Hi my loves, In today’s video I share my HONEST thoughts & review of some of my DESIGNER FINE JEWELRY. I tell you WHAT NOT TO BUY & WHY! Avoid these expensive mistakes that I made and make an informed choice on your next fine jewelry piece. I also share some great other alternatives. Let me know what’s your worst jewelry purchase and let’s learn together xx Mel *reactivated: Use MIM18 to get 18% off site-wide My Favourites: bit.ly/shopwithMIM Items featured LUNE ET MÉTÉORE Adjustable Aurora Pearl Earrings w Diamonds 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqd VEILED HEART Akoya Pearl Pendant with Diamond 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekpw MYSTIQUE MONARCH Tahitian Pearl Pendant w Diamonds 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqg LUMIÈRE D'EAU PRO Aurora Pearl Necklace SS or 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekq8 LUNE BRILLANTE Akoya Pearl Studs 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqi RAINLINE Aurora Pearl Earrings with Diamonds 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekq6
My Tiffany hasnt tarnished which is odd, I think it must have a coating. And Idk why but the more silver isworn the less it tarnishes. I don't mind cleaning it though.
@@marygrace100so when you wear silver, it actually tarnishes less. My unworn Tiffany silver is very tarnished. I typically wear my gold Tiffany jewelry or newer silver hardwear pieces. So my T-series, Return to Tiffany, bean, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti are all very tarnished as they just sit in my jewelry drawer in my closet. My SA takes them and cleans them every year, but they just get tarnished again.
Sometimes high end stifling silver will be plated in rhodium (the same thing that makes white gold white) which keeps it from oxidizing and turning black
Mel, go to any jeweler or back to Hermes, Cartier and ask them to platinate all silver pieces that have tarnished. This is why some of your pieces tarnish and others don't. Probably they are made by different production locations and some just don't do it. Platinate silver never tarnishes again because they dip it into a chemical solution (platinum) that prevents oxidation and keeps that gorgeous silver sheen.
@@selenachan4230 HW and VCA have the best cut diamonds. But if you gonna do non-brand, White Flash has top of the line diamonds, particularly their a cut above selections.
Another tip. I work at a fine jewellers that sells sterling silver cleaner, you just dip your pieces in the solution (be wary that the silver solution STINKS) and the oxidised layer comes right off 😊 Pandora do the same thing
White vinegar and baking soda: This gentle cleaning method is great for removing heavy tarnish. Soak your sterling silver in ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tbsp of baking soda (combine these in the sink and prepare yourself for the fizzing and foam) for two to three hours. Rinse jewelry and pat dry. Finish with a polish: After you’ve given your jewelry a good cleaning, you can finish the process by using a polishing cloth that’s specifically for sterling silver.
I discovered recently that you can clean sterling silver with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm water. This worked so much better than the baking soda methods
yes this method is well known in post soviet space, i use a good and delicate child solid soap, desolve it a little in a warm but not hot water (about 30 degree) and let the jewelry about 20 min, then with a delicate piece of cloth , polish it and after it rinse with clean warm water and let it on a towel for some hours. that is. If it is really in bad condition then better to go to a jeweler first to do a professional cleaning and after it to mentain your silver piece in a good canditon by some mild and not abrasive methods.
Mel, you can buy any high quality silver or pearl jewellery from any reputable jewellers for over 60% to 80% discount without the Tiffany box or Hermes box, no discount codes required! 😊 Totally agree, definitely no Chanel costume jewellery. I looked at one of their necklaces last month, found a pearl missing, they said they could fix it and they did. I still did not buy it, can’t stand them fallen off brand new. I have plenty of cheap costume jewellery, wear them loads, still nothing drop off. Chanel are notoriously bad with their costume jewellery.
My skin has hi acidity so I shine silver as I wear it. Tip after you wear sterling polish and slip it in a zip plastic pouch, and an anti tarnish paper and just leave them till you want to wear it again. You don't have to worry about them going black.
Yeah, same for me I think. So I've just worn my Tiffs daily, and they become even shinier. So odd that Tiffany now charges for cleaning. I sent mine in to clean in December 2023 and it was still FOC. Eeeks.
i have a sterling Gucci bracelet that I bought in 2010 and i've have no tarnish issues. I've been buying sterling pieces from local designers. No tarnishing issues and they can customize pieces!
I dont know if that helps but if you have a local jeweler that you trust you can always have them platinum plated. This process is tarnish resistant to oxidation and makes them really shiny. Maybe your necklace is platinum plated and that's why it lasted. It lasts long time and when ever you feel the plating is gone and tarnishes again you can do the same. It does not effect your jewelry! Also silver needs to be loved. If you wear it , it never tarnishes but if you leave it, it gets really sad and turns black😉
Sterling silver that is not Rhodium plated will tarnish. Sterling silver will also tarnish faster if you don't wear it. I find unlike gold, either sterling silver has an affinity with a person's body chemistry or it doesn't. If it doesn't it will tarnish alot more. 💙
I’ve found if you wash silver in mild dish soap, put in pouch, then a zip lock bag it really cuts back the tarnished effect. Keeps air out. Totally agree. Tiffany’s silver is the very worse about tarnishing. David Yurman holds up well
Buying sterling silver for a teen or young adult is fine. But when I saw the tarnishing turns my skin black , I stopped wearing and buying silver. Wait and be patient and buy 18 or 24 k gold for peace of mind.
I find myself agreeing so much with this. I used to love wearing silver in my 20s, but now in my 30s I much more prefer gold. The maintenance is so much easier, plus the value of gold seems to just keep going up.
