THE CRAFTMANSHIP BEHIND PANDORA SHINE™

Keep your PANDORA Shine™ jewelry beautiful with these handy tips.

PANDORA Shine™ jewelry is made from 18k gold-plated sterling silver. It is different to our solid 14k gold but can be styled together with all of PANDORA metals: 14k gold, sterling silver and PANDORA Rose™.
 

Gold plating and gold-filled jewelry are produced through two different processes. Gold-plated jewelry is created through electroplating, in which the layer of gold is plated on top of the sterling silver base utilizing an electric current. Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of solid gold mechanically bonded to the sterling silver base.

Yes – gold plating means that a layer of genuine gold has been coated on top of a different metal. PANDORA uses 18k gold plated on top of a base of sterling silver. Many other companies uses gold plating on a brass base resulting in a product that may be lower in price but also inferior in quality. 

While the exact life expectancy of gold plating depends on how the jewelry is treated,
the 18k gold plating on PANDORA Shine™ jewelry will last for many years provided the care instructions are followed.

With proper care and maintenance, the plating will last a long time. However, it is impossible to put an exact time on this, as it depends on how the jewelry is worn and the care exhibited. Typically, jewelry pieces such as rings and charms are subjected to more wear and tear than earrings and necklaces, so the plating may naturally wear off faster on these items.

Maintain the shine by polishing jewelry with a soft polishing cloth. Wash gently in lukewarm, soapy water, patting jewelry gently with a soft cloth to dry. The use of silver dips, polishing liquids, ultrasonic cleaning and abrasive chemicals should be avoided. Limit contact with make-up, creams, perfumes and lotions, and remove jewelry prior to swimming, bathing and exercising. Handle with care and store items of jewelry separately to avoid scratches.

Gold in itself is tarnish-resistant, so it will normally not tarnish unless the plated layer has been worn off and the metal beneath is exposed.  Over time, you will experience a slight dulling of the golden hue on the PANDORA Shine™ jewelry pieces. This is the result of a natural process, as the metals in the gold alloy react with the compounds in the air.

Remove your PANDORA Shine™ jewelry prior to swimming and bathing.