Jewellery Odyssey:
Charms have been around since pre-historic civilisations, as far back as the Neolithic Era. Crafted from bone, shell, wood and stone they were strung and worn as bracelets and necklaces. Ancient Egyptians used charms as talismans or amulets, and were embellished by the wealthy with gemstones. They believed that if buried with them, these precious charms would guide and transport them to a prosperous afterlife.
During the Roman Empire, charms became a religious symbol. A fish symbol (Ichthys) was a way for Christians to secretly identify themselves within strict Jewish societies. In the Middle Ages, whereby medieval superstitions and magic witchcraft and wizardry thrived. Charms were worn to ward off negative/evil spirits and to bring good luck.
Queen Victoria popularised the concept of a charm bracelet, by changing the meaning and symbolisation of charms to being sentimental and loving. The growing trend of charm bracelets saw a fresh revival, during the retro period, adorning the wrists of women, from all social backgrounds. The theme was unlimited and often illustrated the wearers identity such as: everyday items, animals, travel, novelties, sports, religion and discs with engraved dates or messages.
A tapestry of charms collected and clustered together on one bracelet, serves as a beautiful timeline of the wearer’s life.
Currently, there are no standard bespoke alterations, available for this item. However, if you have a question regarding an alteration you wish to make to the item, please let us know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any provisions for your request, or advise you further.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Sterling Silver:
Silver as an element in its purest form, experiences very little tarnish, but it is far too soft and malleable, to be used in jewellery. To increase its durability and to make it easier to work with, 92.5% of pure silver is alloyed with 7.5% of copper.
Tarnishing appearing on your silver jewellery is normal. Over time and especially in humid conditions, the copper alloy naturally oxidises with the air, causing the silver to tarnish and discolour to yellow/brown/black. However, this tarnishing and discolouration, will speed up, if your jewellery comes into contact with: hairspray, cosmetics, perfume, body lotion, deodorant etc…
If you notice a greenish colour appearing on your fingers, neck or earlobes where you wear your silver rings, chains and earrings. This is because your jewellery has oxidised by reacting with: the natural acid (pH level of your skin), oils, moisture and perspiration of your body. Or from the lotions and perfumes applied to your body.
Remember to keep you silver away from any chlorine, acids or abrasives as this will begin to degrade your jewellery. It is best to practise our jewellery care precautions steps above.
For silver that has experienced a light tarnish, you can use a silver dip to help bring it back to life, this also helps to get into tiny crevices, that are hard to reach. For silver that has experienced a darker tarnish, using a silver jewellery cloth will remove more tarnish than a silver dip, as it is embedded with low abrasive chemicals. For silver that is heavily tarnished, using a silver polish or cream will help - however this is abrasive and we recommend to use with care and only when needed. Alternatively, the safe hands of our jewellery workshop can revive the beautiful silver shine of your jewellery.
