Jewelry Care
Will illi jewelry tarnish?
At illi, we offer two types of jewelry: solid pure 14K gold and silver pieces plated with pure gold or rhodium. The solid 14K gold is highly resistant to tarnishing due to its high purity. Silver-plated jewelry, though beautiful, may tarnish over time as the thin layer of gold or rhodium can wear off.
Tarnishing occurs when the metal’s surface reacts with air and moisture, causing discoloration. Our 14K gold pieces, made with a higher percentage of pure gold, resist tarnishing because they contain less alloyed metal, which is what can cause lower karat gold to change color. This means your solid gold jewelry will retain its shine and beauty for much longer.
For our silver-plated options, while the plating provides a luxurious authentic finish, it's important to note that the gold or platinum layer may fade with wear. The great news is that you can maintain the superb appearance of your silver-plated pieces for the years to come! To do so, you need to keep them away from harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and other cleaning agents, and moisture.
At illi, we are committed to providing long-lasting, beautiful jewelry, whether you choose our solid gold pieces or our plated designs.
Do I have to clean illi jewelry?
No, you do not have to! Jewelry made from 14K solid gold, like the pieces offered by illi, is highly durable and will retain its shine and brilliance without frequent cleaning. However, some jewelry aficionados love to clean their gold jewelry every couple of years. If you enjoy doing this, here's how to clean your illi jewelry:
1. Immerse the pieces in room temperature water mixed with a small amount of regular dishwashing soap (a teaspoon or less) for 1-2 minutes.
2. Gently rub the jewelry with your fingers. Avoid using toothbrushes or abrasive materials. If your piece is silver-plated with pure gold or platinum, be extra gentle—repeated friction can cause the plating to wear off over time.
3. Rinse the piece gently. Make sure to remove all soap residue. A good indicator is whether the rinsing water looks clear or soapy. Be gentle during rinsing to avoid damaging the plating, if present.
4. Dry your jewelry gently on a soft towel or microfiber cloth.The softer the towel, the better—Egyptian cotton towels are ideal. Pat dry gently—do not rub. Remember, even gold and plating can scratch if rubbed against harsh surfaces. Allow the piece to air dry overnight if possible.
Materials you should avoid using on illi jewelry:
1. Harsh chemicals like bleach and acetone
2. Any abrasive surface or material
3. Toothbrushes and toothpaste
4. Polishing cloths for silver or gold
Is there anything else I need to know?
Avoid exposing your illi jewelry to chlorine. While pure gold can withstand almost all chemicals, alloys mixed with gold cannot. Even with the high gold purity level of illi pieces, damage by exposure to chlorine may happen if such exposure is frequent. Chlorine is used in swimming pools, bleaching agents, and even tap water. Chlorine is widely used in our everyday lives. For optimal keep of your jewelry, we recommend that you remove your illi piece before you go swimming or wash the dishes.