Also totally agree with your stance on designer diamonds - keep in mind the resale on classic designs (VCA alahambra, Cartier love etc) is way higher than on solitaires, so if you buy the former you can probably get good ROI if you resell (just in case) but with a Tiffany solitaire for instance, resale is way lower. So for solitaires I’d suggest GIA graded from your local jeweler.
I live in Melbourne and all my Tiffany is sterling silver. None have oxidised. I wear my mini silver bead blue enamel heart bracelet 24/7 and I only need to polish it now and again. I’ve also had all my jewellery cleaned at Tiffany.
About 15 years ago I worked at a custom jewellers that also did repairs for a couple chains here in Canada that can be found in every mall across the country and I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to classic pieces, brand names (to me) generally means you have more money to splash (unless, like you said Mel, it’s a dream to have a piece from a certain collection). I have pieces, from the same chains I mentioned above, that I inherited from my grandmothers which are still in beautiful condition and complimented on regularly. I also agree with lab crated stones, all of the fine jewelry piece I’ve bought myself have been with lab grown as have the pieces my partner has given me. I find it’s what the stones represent, not the stones themselves, that matter.
I've had the same Tiffany sterling silver bracelet for 15 years, wore it every day for probably a good 5 years.. in the shower and all. Never oxidized. I was bringing another bracelet to Tiffany for a repair and figured I'd bring all my items in to be cleaned.. bad idea! Like 3 months later ALL of them turned black!!! I couldn't believe it. Haven't touched them since.
Thankyou for your honesty. I'm now more intune with TH-camrs and have influencers who have they're own POV and not afraid to voice it. I was a buyer for a French luxury brand for many years. The Value is all relative to ones perception - of luxury. I couldn't agree with you enough about exploring heritage and vintage pieces, love your work Mel! ❤❤❤
You can ask your local jewelers' shops if they can offer the service of praving 18-k gold on sterling silver. I have a sterling silver necklace from Tiffany's. It looked dim even though I polished it with a gold polishing cloth. The shopkeeper told me that the coating of my necklace had been removed by my daily tear and wear. They could help me coat a thin layer of 18-k gold on my sliver accessories. I could choose one of three colours: white, gold or rose gold. It did the trick. Surely, it was not permanent at all. The effect only lasts for some years. It depends on the use. But I am in Hong Kong, just not sure about the situation in Australia.
I love the smallish Pearl necklace you are wearing. I bought similar in pale golden pearls with a refined German gold clasp in Perth from a big Pearl and diamond store. I bought mine for remembrance of Lady Di after she died on a Sunday morning Perth time.
Hi Mel, another great video! A few thoughts from me, I LOVE sterling silver. I have worn my tiffany necklace for 5 years, and it doesn’t tarnish, I wear other pandora rings etc with no issue, everything goes into a cheapy pandora jewellery box and I live in Brisbane where humidity is crazy especially at the moment! From my engineering degree, I would say the way the jewellery is formed may differ slightly from batch to batch causing the differences in the pieces. I believe it really depends on the person. I dislike white gold (even though i personally don’t own pieces probably because of my dislike) due to it’s rhodium plating. Everyone I talked to who has a white gold engagement ring says they have to go get it replated, and Ive heard of people saying their fingers turn a bit green, I don’t want to deal with that. I have also heard it happening with sterling silver wearers too. But anyway we are all different and enjoy different things :) i was set on buying a platinum lab grown diamond engagement ring, so much stronger, ethical, and cheaper. I love it to death and I will be engaged for 1 year on valentines day :) anyway, I just wanted to share my own experience. Have a great day to anyone to reads this :D
If your silver jewelry has no stones or pearls, cook it in water with salt and put crumpled aluminium foil into the water. Simple chemistry. Rinse with clear water and dry it with soft fabric. No polishing needed.
Diamonds are a commodity, I pick my size, color and clarity (I like F/VS-1) and then I shop for a good price. Pay attention to the cut and make sure your chosen setting is deluxe. I like 18K YG with platinum (at least on the prongs).
Hi Mel, totally agreed, those cuttings are cut by jewellers whether U want brilliant cut etc.. stones are graded for clarity, colour n flaws so it's always good if U can get it directly from the jeweller that cut it themselves not through big retailers with exorbitant marketing pricing tag on top of designers cost. At the end of the day, the stone looks like stones but it depends on the design you want but solitaire is just solitaire that brings more depends on how it was cut.
Wow, for me was the same, I have several Tiffany silver collections and as the weeks went by it turned black, I went to the store many times to have it cleaned but as time went by the pieces turned black again, I don't want to lengthen my discouraging story but from all this, but now I don't buy silver pieces at Tiffany, for me it was just a waste of money and time with it, now I buy just gold ❤ Chanel, wow so disappointed, ten years ago or more, the quality was better and cheaper, now as you said is ridiculous, they are not even good metals or stones, no pearls at all 😅. Oh yes, I have experienced all this, i sold every piece i had, and again I tried to buy something else. Hermes, i don't buy silver jewelry I don't like it 😢 I concluded that buying gold or any beauty stones, for me is working more and worth it. Is exist so many nice designers that no need to buy any more of those brands.
For valuations of solitaire rings by Sotheby’s and Christie’s settings and signed pieces matter. Harry Winston, bar none, has the most exquisite settings.
I love that Hermes necklace! Not sure they make it anymore but it's on my list of things to get, even if it's preloved. 😍 For sterling silver, I keep it in cloth bag. And that bag is kept in a sealed plastic bag, like Ziploc. It really slows down the oxidation process for me. Yellow gold pulls the yellow out of my skin so I prefer white gold or silver. If there's hardware on my bags or shoes, it must silver.
