Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gold Filled chains?

Gold filled jewellery is a quality material that is common in all types of jewellery. It is easy to care for and will usually maintain its golden shine for a long time. Gold filled jewellery is made from a layer of gold bonded onto a base metal, usually brass, using heat and pressure. Gold filled jewellery must contain 5% gold by weight to be categorised as such, which means the gold coating is generally much thicker than that of plated jewellery.

All of the chains on my gold plated pendants are gold filled. These chains conform with EU regulation No 1907/2006 and do not contain cadmium, lead or nickel. As the gold layer on plated or filled items may wear off over time, you could have a reaction to the metal underneath, therefore if you have any metal allergies it is always advisable to choose solid gold jewellery instead.

To keep your gold filled jewellery tarnish free for longer do not wear it into hot tubs, swimming pools, the shower or to the gym. Put your jewellery on last and take it off first. Avoid it coming into contact with creams and perfumes. Keep it dry and store your gold filled jewellery somewhere airtight. Sleeping in your gold filled jewellery may shorten its life, so take it off at night and store it safely!

Gold Plated Jewellery

Gold plating will gradually wear and start to show the sterling silver layer beneath. The gold plated layer typically lasts up to 1 year with gentle wear, and if you follow the care instructions. The places where it most comes into contact with your skin will be the first to fade as the oils in our skin wear down the gold. My pendants are gold plated sterling silver 925. My chains are gold filled (see above for more info on gold fill.)

I offer a re-plateing service for your piece, you can read more here. Please contact me to arrage this service.

You can prolong the life of your gold plated jewellery by:

- Not wearing your jewellery in the sea, the shower or the pool as this will tarnish it.

- Keep it dry, store in the box it came it, and avoid leaving it in the bathroom. 

- Apply any perfume, body lotion or creams and let dry before you put on your jewellery.

- Put your jewellery on last and take it off first. 

- Sleeping in your gold plated jewellery will shorten its life, so take it off at night and store it safely.

 

How to care for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver is a great long lasting addition to your jewellery box. Sterling silver is ideal for every day wear, and regular wear will help prevent the build-up of tarnish. There are a few things you'll need to consider if you want to keep your sterling silver jewellery looking its best. Constant exposure to humid weather or water can contribute to oxidisation, leaving your sterling silver jewellery looking dull. It's a good idea to take off your jewellery before you take a shower, bath, or sauna. If it gets wet, thoroughly dry.

The oils on your skin can affect the appearance of your silver jewellery over time. Remove your jewellery before exercising to keep it looking bright, shiny, and avoid scratching or damage.

Make-up, perfumes, lotions, and creams may contain oils, water, and other ingredients that may alter the shine on your silver jewellery. Put your jewellery on last to avoid it coming into contact with them.

Some household cleaning products and the chlorine in swimming pools can react with your silver jewellery changing its appearance. Remove it before taking a dip in the pool or cleaning.

You can clean silver jewellery with an inexpensive silver polishing cloth, available from most jewellery shops. Alternatively, some backing soda made into a paste with water, can be used on an old clean soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean.

Silver jewellery with crystals should not be immersed in water or any other cleaning agents to avoid loosening the crystal. If cleaning with a silver polishing cloth ensure to avoid the crystal. 

Proper storage of silver jewellery can help to maintain its condition and extend its lifespan. Store your jewellery in a dark, dry and airtight place. This will help to limit oxidisation from the air.

Can I get a piece in a different colour or metal?

Just drop me a message if you see something you'd like in a different colour or metal.

 

Where can I buy Andrea Mears Jewellery?

Right here on www.andreamears.com

By Design, Unit 17, Castletroy Town Centre, Dublin Road, Limerick

The Collective, 24 Drury Street, Dublin

Cafferys, Garden Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo

I will be announcing more stockists soon so keep and eye on my social media for some exciting announcements!

What are your postage charges?

Please visit my Delivery page for all the details on shipping. 

How do I know if something is in stock?

Check the info on the items detail page on the website. If you want to check before ordering, or have a question about something that's out of stock just drop me a line here.

Is all your jewellery made in Ireland?

Yes! I make everything in my workshop in the west of Ireland. 

Can I visit your studio?

I share a workshop space with other makers in Limerick city centre. Unfortunatly for health and safety reasons it is not open to the public for visits at this time. Please reach out to me here if you have any questions.

Returns Policy

A 14 day return period applies to all purchases on andreamears.com. Jewellery must be unworn and in perfect condition. There is no return on customised items or earrings. Items that have been worn or purchased outside the returns period are not eligible for return.
Please note that the refund can only be issued to the original purchaser’s payment method. Once your returned item is received your refund will be issued less the cost of postage.
The cost of return postage is not covered, and Registered Postage is strongly advised as Andrea Mears Jewellery is not responsible for returned items that go missing in the postal system. 
Please contact me to arrange a return.