FAQ's | Black Cat Silver

How do I care for my Silver Jewellery?

Sterling Silver is a precious metal, and whilst it will last a lifetime, taking some simple steps will reduce tarnishing. A naturally occurring process which causes a dullness to precious metals.

Key Tips:

Your jewellery was packaged in acid free tissue paper. This is great storage but if your storing for some time, use an airtight box too.
Precious metals prefer to be dry so remove jewellery before swimming or showering when you can.
Avoid chemicals, so look to put your jewellery on after you complete your make up, hairspray or applied aftershave/perfume.
If you notice a yellow tinge to your silver at times, this can be hormone related - I know that sounds weird but is true. A quick polish will have your jewellery sparkling again.

The best way to polish your jewellery is with a simple micro fibre cloth , or jewellery cloth. Cleaning is quick and easy and ensures your jewellery stays looking great.

What precious metals do you work in?

I predominantly work in sterling silver (925) , this is purchased in the form of sheet, wire and tube. This is then hammered, textured, saw pierced with teeny tiny saw blades, filed and soldered, and don’t forget the polishing. I now also have the ability in my workshop to melt my own scrap silver ( those spikey sharp little bits left over) and then use my rolling mill to manufacture my own wire or sheet.

The other form of silver I use is fine silver. I use PMC, this was developed in 1990. It’s made from tiny particles of silver with the addition of a binder and water to form a workable clay material. This can then be modelled and shaped. Once dry and refined this is then fired in a kiln causing the silver to sinter and become a solid piece of fine silver.

Some designs such as the memory pendants and some of my domed pendants use a jewellery epoxy resin to provide vibrant colour. This is solvent free, cruelty free and UV stable.

You are purchasing from a small one person business. There is no CAD machine or mass production, just one woman and her saw blades, files, soldering torch and hammers (to name just a few tools of the trade). Each piece of jewellery will be unique, so for example buying two pairs of the same earring design, will show slight differences, due to pressure of hammer blows or filing. Handcrafted Jewellery using traditional silversmithing techniques offers unique designs that you won’t see elsewhere, and you know your supporting a small business.

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Are you insured?

I am insured via The Guild of Jewellery Designers.

Member of:

Gold Plus member of Guild of Jewellery Designers
Rugby Artists and Makers
Warwickshire Open Studios