Hi Mel, silver is kinda expected to tarnish unlike gold jewellery. I don’t think it has anything to do with the quality, it’s just the metal reacting to the moisture in the air. Try using the aluminum foil and baking soda method. Works like a charm for my Tiffany silvers 😊
You've said it spot on!Jewelry brands often focus more on the looks rather than the quality. Pearls themselves carry a naturally warm, delicate, and elegant feel. Many independent designers and smaller brands tend to impress me more since they prioritize the quality of pearls and design around their characteristics, rather than just stacking logos.❤I actually quite like the pearl brand you recommended; the styles are really refined and versatile.
I adore costume jewelry, but the prices have always kept me from buying. BUT my very favorite Channel earrings are actually made from pink enamel & gold Channel buttons from my granny’s cookie tin. I just had posts added to the back, and get compliments every time I wear them out. They are so easy to dress up or down.
Hello good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Hi Mel. Interesting that you mentioned Tiffany charges for cleaning. I brought my vintage Tiffany sterling silver and gold jewelry to show to my CA as Tiffany is part of my family’s history. He asked me if I wanted them cleaned and polished. I asked him how much it would cost. He advised me it was complimentary, Tiffany charges for their jewelry repairs. Must be different in Australia.
Even pure silver will eventually form both oxide and sulfide tarnish. Especially if there are sulfur-based pollutants in the air to which it is exposed.
They reason it doesn’t turn as fast is cause the silver is rhodium plated (rhodium is a member of the platinum family) this is also how they get white gold to be as bright white as it is brand new
I prefer to get gold 18 k . Is much better and cheaper than any brand .. from any local jeweler there are lot of options.. Carttier& VCA are now gucci 😅
Mel a thousand thank you for your video I was about to get the Tiffany earrings in silver … I live in Morocco by the sea so a lot of humidity out there .. Thanks God I didn t got them .. I stopped costume Chanel years ago , not worth it if you ask me .. Again thank you I save 2000 euros thanks to you !
You mentioned on purchasing the vintage designs of Hermes, Chanel, and YSL pieces for a much cheaper prices and higher quality, but where can I buy them from?
I store my sterling in an anti tarnish jewelry box which helps tremendously. When I need to polish sterling I just drop it in liquid polish specifically for sterling jewelry and it’s back to new in ten seconds.
Hi Accessory , good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Just curious, but if Miss S wants to borrow a bag, item of designer clothing or piece of jewelry is she allowed? When I was a teen, having a mum like you would have been a dream 😄
Hi Mel, From a chemistry point of view, on top of oxidization, there's also a component of skin reaction. Usually, our hand produces more sweat that would be acidic, so the ring from Hermes changed color way more quickly than your Hermes necklace. Therefore, it explains why the condition of your Hermes necklace is different from your rings. Sending love from Canada ~ Yunicorne
I bought a bunch of Tiffany bracelet, necklace and rings around 2009. Some do ge tarnish but some are alright. I just got tired of the look. I will definitely keep some that I like. But I do wear just the simple Pandora jewelry and they are gorgeous and they also have lab grown diamonds.
I have silver Tiffany necklaces and bracelets and the only time they tarnished was when I left them in the sunlight out in the open for a few months (they were hanging up) and another time when they laid in the open in a cabinet for a few weeks. Now that I keep them in a small jewelry box I noticed that they never tarnish!
Silver oxidizes from air contact. The natural oils in skin help slow down the process, When storing silver you should keep it in a air tight container this will reduce oxidization, When it does happen you can easily clean them at home, without using a polishing rag. *EDIT* Note tarnishing comes from the metal attraction, so if you store a ball of aluminum foil inside your air tight container, the tarnish will attach it self to the aluminum foil instead of the silver jewelry. also throw in the box a couple of those "Forbidden candy packets" you get when you buy new shoes and your silver can be stored in any kind of air tight box.
Usually when sterling silver does not tarnish is because has been treated with rhodium. That is a special treatment that goes over those pieces. For that treatment you always pay more. Ask for that treatment if you do not want to clean it regularly. Love you Mel❤❤❤
Hi, good afternoon ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
I know there was a time when Tiffany was charging for their cleaning services but I do believe a while back they've returned to doing it as a complimentary service (which for how quickly their pieces tarnish it should be taken care of by them!)
I have Tiffany stud diamonds and I own some from other places, I cannot even tell the difference. But my Tiffany cost 3 X more. It was a gift from my husband but I will never buy these kind of pieces from designers ever again. It’s like the little diamond pendant from Cartier, you can get the exact sake style from so many other places with the same or better quality . So if the design is not obviously from the house, I wouldn’t pay the mark up.
Why some sterling doesnt oxidize. . .some of it is rhodium plated... Rhodium is part of the platinum group family and typically has more industrial uses, and it generally holds an excellent shine. . .a jeweler told me the tarnish will show up in about 150 years.... Some Patina on the silver helps to show off the detailed work.... If you don't want to Polish it with a cloth and it only has Sterling components with a non porous stone, there is the trick with a piece of foil, some baking soda.And some warm water.... the tarnish will transfer to the foil.... My only issue with this is that it looks unnaturally white for a while creases and details appear bleached until they tarnish again.
Hi Mel, I totally agree with you about custom jewellery! I also have a Tiffany necklace that is so tarnished just from wearing a couple of times. I think I will never buy sterling silver again, it was my first and last piece. Right now I am all for white gold🤍 I just love it, it looks like silver but the quality is much better. Quick question: Could you maybe show the rings of your sisters? I’m so curious how they look 💛 ❤ from the Netherlands
I think silver pieces are turning black when they're not rhodium plated. Most of silver jewellery are rhodium plated nowadays but it was not so popular even 10 years ago.
