MATERIALS
14 K GOLD FILL
What is gold fill anyway?
As I am using more and more gold filled wire in my designs, I wanted to tell you what gold fill is and what is the difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The simple answer is: gold plate will rub off after a few wears; gold fill on the other hand will not rub off, it will stay gold for a lifetime.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The reason Gold plated jewelry will inevitably, and quite quickly, wear off is the fact that it is only a very, very thin layer of gold alloy on the surface of another metal, held on by a relatively weak bond.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To make gold-filled pieces, the core metal is sandwiched between two much thicker layers of gold alloy which is then heated and passed through a roller several times - a process that bonds the metals together in a permanent way.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Gold-filled jewelry has up to 400x more gold alloy than gold plate and because that layer is so much thicker, it means gold-filled jewelry lasts longer and stands up to wear and tear way better than gold plated. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As long as the piece is well cared for, gold-filled jewelry should last a lifetime. It can tarnish a brownish color in seams and at the ends where the core metal comes to surface, but generally that will polish right out with a silver cleaning cloth or a very fine (2000 grid) sandpaper. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
CLEANING & STORING
Because most Zuzko designs were made to move and are composed from a number of moving parts, they might get a little tangled when shipped or laid down. Here is a few tips on straightening the jewelry before putting it on. Once straightened, it will hold shape well when worn!
Necklaces: The best way I found is to unclasp the necklace and let gravity do the work, with one end hanging freely while held by the other end. This should un-spin any tangles in the chain. You can tap the chain lightly in problem areas until it hangs straight. Then bring the hanging end up and straighten the rest, the necklace should be ready to put on. BTW, don’t you just love the magnet clasps!!
Earrings: Most of the times it is enough to hold the ear-wire and lightly tap or shake the earring and it should fall into place.
How to best clean your jewelry:
Gemstones: Lotions, hairspray, even the oils on the surface of our skin can dull the facet and therefore mute the brilliance of the stone. Using a baby wipe is an inexpensive way to care for your faceted bead gems…. just wipe them off with a wipe and dry them with a cotton cloth or plain tissue. Simple and effective!
For set stones, use an old toothbrush and dish soap (I love Blue Dawn the most, but any will work), and brush it from the back side if possible to access the deposited grime. Rinse under running water and dry with a clean towel/cloth.
Sterling Silver: The silver in most Zuzko designs is patinaed black and then polished to reveal the silver in all the places that naturally touch the skin. Please DO NOT submerge jewelry in any liquid cleaner as that will remove not only dirt and dust, but also the aged patina. You can use jewelry cloths impregnated with polish to remove surface tarnish, lay your piece on your palm and wipe the surface gently until the tarnish comes off.
You can also just send the jewelry to me and I will clean it for you!
GEMSTONES
So sorry, this section is incomplete and on the to-do list....
in the meantime feel free to contact me with any questions you may have Zuz@Zuzko.com
MAGNET CLASP
So sorry, this section is incomplete and on the to-do list....
in the meantime feel free to contact me with any questions you may have Zuz@Zuzko.com
