Every VÖGELN piece is finished with controlled oxidation. The darkening, the depth, the surface character - none of it is incidental. It is applied. It is the point.
This guide covers jewellery care and maintenance for both materials in the VÖGELN lineup: S925 sterling silver and silver plated brass. What you do after purchase determines how long the finish holds.
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Caring for S925 Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver jewellery is durable. The oxidised finish is not.
The controlled oxidation sits on th esurface of the sterling silver. Moisture, chemicals adn abrasion will strip it. What remains underneath is clean silver - which is fine, but it is no longer the object as designed.
Keep dry. Remove sterling silver rings and accessories before bathing, swimming, or washing your hands.
Avoid chemical contact. Perfume, lotion, cleaning agents and chlorine all accelerate surface loss on silver jewellery.
Store enclosed. Away from humidity and light. A pouch or box, sealed when not in use.
To clean sterling silver: use a soft, dry cloth only. No polishing cloths. No silver dip. No abrasive materials. These remove the oxidised finish permanently.
Sterling silver jewellery will change with wear over time. This is expected. This is intended.
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Caring for Silver Plated Brass Jewellery
The plating is a surface condition. Beneath it is brass - structural, solid, permanent. What you are protecting when you care for silver plated brass jewellery is the layer on top.
Silver plated brass requires more discipline than solid sterling silver. The plating is thinner. The oxidised finish is thinner still. Both can be lost.
Keep strictly dry. Moisture works faster on plated jewellery than on solid silver.
Avoid all chemical contact. Perfume, lotion, cleaning agents, chlorine and sweat under sustained physical exertion all degrade silver plated brass.
Remove before bathing, swimming, or any activity that produces heat and moisture.
Store enclosed. Away from humidity, heat and light.
To clean silver plated brass: soft dry cloth only. Polishing cloths, silver dips and abrasive materials will strip both the finish and the plating. There is no recovering from this.
The finish on silver plated brass jewellery will age with wear regardless. Discipline extends it.
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Unsure which material your piece is? Check your order confirmation or the product page. When in doubt treat is as plated and care accordingly.
