Jewelry Materials & Care

METALS.

Gold Plated: A coat of 14k yellow gold has been applied over brass, through an electroplating method. These pieces can can remain in great condition for many years when well-cared for. See important care tips below.

Gold Vermeil: A coat of 14k yellow gold has been applied over sterling silver, through an electroplating method. These pieces can can remain in great condition for many years when well-cared for. See important care tips below.

Gold Filled: A popular material for lightweight pieces such as delicate hoops or chains. Gold filled jewelry is made by pressure or heat bonding a layer of 14k yellow gold over a base metal like brass, whereas gold vermeil is made by dipping or painting a layer of gold over a sterling silver or brass base. Due to these different methods, gold filled jewelry often maintains its original colour and shine for a longer amount of time. It's a great budget-friendly alternative to solid gold. See important care tips below.

Brass: An alloy made of mainly of copper and zinc and serves as a budget-friendly alternative to solid gold. All Cadette brass pieces are polished to a high-shine and possess a bright golden colour. Brass pieces will oxidize over time, but can be revived by polishing and cleaning with the method below.

Sterling Silver: A high quality, precious material that will last a lifetime. It may darken or oxidize over time, but can be revived to its original shiny state by using a polishing cloth. See additional care tips below.

14k Solid Gold: A life-long and enduring precious metal that ensures your piece will remain in pristine condition, always, even with little to no maintenance. It's resistant to water, sweat, and other elements, so your 14k gold can be worn all-day, every day. Never to be taken off.

10k Solid Gold: A life-long and enduring precious metal that ensures your piece will remain in pristine condition, always, even with little to no maintenance. It's resistant to water, sweat, and other elements, so your 10k gold piece can be worn all-day, every day. Because 10k is made from a slightly smaller amount of pure gold than 14k, it has a less saturated yellow gold tone (an unnoticeable difference to most). Additionally, 10k is more durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs than 14k as it has a larger amount of durable alloy metals within in.


DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES.

Cadette Jewelry incorporates both natural and lab grown diamonds and gemstones in our designs. Please read each product description diligently for details on the specific stones used in a particular product. Email us with any questions. Here is a brief overview on the different stones:

Natural Diamond or Gemstone: A diamond or gemstone that is mined from the Earth.
Lab Grown Diamond or Gemstone: A diamond or gemstone that is manufactured in a controlled laboratory environment. Using the popular methods of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), scientists create diamonds and gemstones that optically look like their earth-mined counterparts, and contain the same chemical and physical attributes.
Moissanite: A laboratory-made diamond simulant composed of silicon carbide. It has become a very popular diamond alternative for its accessible pricing as well as scintillating characteristics and life-long quality that is comparable to a diamond.


CARE.

Cadette Jewelry is diligently designed and made for longevity. However, certain jewelry materials may oxidize or tarnish over time. To delay oxidation, take your pieces off while you're sleeping, showering or exercising / perspiring. And when you’re not wearing your jewelry, store it in an airtight bag.

Here are effective at-home remedies and tips to clean and maximize the lifespan of your Cadette Jewelry, categorized by metal:


BRASS or BRONZE naturally oxidizes over time. Buff your brass piece frequently with a polishing cloth to bring back its shine. And for a deeper cleanse, use a liquid brass cleaner or this simple at-home remedy:

  • Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, then add 2 tablespoons of flour until the mixture becomes a paste
  • Rub into the brass piece and leave for about 10 minutes
  • When finished, rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth


STERLING SILVER naturally oxidizes over time. Your silver piece can be cleaned and revived to its original state by buffing with a polishing cloth, or using this simple at-home remedy:

  • Add a half cup of vinegar to a clean container. Add two tablespoons of baking soda

  • Place your jewelry in the solution and let it sit for two or three hours

  • Rinse the jewelry with clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth


      GOLD PLATED or GOLD VERMEIL are delicate materials that require careful attention and care.

       Clean your piece with a soft, damp cloth when necessary, and ensure your piece has fully dried before wearing it. Extra tips:

      • Do not expose your piece to water. Remove when showering, exercising or swimming
      • Avoid using strong polishing cloths, harsh chemicals, or jewelry cleaners, as this will affect the gold finish
      • To store: keep your piece in a jewelry box or tightly sealed bag when not being worn. This prevents tarnishing and oxidization

      GOLD FILLED pieces are made to be long lasting and will maintain their gold colour and shine when well taken care of. Clean with mild soap and water, and dry well with a gentle cloth or hair dryer.

      • Avoid exposure to water, sweat, lotions and chemicals to keep the gold layer intact for as long as possible. Remove when partaking in activities that involve water or excessive sweating
      • To store: keep your piece in a jewelry box or tightly sealed bag when not being worn. This prevents tarnishing and oxidization

        10K or 14K SOLID GOLD are precious metals that will not oxidize or discolour, since they are the least reactive metal. To increase longevity and maintain cleanliness, buff with a polishing cloth, or use this simple at-home remedy: 


        • Add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to a bowl filled with two cups of lukewarm (not hot) water
        • Drop your gold pieces into the solution and let them soak for about 15 minutes
        • Lift jewelry out of the solution and gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any dirt lodged in nooks and crannies.
        • Swish the piece around in a bowl of warm water to remove the soapy residue
        • Using a soft cloth, dry your jewelry thoroughly and buff to bring back the shine