I love Tahitian pearls & Southsea pearls. I have several including a strand. The settings are in yellow gold & sterling silver. ... the silver does not turn color like my Tiffany jewelry. Black Pearl Source located in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Its one of a kind and I love his designs. Unique & beautiful. You should look them up.
Hi justMeAloha , good evening ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
For you consideration, skin ph is a factor for silver oxidation. I have a lot of silver jewerly 950 and 925 silver, used to wear it all the time, even sometimes I forgot it and take a bath with them, never oxide.
I do agree with you! I feel like I'm getting further and further away from designer items. It's just not worth the money to me after I've learned how much I'm being ripped off.
I love the pearls and price is great but I wish they had more design and also rose gold:/ I am deciding to buy earrings and necklace. Such great design and great idea
Hi Mel, have watched your videos on and off and I agree when you buy from brands like Cartier, Van clef etc you are paying for the name and giving the brand free advertisement/exposure of their products. For the price of the designer costume jewellery you can buy 18k gold, rose and white gold pieces. Thanks for being honest, you are right the vintage pieces are better in terms of quality and style. I look for underrated brand when looking for jewellery like Chaumet, Choppard, David Yurman and about to but something from Gingerberi before I watched this video.
I got the sterling silver pearl bracelet and I only wore it once. All my other sterling silver from Tiffany are okay, they just turn yellow sometimes, but the Pearl bracelet turns so black. That one time I wore it it had a scratch on the bracelet 💔
Hello good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Hi jaboubaa , good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Girl if you don’t buy yourself some Tarnex and quit playing. I watched this because I have a Tiffany’s necklace that I have had for maybe 12 years and I am looking to buy some more. I discovered early on that when I relax my hair with it on it turns brown, but I let it sit in Tarnex for about one minute and it’s gone. Now I take all of my silver off when relaxing my hair. It’s never turned brown since. You don’t have to even use a brush, just let it soak, it use the top that comes with the Tarnex and let it sit in there and shake it a bit.
Oh thank u for sharing. It’s very informative. I really like those dangling earrings match with your necklace. U are very right to share about those coz u have all the different kinds of collections. I love watching every time u upload a video. Pls keep making videos. Take care
Hi my loves, In today’s video I share my HONEST thoughts & review of some of my DESIGNER FINE JEWELRY. I tell you WHAT NOT TO BUY & WHY! Avoid these expensive mistakes that I made and make an informed choice on your next fine jewelry piece. I also share some great other alternatives. Let me know what’s your worst jewelry purchase and let’s learn together xx Mel
*reactivated: Use MIM18 to get 18% off site-wide
My Favourites: bit.ly/shopwithMIM
Items featured
LUNE ET MÉTÉORE Adjustable Aurora Pearl Earrings w Diamonds 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqd
VEILED HEART Akoya Pearl Pendant with Diamond 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekpw
MYSTIQUE MONARCH Tahitian Pearl Pendant w Diamonds 18K Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqg
LUMIÈRE D'EAU PRO Aurora Pearl Necklace SS or 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekq8
LUNE BRILLANTE Akoya Pearl Studs 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekqi
RAINLINE Aurora Pearl Earrings with Diamonds 18K Solid Gold: shrsl.com/4ekq6
Simply rub your silver jewelry with toothpaste or baking soda and it shines again.
One tip! I’ve been storing my silver jewelry in anti tarnish jewelry box and haven’t had any tarnishing issue since.
Same. I actually bought mine from QVC 20 years ago and my sterling hasn’t tarnished. It wasn’t expensive and it works!
From where?
Yes, me too.
My Tiffany hasnt tarnished which is odd, I think it must have a coating. And Idk why but the more silver isworn the less it tarnishes. I don't mind cleaning it though.
@@marygrace100so when you wear silver, it actually tarnishes less. My unworn Tiffany silver is very tarnished. I typically wear my gold Tiffany jewelry or newer silver hardwear pieces. So my T-series, Return to Tiffany, bean, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti are all very tarnished as they just sit in my jewelry drawer in my closet. My SA takes them and cleans them every year, but they just get tarnished again.
Sometimes high end stifling silver will be plated in rhodium (the same thing that makes white gold white) which keeps it from oxidizing and turning black
Mel, go to any jeweler or back to Hermes, Cartier and ask them to platinate all silver pieces that have tarnished. This is why some of your pieces tarnish and others don't. Probably they are made by different production locations and some just don't do it. Platinate silver never tarnishes again because they dip it into a chemical solution (platinum) that prevents oxidation and keeps that gorgeous silver sheen.
This is what I assumed when she was showing the difference. I wondered if rodium plaiting might also be a factor?
@@BartonEnglish1 Yeah. I'm surprised that these don't automatically come with rhodium plating
I bought a preloved 1.3 carat oval beautifully set ring, as my engagement ring. 1920s exquisite setting. Good stone in a shop in Melbourne.
@@RedFlyingFox007rhodium is metal is rare and very expensive. Silver jewelry manufacturers can keep cost of goods down by not plating the silver
I had my engagement ring made with a GIA certified diamond that I chose myself. The mark up at Cartier and Tiffany is nuts your completely right
I'd rather pay $$$ for Harry Winston
@@selenachan4230 HW and VCA have the best cut diamonds. But if you gonna do non-brand, White Flash has top of the line diamonds, particularly their a cut above selections.
