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Materials & Care Guide
Ardant jewelry is handcrafted using the finest, ethically sourced materials. Our family-owned jeweler specializes in moissanite, a conflict-free gemstone that is lab-grown (requires no mining), extremely durable and shines brighter than diamonds.
Crafted with precious metals only, our pieces are made to withstand real life. With just a little of care and cleaning (see below!), they can last a lifetime.
18K Gold Vermeil
What exactly is vermeil? The short answer: it’s a thick layer of gold on sterling silver. Typical gold-plated jewelry usually have a thin layer of gold (less than 0.5 microns) plated on a base metal (usually brass or copper). All of Ardant’s gold pieces have 18K gold that is 2.5 microns thick layered on sterling silver, thus classified as vermeil according to the US Federal Trade Commission. Unlike gold-plated pieces which tend to tarnish within 2 years, Ardant’s vermeil lasts for decades.
How to care for 18K Gold Vermeil:
· Remove your jewelry before showering, exercising or washing your hands.
· Apply perfumes and creams before wearing your jewelry.
· Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place, stored separately from other pieces to prevent scratching.
· Clean your jewelry by buffing them gently with a dry cloth.
Moissanite
Discovered from a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893, the mineral moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars. Because the natural mineral is extremely rare, almost all moissanite in the world (including Ardant’s!) is lab-grown. With no mining required and a smaller carbon footprint, moissanite is ethical and conflict-free.
We’ve also chosen to specialize in moissanite because of its fiery, enduring nature. Scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone, making it highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite also has a scintillating fire brighter than a diamond, shimmering for many years without ever losing its brilliance.
How to care for Moissanite:
One of the best things about moissanite is that it never gets cloudy. To keep it clean and shiny, simply scrub lightly with a soft-bristled brush, detergent-free soap and warm water.
Freshwater Pearls
We choose to use cultured pearls from freshwater oysters and mussels for our pieces. Every baroque pearl is one-of-a-kind, unique in shape, character and lustre.
How to care for Freshwater Pearls:
· Remove your jewelry before showering, exercising or washing your hands.
· Apply perfumes and creams before wearing your jewelry.
· Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place, stored separately from other pieces to prevent scratching.
· Clean the pearls gently with a dry cloth.