days.

Important Shipping Information:

Same-Day Dispatch: Orders are shipped same day or next working day after purchase.

Carrier: All items are shipped via Isle of Man Post.

Delivery Delays: International shipping delays may occur—especially during peak times.

Address Accuracy: Please ensure your shipping details are correct, as we are not liable for refunds due to incorrect addresses.

Custom Fees: Non-UK customers may be subject to import taxes or customs fees.

Tracking & Updates: Once dispatched, you’ll receive a tracking number for real-time updates.

Want more details? Visit our Shipping Information page.