Another tip. I work at a fine jewellers that sells sterling silver cleaner, you just dip your pieces in the solution (be wary that the silver solution STINKS) and the oxidised layer comes right off 😊 Pandora do the same thing
whats the exact name
White vinegar and baking soda: This gentle cleaning method is great for removing heavy tarnish. Soak your sterling silver in ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tbsp of baking soda (combine these in the sink and prepare yourself for the fizzing and foam) for two to three hours. Rinse jewelry and pat dry.
Finish with a polish: After you’ve given your jewelry a good cleaning, you can finish the process by using a polishing cloth that’s specifically for sterling silver.
I discovered recently that you can clean sterling silver with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm water. This worked so much better than the baking soda methods
Or a silver polishing cloth.
Just make sure that you are using a really soft toothbrush because you can actually scratch your silver pieces.
yes this method is well known in post soviet space, i use a good and delicate child solid soap, desolve it a little in a warm but not hot water (about 30 degree) and let the jewelry about 20 min, then with a delicate piece of cloth , polish it and after it rinse with clean warm water and let it on a towel for some hours. that is. If it is really in bad condition then better to go to a jeweler first to do a professional cleaning and after it to mentain your silver piece in a good canditon by some mild and not abrasive methods.
Mel, you can buy any high quality silver or pearl jewellery from any reputable jewellers for over 60% to 80% discount without the Tiffany box or Hermes box, no discount codes required! 😊 Totally agree, definitely no Chanel costume jewellery. I looked at one of their necklaces last month, found a pearl missing, they said they could fix it and they did. I still did not buy it, can’t stand them fallen off brand new. I have plenty of cheap costume jewellery, wear them loads, still nothing drop off. Chanel are notoriously bad with their costume jewellery.
My skin has hi acidity so I shine silver as I wear it. Tip after you wear sterling polish and slip it in a zip plastic pouch, and an anti tarnish paper and just leave them till you want to wear it again. You don't have to worry about them going black.
Hey Jackie! That’s a great tip! Thanks so much for sharing darls Xx
Yeah, same for me I think. So I've just worn my Tiffs daily, and they become even shinier. So odd that Tiffany now charges for cleaning. I sent mine in to clean in December 2023 and it was still FOC. Eeeks.
i have a sterling Gucci bracelet that I bought in 2010 and i've have no tarnish issues. I've been buying sterling pieces from local designers. No tarnishing issues and they can customize pieces!
I dont know if that helps but if you have a local jeweler that you trust you can always have them platinum plated. This process is tarnish resistant to oxidation and makes them really shiny. Maybe your necklace is platinum plated and that's why it lasted. It lasts long time and when ever you feel the plating is gone and tarnishes again you can do the same. It does not effect your jewelry! Also silver needs to be loved. If you wear it , it never tarnishes but if you leave it, it gets really sad and turns black😉
Sterling silver that is not Rhodium plated will tarnish. Sterling silver will also tarnish faster if you don't wear it. I find unlike gold, either sterling silver has an affinity with a person's body chemistry or it doesn't. If it doesn't it will tarnish alot more. 💙
I’ve found if you wash silver in mild dish soap, put in pouch, then a zip lock bag it really cuts back the tarnished effect. Keeps air out. Totally agree. Tiffany’s silver is the very worse about tarnishing. David Yurman holds up well
Me having absolutely no money. Let’s watch a fun and interesting video about what not to buy 😂 still love these videos Mel!
Saaaame 😂😂 I’m taking mental notes of tips ai don’t even need because I can’t afford them 😂😂
+1😅
Same… I have never bought luxury, but curious what exactly it is.
Same here…not a penny but my taste doesn't match my bank account
Buying sterling silver for a teen or young adult is fine. But when I saw the tarnishing turns my skin black , I stopped wearing and buying silver. Wait and be patient and buy 18 or 24 k gold for peace of mind.
Totally Agree, silver is too high maintenance especially if you live in a hot humid climate 😅
I find myself agreeing so much with this. I used to love wearing silver in my 20s, but now in my 30s I much more prefer gold. The maintenance is so much easier, plus the value of gold seems to just keep going up.
I got a Tahitian pearl for Christmas when I was a little girl from my uncle I still love it and I love how it’s dark grey 😍✨✨
Also totally agree with your stance on designer diamonds - keep in mind the resale on classic designs (VCA alahambra, Cartier love etc) is way higher than on solitaires, so if you buy the former you can probably get good ROI if you resell (just in case) but with a Tiffany solitaire for instance, resale is way lower. So for solitaires I’d suggest GIA graded from your local jeweler.
I live in Melbourne and all my Tiffany is sterling silver. None have oxidised. I wear my mini silver bead blue enamel heart bracelet 24/7 and I only need to polish it now and again. I’ve also had all my jewellery cleaned at Tiffany.
Some sterling silver is rhodium plated, it will never tarnish; so always ask if it is rhodium plated.
Yeah, I have worn my carrier necklace and earrings in the shower for years and it has never tarnished.
About 15 years ago I worked at a custom jewellers that also did repairs for a couple chains here in Canada that can be found in every mall across the country and I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to classic pieces, brand names (to me) generally means you have more money to splash (unless, like you said Mel, it’s a dream to have a piece from a certain collection). I have pieces, from the same chains I mentioned above, that I inherited from my grandmothers which are still in beautiful condition and complimented on regularly.
I also agree with lab crated stones, all of the fine jewelry piece I’ve bought myself have been with lab grown as have the pieces my partner has given me. I find it’s what the stones represent, not the stones themselves, that matter.
I've had the same Tiffany sterling silver bracelet for 15 years, wore it every day for probably a good 5 years.. in the shower and all. Never oxidized. I was bringing another bracelet to Tiffany for a repair and figured I'd bring all my items in to be cleaned.. bad idea! Like 3 months later ALL of them turned black!!! I couldn't believe it. Haven't touched them since.
