TAKING CARE OF YOUR ACCESSORIES

Freshwater pearls
Remember that your pearls are living gems from the sea and should be treated differently to other hard-stones such as diamonds and gemstones.
Most pearls are strung on silk,  the thread of which will deteriorate over time and become dirty. Pearl are best re-strung every couple of years unless they are not worn very often. If your pearls become wet, wipe them with a soft damp cloth and dry carefully.
As they come from the sea they need moisture to retain their glow. Store in a soft dry cloth with slightly damp linen if at all possible. This will help them to retain their moisture and prevent them from drying out. Store away from your other jewellery. Make sure you wipe them after wearing them, they must be the last thing on and the first thing off!
It is important to apply make-up, hairspray and perfume etc before you put your pearls on. All these products and some others can eat away at your pearls nacre (the coating on the pearl). Pearls naturally absorb acid from the skin so if worn daily and not looked after can lose their luster if worn directly next to the skin. Looked after pearls can be passed down generations.

Other jewellery
Gemstones should be gently cleaned in a solution of mild cleanser, such as hand soap. Do NOT immerse in water, simply clean with a soft cloth and dry.
Sterling silver can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth and a general silver cleaner which is widely available on the high street. Always ensure it is genuine silver first as plated silver may be damaged by cleaning in this way. If in doubt test an inconspicuous area.
Gold vermeil/Gold fill jewellery should also be cleaned with a metal cleaner suitable for use. Please check manufacturers instructions.
These are guidelines only and to be followed with caution. Diversity In Style cannot be held responsible for any damaged caused. If in doubt seek advice from your local jewellers or have them professionally cleaned.

Do not wear your jewellery to play sports, do the diy - including washing up or bungee jump! Don't even think about attempting to stop a train -  if you want to be Superwoman for the day leave your jewellery at home! As, inevitably, they will break. We cannot accept any returns if any accessory is broken by not following the above simple guidelines. All jewellery hand-made by Nicola will give you years of pleasure providing they are looked after and treated accordingly.

MATERIALS USED IN DIVERSITY IN STYLE DESIGNS

All gemstones are purchased from reputable suppliers. I like to put as much information as possible in my descriptions so you know what you are purchasing. If an item is glass then it will say so. Freshwater pearls are very different in many ways to synthetic, I do use both and again it will be stipulated. If you have any queries at all please do not hesitate to contact me. All vintage is exactly that! If an item says DEADSTOCK this means I have purchased it 'as new', in it's original condition.
These are lucky finds so please expect some wear and tear although usually minimal to other items not stating DEADSTOCK. It all adds to the vintage charm and feel!
The vast majority of my designs are made using gold vermeil, gold fill and sterling silver.
Some of my designs are made using plated metal - but in line with EU directives - are low in nickel content. If you are allergic to metal and the design is made with a plated metal then I can exchange them for a small extra charge. Plated metal is found in a small percentage of my earrings and most of the vintage items. I shall be ceasing to work with plated metals in 2008. If any items you see for sale are still made using plated materials these can be exchanged and would be made prior to this. The only items I cannot vouch for after this period is VINTAGE.
I cannot vouch for the metal content in any vintage piece. Not all designs can be altered so it may be best to email me to confirm first. IF IN DOUBT IT IS BEST TO EMAIL ME AND SEE WHAT I CAN COME UP WITH FOR YOU! thanks.
However, if it is a simple swap, upgrades can be purchased in the 'Purchase postage & Extras' section. I can also swap on some designs clips for the hooks. These have to be ordered however, as they are not in huge demand and I do not keep a stock. They can sometimes be more substantial in price than other 'hook' varieties so please email me for cost if you are unsure.

Gold vermeil is sterling silver with heavily electroplated gold on top
It is often 22 or 24 kt that I use. They are mostly bright in colour and very pretty designs. If you are allergic to plated gold but want the look of real gold but not the price tag then this is your best option.
This plate is a lot more substantial than plated metal. It is hard wearing but not guaranteed never to wear off. If this is what you want try gold filled. I use this in headpins, jump rings, clasps and earring posts.
Gold filled is usually 14 or 22kt gold
The outer gold will never wear off but some people may still be allergic to it. If in doubt I would recommend gold vermeil. Gold filled items do contain real gold.
9ct Gold
The price of 9ct gold fluctuates according to the current market value. These can be ordered on request.
The silver I use is predominately 925 which simply means it is 92.5% pure

It is standard silver that you see in all the shops. Some of my pieces are hallmarked and some aren't. This is because it is very difficult to hallmark items such a jump rings and headpins! If it is sold as sterling silver then you can be assured it is. I also use other types of silver such as Bali silver and Hilltribe, these are handmade items and often up to 99% pure. The designs are quite remarkable. Due to them being handmade some variations may occur. I do not use Tibetan Silver which is silver mixed with other metals and I cannot vouch for the exact content. If you do have an allergy then I would stick with sterling.

Current prices for exchanges
It is best to confirm that your order can be altered or I may be able to make a new pair on request
Plated metal to gold vermeil plain design £3.50
Plated metal to gold fill plain design £3.50
Plated metal to gold fill/vermeil ornated design on request
Plated metal to sterling silver plain design £2.00
Plated metal to sterling silver/hill tribe/bali ornate design £3.00
9ct gold on request
Gold/ sterling silver clips on request
All these exchanges can be purchased in the 'Purchase postage & Extras' section.

"I just wanted to let you know that the jewellery arrived today. The tissue paper and ribbon were a wonderful touch. I didn't want to open it but I am glad I did! The earrings are STUNNING! So much better than in the picture. You are truly talented. Would it be possible please to make a matching bracelet? Could you email me to discuss this? Carrie"




Earrings...check...necklace....check...matching handbag...check....something's missing....
Oh! Shoes!!