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Vanessa R Williams Contemporary Jewellery is made using a mixture of different materials To create beautiful, unique and sometimes delicate wearable pieces. Although my Material of choice is Titanium, I also use a combination of Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Stainless Steel, Niobium and Gold with Gold and Silver leaf and foils. Like with all jewellery care should always be taken to retain the original shape and lustre of any piece.Certain metals and materials might require a little extra care and cleaning in order to maintain its original condition. Please see below for more information.

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TITANIUM

Colour on titanium is a surface treatment created through an electrical process, called anodising. Although this treatment should last well, it is not impervious to wear and tear and care should be taken not to scratch the surface. You cannot scratch off the colour with a fingernail, and the colour will not fade from sunlight or solvents, including acetone. However colour that is anodised onto smooth titanium or niobium could scratch off with a sharp object. With rings and bangles, wear will be much more than a pair of earrings  or a neckpiece and will wear differently depending on the roughness or care of the wearer. This has been considered with the design and is part of the wearers unique journey with their jewellery. (However if you are concerned that too much colour has been lost, most pieces can be anodised again to bring up their original bright colour.)

Anodised (coloured) titanium can also start to look a little dull over time due to an oil build up from the oils in our skin. To clean the surface of your anodised titanium, simply rinse gently under warm soapy and pat dry with a soft cloth or tissue. (Do not use an abrasive cloth or polishing cloth) 

As Titanium is hypoallergenic (as is Stainless Steel) Titanium is used (where possible) for all components and findings including ear hooks, jumprings, earring post and backings (unless otherwise specified).

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NIOBIUM

Niobium is much like titanium, although a little softer and colours a little more vibrantly. Please follow the advice above for titanium. 

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STERLING SILVER 925

Sterling silver is used for all silver components and findings which may include - some ear hooks, chains, jumprings and earring posts.

Silver should always be treated with care and may require a little cleaning from time to time (due to tarnishing, which can be accelerated with acidic skin). If you feel like cleaning is needed or your pieces have lost their shine, gently rub over your silver jewellery with a soft polishing cloth, being careful to avoid other metals or materials including titanium, stainless steel, silicon and any silk, cotton or nylon cord.

Care should always be taken on a matt/satin surface. Polishing cloths have an embedded compound which is slightly abrasive to help with polishing and may effect the surface finish of the metal. If you feel like cleaning your silver might interfere with any other metals present in your jewellery pieces, please get in contact for specialised instructions. 

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STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is used for some components including earrings hooks, Cable and brooch pins.

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SILICON

Silicon earring backs are used on some earrings.

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SILK, COTTON, HEMP, LINEN AND NYLON CORD

Silk and cotton cords are all natural materials and will not last forever, Nylon being a synthetic material can be longer lasting than its natural counterparts. Care should be taken to avoid dirt, water, lotions and perfume as these might discolour or compromise their durability. 

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