Do you have questions about how to take care of your semi-jewelry?
Do you want to make them last longer, prevent tarnishing, or keep them from turning black? I want to share some important tips on how to care for your pieces and buy with confidence, ensuring you don’t face issues with your jewelry.
My name is Q, and I am one of the owners of Hotwife Jewelry. I have been working in the semi-jewelry and watchmaking industry since I was 15 years old, alongside my family, who has been in this business for years.
Today, at 37 years old, I have gained extensive knowledge in the jewelry and semi-jewelry industry—how to care for, clean, and maintain your pieces and even how to use them daily to prevent potential wear and breakage.
Understanding Semi-Jewelry
The first thing to understand is what semi-jewelry is. A semi-jewel is a piece not entirely made of noble metal, meaning it is not solid gold or solid silver.
Typically, semi-jewelry is made from brass, a non-noble metal alloy that contains a mixture of other metals like copper and zinc. This composition ensures durability and better adhesion for the gold or silver plating.
In contrast, fine jewelry is made entirely from noble metals like gold, silver, or platinum, which is why they have a significantly higher price. For example, a gold-plated earring that costs $30 would cost $300 if made entirely of gold—about 10 times more expensive or even more, depending on the store or brand.
Gold is expensive because it is a scarce natural resource, meaning one day, it will run out. This scarcity drives up its value.
A cost-effective way to have a piece that looks like gold but at a lower price is to choose semi-jewelry.
Plating Quality & Micron Thickness
Each company decides how many layers of gold plating they apply to their pieces. The thicker the plating, the more durable and expensive the jewelry becomes.
The quality of plating is classified based on the microns of gold used (called “milésimos de ouro” in Portuguese). Companies can apply different levels, such as:
- 1-2 microns → Considered costume jewelry (lower quality).
- 3-5 microns → Considered good quality.
- 7-10 microns → Considered excellent durability.
- Above 10 microns → Premium quality, but significantly more expensive.
At Hotwife Jewelry, we use 10 microns in our pieces, providing the best balance of quality, durability, and affordability.
How to Make Your Jewelry Last Longer
Many customers ask us, “Can I get my jewelry wet?”
The main problem isn’t water, but the chemicals in certain products. Items like cleaning supplies, chlorine, seawater, shampoos, and soaps can cause the plating to wear down faster.
To maintain your semi-jewelry’s quality:
- Avoid daily exposure to water, especially chlorinated pools and salt water.
- Avoid excessive sweat—if you perspire a lot, clean your jewelry often.
- If your jewelry gets wet, rinse it in running water, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and neutral detergent (clear or coconut-based), then dry completely.
Why Does Some Jewelry Tarnish Faster?
Some people have high uric acid levels, which can accelerate jewelry tarnishing.
- Uric acid is a natural substance in the body. When levels are high, it is released through sweat, which is highly corrosive to jewelry.
- Silver reacts quickly to uric acid, causing faster darkening.
How to Reduce Tarnishing
- Keep your jewelry clean—rinse and dry it regularly, especially after sweating.
- Avoid processed foods, drink water, and maintain a healthy diet to keep uric acid levels balanced.
How to Properly Clean Semi-Jewelry
Once a week, take your most-worn pieces and follow this cleaning routine:
- Fill a container with warm water and neutral detergent.
- Let the jewelry soak for a few minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the pieces.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- For extra shine, use a hairdryer on the “cool” setting to remove any leftover moisture.
Preventing Jewelry Breakage
- Do not sleep with delicate pieces, especially if you have long hair—chains can tangle and break.
- Remove earrings before sleeping, especially stud earrings with long posts, as they can bend or damage the earring structure.
- Avoid wearing delicate jewelry during sports or physical activities—opt for sturdier pieces instead.
What to Do If Jewelry Tarnishes?
If your jewelry oxidizes, don’t throw it away! There are professional cleaning products designed to restore semi-jewelry.
We recommend Monzi Cleaners:
- Yellow Monzi → For gold-plated jewelry.
- Blue Monzi → For silver and silver-plated jewelry.
How to Use Monzi Cleaners
- Pour the liquid into a small container.
- Soak the jewelry for a few minutes.
- Remove the piece, rinse with water, and scrub gently with soap and a soft toothbrush.
- Dry completely.
These products help restore shine and remove oxidation.
How to Store Jewelry Properly
- Always close chains before storing to prevent tangling.
- Store earrings in pairs, either by attaching them together or placing them in small bags.
- Keep pieces in separate soft pouches to avoid scratches.
How to Buy High-Quality Semi-Jewelry
Before purchasing, check for the following:
✅ Does the store provide an invoice?
✅ Does it offer a warranty certificate?
✅ How many microns of plating are used?
✅ Is the jewelry hypoallergenic?
At Hotwife Jewelry, we ensure:
✔ High-quality 10-micron plating
✔ Hypoallergenic, nickel-free materials
✔ Proper warranty & invoice for all purchases
✔ Jewelry care guides included with every order
If you have any questions about jewelry care, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help!
Instagram: hotwife_jewelry
E-mail: contact@hotwifejewelry.com