Jewellery goes on last
Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions and sunscreen before putting on your piece. These products contain chemicals that accelerate tarnishing and can damage any metal finish.
THE ATELIER GUIDE
Care & Wear
How to preserve, polish and wear your sterling silver, gold and bronze medallions so they last a lifetime — and beyond.
Every piece that leaves our atelier is made to endure. But like all fine metalwork, your medallion will reward a little attention. Whether your piece is sterling silver, gold vermeil or solid gold, or art bronze, each metal has its own personality — and its own ideal care routine. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Sterling Silver
925 Silver · Naturally ages to a rich patina
CHARACTERISTICS
- Develops a natural dark patina in recessed areas over time
- Lightweight and bright when freshly polished
- Sensitive to sulfur compounds and humidity
DO
- Store in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag when not worn — this dramatically slows tarnishing
- Clean gently with a soft lint-free cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and moisture
- Use a silver polishing cloth (like Goddard's or Town Talk) for surface tarnish — always polish in straight lines
- For deeper cleans, soak briefly in warm water with a tiny drop of mild dish soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly
- Embrace the natural patina in the relief's recessed areas — it dramatically enhances the sculpted detail
AVOID
- Never expose to chlorine, bleach, or household cleaning chemicals
- Avoid wearing while swimming, bathing, or exercising
- Never use abrasive cloths, toothpaste, or baking soda — these scratch the surface
- Keep away from rubber bands — they accelerate tarnishing
- Don't store with other metals that may scratch the relief details
STORAGE
Ideal storage: an anti-tarnish pouch or a small airtight box lined with soft fabric, in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight.
SPECIALIST TIP
For medallions: use a soft artist's brush dipped in mild soapy water to get into the relief crevices, then rinse and dry with a hair dryer on low. This preserves the dark recesses while refreshing the raised surfaces.
UNIVERSAL RULES
Good habits for every metal
Dry is best
Remove pieces before swimming, bathing, exercising or doing housework. Moisture, chlorine and cleaning products are the primary enemies of fine metalwork.
Store individually
Pieces stored together will scratch one another. Individual pouches or compartments in a jewellery box are the simplest way to preserve the surface detail of relief work.
Wear it regularly
Ironically, regularly worn jewellery often looks better than pieces left in drawers. The natural oils in skin help protect metal surfaces and keep finishes alive.
Inspect periodically
Every few months, inspect your piece in good light. Catch tarnish, loose findings or surface changes early — they're always easier to address before they worsen.
When in doubt, ask us
If you're unsure whether something is safe to do, email us at hello@ashbourneandvale.com before attempting it. We'd rather advise you than see a piece harmed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Care FAQ
READY TO BEGIN?
Commission your piece with confidence
Every commission comes with a personal care card matched to your chosen metal, so you'll always have the right guidance on hand.