I N F O + C A R E
All j u l e s g r e y jewelry is handcrafted to order with passion + purpose in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, so each piece you purchase will be uniquely yours and may have slight variations from product photos.
It's so important for all of us to minimize our environmental impact, and I'm always trying to be mindful of integrating sustainable practices in my business. With that said, please note that I don't include printed packing slips with orders unless requested, and PLEASE recycle your product packaging! Passing it along to your friends or family is great too as word of mouth is the best advertising!
j u l e s g r e y uses only the highest quality precious metals (nickel free 14K gold fill + .925 sterling silver) so you can wear your jewelry everyday, all day. All stones used are semi-precious gemstones. I purposely choose materials that will ensure both beauty as well as durability, so they may one day become heirloom pieces to hand down. Gold filled is a USA industry standard legally requiring 1/20th or 5% pure gold by weight. A thick layer of solid 14K gold is bonded to a core of high quality jewelers brass, creating a product that’s 100 times thicker than gold plated, so it isn’t prone to tarnish or chip like gold plated jewelry is known to do. 14K gold filled jewelry is also hypoallergenic and recommended for sensitive skin. The gold filled chains used to fabricate j u l e s g r e y designs have been carefully and specifically selected not only because they're gorgeous, but also for how well they wear. Same goes for the gold filled findings I use (clasps, jump rings, wires, etc.), as they're also long-lasting. While this may cost slightly more than other metals out there like gold plated or vermeil, it’s definitely worth spending a little extra if you want jewelry made to last and wear regularly. Buying quality jewelry with a longer life span helps support sustainability efforts too!
With the proper care, 14K gold fill + .925 sterling silver can last as long as solid gold, but without the higher price tag. Avoid contact with lotions, oils, perfumes, hair products, and harsh chemicals like bleach or jewelry cleaner, which can alter the finishing of your jewelry. Keep your unworn jewelry (especially sterling silver) stored in an air tight container or plastic bag to help prevent oxygen, moisture, or chemicals from causing dull metals. Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean your 14K gold filled jewelry, then pat dry with a non-scratch cloth. Silver tends to darken over time, and even quicker if you're wearing it daily, but you can easily clean .925 sterling silver at home. Simply mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 2 tbsp baking soda, then soak your jewelry in the solution for a bit before rinsing and gently patting dry with a polishing cloth.