Omg what happened
Thankyou for your honesty. I'm now more intune with TH-camrs and have influencers who have they're own POV and not afraid to voice it. I was a buyer for a French luxury brand for many years. The Value is all relative to ones perception - of luxury. I couldn't agree with you enough about exploring heritage and vintage pieces, love your work Mel! ❤❤❤
You can ask your local jewelers' shops if they can offer the service of praving 18-k gold on sterling silver.
I have a sterling silver necklace from Tiffany's. It looked dim even though I polished it with a gold polishing cloth. The shopkeeper told me that the coating of my necklace had been removed by my daily tear and wear.
They could help me coat a thin layer of 18-k gold on my sliver accessories. I could choose one of three colours: white, gold or rose gold.
It did the trick. Surely, it was not permanent at all. The effect only lasts for some years. It depends on the use.
But I am in Hong Kong, just not sure about the situation in Australia.
I love the smallish Pearl necklace you are wearing. I bought similar in pale golden pearls with a refined German gold clasp in Perth from a big Pearl and diamond store. I bought mine for remembrance of Lady Di after she died on a Sunday morning Perth time.
Some sterling silver are covered with rhodium which prevents it from tarnishing.
Hi Mel, another great video! A few thoughts from me, I LOVE sterling silver. I have worn my tiffany necklace for 5 years, and it doesn’t tarnish, I wear other pandora rings etc with no issue, everything goes into a cheapy pandora jewellery box and I live in Brisbane where humidity is crazy especially at the moment! From my engineering degree, I would say the way the jewellery is formed may differ slightly from batch to batch causing the differences in the pieces. I believe it really depends on the person. I dislike white gold (even though i personally don’t own pieces probably because of my dislike) due to it’s rhodium plating. Everyone I talked to who has a white gold engagement ring says they have to go get it replated, and Ive heard of people saying their fingers turn a bit green, I don’t want to deal with that. I have also heard it happening with sterling silver wearers too. But anyway we are all different and enjoy different things :) i was set on buying a platinum lab grown diamond engagement ring, so much stronger, ethical, and cheaper. I love it to death and I will be engaged for 1 year on valentines day :) anyway, I just wanted to share my own experience. Have a great day to anyone to reads this :D
I’m agree that vintage custom jewelries especially Chanel are so unique and beautiful
If your silver jewelry has no stones or pearls, cook it in water with salt and put crumpled aluminium foil into the water. Simple chemistry. Rinse with clear water and dry it with soft fabric. No polishing needed.
Diamonds are a commodity, I pick my size, color and clarity (I like F/VS-1) and then I shop for a good price. Pay attention to the cut and make sure your chosen setting is deluxe. I like 18K YG with platinum (at least on the prongs).
Hi Mel, totally agreed, those cuttings are cut by jewellers whether U want brilliant cut etc.. stones are graded for clarity, colour n flaws so it's always good if U can get it directly from the jeweller that cut it themselves not through big retailers with exorbitant marketing pricing tag on top of designers cost. At the end of the day, the stone looks like stones but it depends on the design you want but solitaire is just solitaire that brings more depends on how it was cut.
Wow, for me was the same, I have several Tiffany silver collections and as the weeks went by it turned black, I went to the store many times to have it cleaned but as time went by the pieces turned black again, I don't want to lengthen my discouraging story but from all this, but now I don't buy silver pieces at Tiffany, for me it was just a waste of money and time with it, now I buy just gold ❤
Chanel, wow so disappointed, ten years ago or more, the quality was better and cheaper, now as you said is ridiculous, they are not even good metals or stones, no pearls at all 😅. Oh yes, I have experienced all this, i sold every piece i had, and again I tried to buy something else.
Hermes, i don't buy silver jewelry
I don't like it 😢
I concluded that buying gold or any beauty stones, for me is working more and worth it.
Is exist so many nice designers that no need to buy any more of those brands.
For valuations of solitaire rings by Sotheby’s and Christie’s settings and signed pieces matter. Harry Winston, bar none, has the most exquisite settings.
I love that Hermes necklace! Not sure they make it anymore but it's on my list of things to get, even if it's preloved. 😍
For sterling silver, I keep it in cloth bag. And that bag is kept in a sealed plastic bag, like Ziploc. It really slows down the oxidation process for me. Yellow gold pulls the yellow out of my skin so I prefer white gold or silver. If there's hardware on my bags or shoes, it must silver.
My tip on pearls... Try on all types: white, gold, chocolate, and tahitian. My skintone looks terrible in chocolate but great in gold.🌺🥰🏝
Hi Mel, silver is kinda expected to tarnish unlike gold jewellery. I don’t think it has anything to do with the quality, it’s just the metal reacting to the moisture in the air. Try using the aluminum foil and baking soda method. Works like a charm for my Tiffany silvers 😊
You've said it spot on!Jewelry brands often focus more on the looks rather than the quality. Pearls themselves carry a naturally warm, delicate, and elegant feel. Many independent designers and smaller brands tend to impress me more since they prioritize the quality of pearls and design around their characteristics, rather than just stacking logos.❤I actually quite like the pearl brand you recommended; the styles are really refined and versatile.
I can’t agree more on Chanel earrings. I also almost lost my Chanel stud earring TWICE because of the stopper 😒
I adore costume jewelry, but the prices have always kept me from buying. BUT my very favorite Channel earrings are actually made from pink enamel & gold Channel buttons from my granny’s cookie tin. I just had posts added to the back, and get compliments every time I wear them out. They are so easy to dress up or down.
