Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Silver to Tarnish?

Silver is a relatively soft metal that require sympathetic handling and cleaning. Overtime your silverware may become tarnished.  This is not a manufacturing defect. This is a natural process and can occur due to a variety of reasons.

Your silverware may be tarnished by sulphides that are always present to some extent in the atmosphere and in many foods - green vegetables and eggs being the most potent.

Sulphides in the atmosphere originate mainly from combustion of gas, oil, coke, wood etc and from living creatures. The tips of the EPSN forks are most prone to tarnish as they are in regular contact with eggs, salt, condiments and very hot foodstuffs.

Dark spots may arise when silverware comes into contact with undissolved salt in hot solutions of certain powder detergents. Liquid bleaches should never be used and powder detergents should always be dissolved before use.

Direct contact with cosmetic substances such as perfume, lotions, hairspray, deodorant and also residual materials from shower gel/bath oils will also cause tarnishing.

In addition contact with water can diminish the coating over a period of time and cause the silver plate to tarnish underneath.

Cleaning the item with any abrasive material will also diminish the coating causing the acceleration of the tarnish process.

Atmospheric conditions can also be a reason for tarnish . if an item is left in direct sunlight or in an area where cleaning products have been used, the residue from these will attack the coating on the item.

Tarnish is not a manufacturing defect, it is in fact natural occurrence with silver whether sterling or plated and may be reversed.

Refer to Section on Caring Instructions.

Is tarnish a Manufacturing Defect?

No, silver is a relatively soft metal that require sympathetic handling and cleaning. Overtime your silverware may become tarnished. This is a natural process and can occur due to a variety of reasons such as atmospheric conditions, sulphides or chemical substance.

Tarnish happens to both Sterling Silver and Silverplated products.

My jewellery did not come into contact with any substance, why else would it tarnish?

If it appears that the product has come into contact with a substance as above, atmospheric conditions can also be a reason for tarnish - if an item is left in direct sunlight or in an area where cleaning products have been used, the residue from these will attack the coating on the item.

Sulphides that are always present to some extent in the atmosphere may also cause tarnish.

Please note that tarnish is not considered as a manufacturing defect as this is a natural occurrence with silver whether sterling or plated.

What are Sulphides?

Sulphides in the atmosphere originate mainly from combustion of gas, oil, coke, wood, etc and from living creatures.

Is it possible to remove tarnish from jewellery?

Yes, tarnish can be removed with a soft cloth. Regularly cleaning with a soft cotton cloth will prevent tarnishing on all silver products.

How long will my Newbridge last? Is it covered by a Warranty?

Newbridge Silverware is designed and manufactured to the highest standard and will last you for many years. However silver is a soft metal and is prone to tarnish over time. It is vital in order to maintain the longevity of your Newbridge piece, that you follow carefully the Care Instructions.

Newbridge Silverware offers a 2 year warranty on its jewellery collection commencing from the date of purchase. Please note that a dated proof of purchase i.e receipt is required to claim the warranty.

This warranty is only applicable against items with a proven manufacturing defect as agreed by the Newbridge Silverware Quality Team. Every day wear and tear is not covered under this warranty.

Can I use dip on my Newbridge Jewellery?

No, never use dip as this will accelerate the tarnish process

Is a chipped stone a manufacturing defect?

Chips, scratches etc. are not manufacturing defects.

A stone must have dislodged completely for consideration in relation to establish whether the problem is directly related to a manufacturing defect.

If a person has dropped or caused other damage to the item, this is not regarded as a manufacturing defect.

The plating has lifted from my Newbridge product, what causes this?

Plating can diminish where an item has come into contact with an abrasive solution.

Where plating has diminished the copper plate will be visible - many persons see this as tarnish and will try to clean the same

Can this be remedied?

This may can be only remedied with reference to silver-plated jewellery and cutlery. Newbridge Silverware offer a repair service depending on the extent of the damage. The Newbridge Quality team will assess and make the appropriate decision.

Is Newbridge Jewellery Nickel Safe?

Yes, the complete range of Newbridge Jewellery including the watches is certified Nickel Safe.

Is a broken toggle on the cufflinks a Manufacturing defect?

At fusion point - this is where the toggle has completely broken away from the base metal. This would be considered a manufacturing defect as the weld has not fused correctly.

Non fusion point - this is where some of the toggle remains on the item but the fusion in still intact. This is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Is a broken post on Earrings / Pendants a manufacturing defect?

Broken post at fusion point - this is where the post has completely broken away from the base metal. This would be considered a manufacturing defect as the weld has not fused correctly.

Broken Post at Non fusion point - this is where some of the post remains on the item but the fusion in still intact. This is not considered a manufacturing defect.

The plating has bubbled on the inside of my bracelet, what causes this?

Where plate has bubbled on the inner area of a watch or bracelet - this would be a direct cause of residual materials on the skin such as perfume, lotions etc. perspiration can also be a cause of the same.

Where the plate has diminished and a consumer develops a rash from wearing an item this may be as a result of normal usage wear & tear and not by reason of a manufacturing defect.

My Newbridge pendant has caused my skin to turn black?

Every individual is unique and have varying levels of PH in their bodies.

The PH balance refers to the balance of acid and alkali in your body.

The higher the level of PH in your body the more likely you are to have a reaction to any jewellery not just silver.

My Newbridge Picture Frames have become discoloured, why?

The discolouration of silverplated products can result over a period of time and is caused by atmospheric conditions.

Atmospheric conditions include:

• Abrasive cleaning products that include any type of chemical
• Reside form other cleaning products used in proximity to the item
• Residue on cleaning cloths used on the item
• Heat generated from proximity to fires; open or artificial such as gas or electric
• Item displayed in an area of direct sunlight
• Residue from air fresheners etc. used in proximity of the product
• Sulphides present in the atmosphere

Can this be remedied?

No, the discolouration of giftware cannot be remedied. However you can maintenance the lustre of your giftware by cleaning regularly with a soft cloth.

What can cause my Stainless Steel to Rust?

• Items left in contact with foodstuff for a period of time before cleaning
• Items that come in direct contact with detergents - this can also cause pitting on the product - small pin holes that look black in colour but will evolve into rust spots - these cannot be rectified
• Items that are not dried immediately when washed including removal form the dishwasher when the cycle has finished
• Water contains salts that can also cause surface rusting on stainless steel

Stainless steel products can be maintained by using specified stainless steel cleaners on a regular basis

Can I wash place my EPNS in a Dishwasher?

Yes, but you must follow the Guidelines as supplied by Newbridge Silverware and also adhere to Dishwasher`s Manufacturers Guidelines.

Should I mix my EPNS and Stainless Steel Cutlery when washing?

No, you should never mix these two types of cutlery as a chemical reaction will occur and cause pitting and staining.

What has caused my salt shaker to corrode?

This is as a direct result of salt left in contact with the shaker over a period of time. The shakers must be emptied after each use and cleaned with a soft cloth in order to minimise corrosion

Salt is a corrosive material and when left in contact with silver whether sterling or plated it will cause irreversible damage that is not concurrent with a manufacturing defect