Jewelry

[ssgoddess]

This is a beautiful ring. BUT, it does not have the rhodium overlay which means it tarnishes. If I'd known it was not rhodium plated I would not have bought it. So, now I have this lovely ring but don't want to wear it because no matter what I do, I can't bring the brilliance back to the intricate design. Does anyone have any secrets to cleaning silver jewelry. All I've tried is a generic silver cleaner but it doesn't do much. I thought customer service might have some info from Jai but, they did not.  HELP!!

[Kachina624]

@ssgoddess.  Since you didn't list an item #, we can't see what you're talking about.

If properly stored in anti-tarnish material, silver doesn't tarnish, nor does it tarnish if worn constantly.

Most silver with intricate designs is oxidized 8n order to bring out the design details.  To remove that oxidation would be a terrible faux pas and would ruin the integrity of the piece, making it appear flat and uninteresting.  All you need to polish your ring is a polishing cloth.

[Pyrite2616]

JAI jewelry is artisan-made jewelry from Thailand. It's basically the down-market version of John Hardy. I don't understand what you were expecting?

When you received it you had 30 days to analyze it and determine if it was rhodium-plated. You should have put it in an anti-tarnish case like Kachina said. Cleaning it now will remove the purposefully applied oxidation.

[PamfromCT]

@ssgoddess, When a JAI bracelet I had suddenly broke, I discovered that JAI has warranty whatsoever.  

[Bookplate]

Most sterling jewelry is not rhodium plated.  I have literally hundreds of such pieces.  I keep them in anti-tarnish boxes, and periodically give them a once over with a silver polishing cloth.  A big deal it is not

[Kachina624]

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@PamfromCT wrote:

@ssgoddess, When a JAI bracelet I had suddenly broke, I discovered that JAI has warranty whatsoever.  

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@PamfromCT.  Do you mean NO warranty?

[FancyPhillyshopper]

I no longer wear silver, but I used to, so I know a bit.

Silver is a soft metal, and can definitely break or bend easily.  That is why it is preferred to NOT set expensive gemstones like diamonds in silver prongs. Silver can also get scratched more easily than gold.

Regularly worn silver will not tarnish.  Silver is easy to polish with a soft cloth, or even baking soda or a very mild toothpaste.

Putting a rhodium overlay on silver is a modern practice.

I have an entire silverware set from the 1890's, and yes, when I use it I must lightly polish first, then wash each piece by hand, and then store in the tarnish-proof box. I also have silver buffet pieces which will tarnish rapidly just by exposure to regular air. They are gorgeous, but they require constant maintenance. I often store them just to avoid all the care needed!

I have several hand-made signed Native American silver jewelry pieces which again, were created without rhodium.  I also bought a few Jai pieces just to look at (great designs), and I would never try to remove the special oxidation.

I would never expect a warranty on any piece of jewelry, because everything that is used and worn will eventually break down in some way.  Even 24 karat gold can be affected  by some chemicals.

It is up to me as the owner to treat my possessions with respect, and care for them the best that I am able. 

On a final note, all plating eventually wears off anyway, so it is just short-term protection, not a permanent component.

[PamfromCT]

@Kachina624, Yes, I meant NO WARRANTY WHATEVER.  I should learn to proofread my text, ya think?  I can understand a limited time, but nada?  I have never had a bracelet break like that, not even at the latch.