Hello good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Good point with the sterling silver and diamond. I totally agree with you.
Hi Mel. Interesting that you mentioned Tiffany charges for cleaning. I brought my vintage Tiffany sterling silver and gold jewelry to show to my CA as Tiffany is part of my family’s history. He asked me if I wanted them cleaned and polished. I asked him how much it would cost. He advised me it was complimentary, Tiffany charges for their jewelry repairs. Must be different in Australia.
In California all Tiffany cleanings are completely as well.
Even pure silver will eventually form both oxide and sulfide tarnish. Especially if there are sulfur-based pollutants in the air to which it is exposed.
They reason it doesn’t turn as fast is cause the silver is rhodium plated (rhodium is a member of the platinum family) this is also how they get white gold to be as bright white as it is brand new
TY Mel for a Learning Video, When I bought Chanel Jewllery I would put clear Nailpolish on them to Stop the Crystal's from falling out 💅
That'a a good suggestion Kelly! but for that price they should have better quality lol (i've bought Chanel costume earrings too but stopped now)
Great idea- wish I knew that two earring repairs ago- I gave up and just put them away missing more crystals.
white gold... you need to re-dip it in rhodium every few years if you wear it a lot. It doesnt stay shiny for years and years.
Few years, mine didn't even last a few months. Never buying white gold again.
I prefer to get gold 18 k . Is much better and cheaper than any brand .. from any local jeweler there are lot of options.. Carttier& VCA are now gucci 😅
Apparently It depends on where your silver comes from... Mexican and Italian silver, suppositely, don't oxidize because they are more pure.
I believe that, I have silver toe rings from Acapulco and I've never had an issue with then tarnishing and they're well over 25 years old.
Mel a thousand thank you for your video I was about to get the Tiffany earrings in silver … I live in Morocco by the sea so a lot of humidity out there .. Thanks God I didn t got them .. I stopped costume Chanel years ago , not worth it if you ask me .. Again thank you I save 2000 euros thanks to you !
What does everyone use to clean their silver? I have so many tarnished pieces from Tiffany that I don’t care to wear them anymore.
You mentioned on purchasing the vintage designs of Hermes, Chanel, and YSL pieces for a much cheaper prices and higher quality, but where can I buy them from?
I store my sterling in an anti tarnish jewelry box which helps tremendously. When I need to polish sterling I just drop it in liquid polish specifically for sterling jewelry and it’s back to new in ten seconds.
Hi Accessory , good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Just curious, but if Miss S wants to borrow a bag, item of designer clothing or piece of jewelry is she allowed? When I was a teen, having a mum like you would have been a dream 😄
Hi Mel,
From a chemistry point of view, on top of oxidization, there's also a component of skin reaction.
Usually, our hand produces more sweat that would be acidic, so the ring from Hermes changed color way more quickly than your Hermes necklace.
Therefore, it explains why the condition of your Hermes necklace is different from your rings.
Sending love from Canada ~
Yunicorne
I love your user name! ❤
@@asmallbitchybanana thank you 💕
I bought a bunch of Tiffany bracelet, necklace and rings around 2009. Some do ge tarnish but some are alright. I just got tired of the look. I will definitely keep some that I like. But I do wear just the simple Pandora jewelry and they are gorgeous and they also have lab grown diamonds.
I love colored gemstones. Explore them, but they also have gone up in prices in comparison to what they cost in the 1990s.
Thanks for being honest. Sterling silver is harder to maintain
I have silver Tiffany necklaces and bracelets and the only time they tarnished was when I left them in the sunlight out in the open for a few months (they were hanging up) and another time when they laid in the open in a cabinet for a few weeks. Now that I keep them in a small jewelry box I noticed that they never tarnish!
All S925 silver will oxydize unless it plated with rhodium.. it will stay white and shinny
Silver oxidizes from air contact.
The natural oils in skin help slow down the process,
When storing silver you should keep it in a air tight container this will reduce oxidization,
When it does happen you can easily clean them at home, without using a polishing rag.
*EDIT*
Note tarnishing comes from the metal attraction, so if you store a ball of aluminum foil inside your air tight container, the tarnish will attach it self to the aluminum foil instead of the silver jewelry.
also throw in the box a couple of those "Forbidden candy packets" you get when you buy new shoes and your silver can be stored in any kind of air tight box.
Tiffany couldn't even remove all the tarnish from my pieces! I've never went back to Sterling Silver. Gold always!
Thanks so much for all of the information, I purchased the Tiffany earrings this weekend.
Usually when sterling silver does not tarnish is because has been treated with rhodium. That is a special treatment that goes over those pieces. For that treatment you always pay more. Ask for that treatment if you do not want to clean it regularly. Love you Mel❤❤❤
Hi, good afternoon ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Hi Mel will you be doing a video on your updated Jewelry collection?I love fine Jewelry and would love to see yours! Thank you.
I know there was a time when Tiffany was charging for their cleaning services but I do believe a while back they've returned to doing it as a complimentary service (which for how quickly their pieces tarnish it should be taken care of by them!)
Yes they have. I was in Chicago this past December and had my items cleaned at no charge.
Good to know, as I have a few pieces that need a good clean 👌
Complimentary in California as well.
Toothpaste to clean silver is great .. most quality brands usually rhodium plating silver to stop tarnishing . Great vid !
I have Tiffany stud diamonds and I own some from other places, I cannot even tell the difference. But my Tiffany cost 3 X more. It was a gift from my husband but I will never buy these kind of pieces from designers ever again. It’s like the little diamond pendant from Cartier, you can get the exact sake style from so many other places with the same or better quality . So if the design is not obviously from the house, I wouldn’t pay the mark up.
Why some sterling doesnt oxidize. . .some of it is rhodium plated... Rhodium is part of the platinum group family and typically has more industrial uses, and it generally holds an excellent shine. . .a jeweler told me the tarnish will show up in about 150 years.... Some
Patina on the silver helps to show off the detailed work.... If you don't want to Polish it with a cloth and it only has Sterling components with a non porous stone, there is the trick with a piece of foil, some baking soda.And some warm water.... the tarnish will transfer to the foil.... My only issue with this is that it looks unnaturally white for a while creases and details appear bleached until they tarnish again.
Hi Mel, I totally agree with you about custom jewellery! I also have a Tiffany necklace that is so tarnished just from wearing a couple of times. I think I will never buy sterling silver again, it was my first and last piece. Right now I am all for white gold🤍 I just love it, it looks like silver but the quality is much better. Quick question: Could you maybe show the rings of your sisters? I’m so curious how they look 💛
❤ from the Netherlands
I think silver pieces are turning black when they're not rhodium plated. Most of silver jewellery are rhodium plated nowadays but it was not so popular even 10 years ago.
Mel you looked stunning with your top, so beautiful
They sell jewelry boxes for sterling silver that prevents them from tarnishing!!!
Most silver now a days is rhodium plated to prevent tarnishing. Why Tiffany doesn’t do this is beyond me.
Interesting, where can I buy Rhodium plated silver, what stores? I would love some other options.
@@Magique88888 they do i believe now, both my tiffany sterling silver necklaces haven't tarnished.
Mel have you thought about getting your hair to your shoulders….I believe it might look gorgeous on you
Absolutely agree about the crazy mark up.
I won't lie. I'm honestly baffled that people buy costume jewelry from these high end brands instead of just getting real gold/platinum
I love Tahitian pearls & Southsea pearls. I have several including a strand. The settings are in yellow gold & sterling silver. ... the silver does not turn color like my Tiffany jewelry.
Black Pearl Source located in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Its one of a kind and I love his designs. Unique & beautiful. You should look them up.
Hi justMeAloha , good evening ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
My guess why some pieces oxidizes and some don't, is there is a coating on the ones that don't oxidize.
Your silver that doesn't tarnish could be Argentium pure Silver or it may have a Palladium anti tarnish Alloy mixed in with it.
For you consideration, skin ph is a factor for silver oxidation. I have a lot of silver jewerly 950 and 925 silver, used to wear it all the time, even sometimes I forgot it and take a bath with them, never oxide.
The Gingiberi packaging is to die for!!!
This was very informative Mel. I concur!
I do agree with you! I feel like I'm getting further and further away from designer items. It's just not worth the money to me after I've learned how much I'm being ripped off.
I think it’s way more convenient to buy quality items in gold diamonds and pearls in fine jewelleries without paying for the brand.
I love the pearls and price is great but I wish they had more design and also rose gold:/
I am deciding to buy earrings and necklace. Such great design and great idea
Tiffany does not charge you to clean and polish your jewelry if you are a client. They’ll even pick it up at your home and drop it off after.
Hi Mel, have watched your videos on and off and I agree when you buy from brands like Cartier, Van clef etc you are paying for the name and giving the brand free advertisement/exposure of their products. For the price of the designer costume jewellery you can buy 18k gold, rose and white gold pieces. Thanks for being honest, you are right the vintage pieces are better in terms of quality and style. I look for underrated brand when looking for jewellery like Chaumet, Choppard, David Yurman and about to but something from Gingerberi before I watched this video.
You’re top is so beautiful 🤍 you look beautiful in this vlog
omg i remember those channel earrings that fell last time and how happy u were when hubby found it!!! ❤
Get white gold instead of silver, better look, zero tarnish.
I got the sterling silver pearl bracelet and I only wore it once. All my other sterling silver from Tiffany are okay, they just turn yellow sometimes, but the Pearl bracelet turns so black. That one time I wore it it had a scratch on the bracelet 💔
Great info Mel. And I really like your top. Very pretty.
Hi Mel, any recommended diamond jewelers that you go to that are based in Australia?
I agree with the Tiffany I hated cleaning it all the time
Hello good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
You can have your pieces rhodium plated and they look like white gold and don’t tarnish! Your local jewelers can always do this for you.
None of my Tiffany silver pieces have tarnished and I’ve been wearing over 10 years .
My friend bought a Tiffany and Co silver necklace and it tarnished after only few wears.
It’s just a scam for the price.
Hi jaboubaa , good day ! 🥰 I hope my comment didn’t come across as intrusive. Your words reflect the kindness and beauty of your heart, which moved me to respond. I don’t usually comment, but I believe you truly deserve this compliment. If you’re open to it, I’d love to be friends. Thanks, and God bless you! 🌺🌺🌺
Girl if you don’t buy yourself some Tarnex and quit playing. I watched this because I have a Tiffany’s necklace that I have had for maybe 12 years and I am looking to buy some more. I discovered early on that when I relax my hair with it on it turns brown, but I let it sit in Tarnex for about one minute and it’s gone. Now I take all of my silver off when relaxing my hair. It’s never turned brown since. You don’t have to even use a brush, just let it soak, it use the top that comes with the Tarnex and let it sit in there and shake it a bit.
If Sterling silver is worn often it slows down the tarnishing. Alot of Sterling is now plated in platinum or white gold.
The pearl earrings is sooooo elegant!
Oh thank u for sharing. It’s very informative. I really like those dangling earrings match with your necklace. U are very right to share about those coz u have all the different kinds of collections. I love watching every time u upload a video. Pls keep making videos. Take care