Frequently Asked Questions
• Question:
I have worn my silver pendant very often and for a long time. Now the back has become quite spotty and it almost looks as if the silver is peeling off! Is that possible? And a ring I have also owned for a very long time looks similarly spotty on the inside.
Answer:
No need to worry! The silver is solid and durable — it is definitely not peeling off! However, the reason for the changes on the pendant or ring may be that the rhodium plating is wearing off. This rhodium layer is applied as the final step and top coating on finished silver jewelry using an electroplating process in order to protect the piece from oxidation and the typical tarnishing of silver jewelry for as long as possible.
Over time, however, this layer can wear away. This varies from person to person and depends both on how the jewelry is used and on the individual pH value of the skin’s natural acid mantle. That is why such signs of wear usually appear in areas with the most skin contact, such as the back of a pendant resting against the skin or the inside of a ring.
First aid: We offer a renewed rhodium plating service for your DUR jewelry piece for a workshop service fee of €20.
• Question:
My favorite piece of jewelry has tarnished heavily. How can I make it bright and clean again?
Answer:
Depending on the level of tarnishing or dirt, first try using a mild dish soap solution and an old toothbrush. This already removes a great deal of dirt, especially in recesses and stone settings. The next stronger option is a commercially available jewelry cleaning dip from a specialist retailer. Please make sure to follow the instructions carefully and rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water afterwards. Be careful with jewelry containing pearls, stones, or similar delicate materials!
You can also visit our section: "Care Instructions"
• Question:
I lost more than 10 kilos last year and now my rings are far too loose. Can rings be resized?
P.S.: My friend, on the other hand, gained quite a bit of weight after having children and is interested in enlarging her rings.
Answer:
In principle, rings can both be enlarged and reduced slightly in size. Reducing the size is usually more labor-intensive than enlarging, because the ring band often has to be cut open, a section removed, and then soldered back together.
Each case must be considered individually. The work is generally easiest with simple rings. If the ring contains a pearl or a stone, the process becomes considerably more complex, although still possible in many cases. Band rings with beach sand or lava sand unfortunately cannot be resized.
• Question:
The small backing of my favorite stud earrings has become loose and I’m afraid of losing them. What can I do?
Answer:
You can improve the grip of the earring backing on the post by gently pressing the two small rollers together, as the tension of these rollers is what keeps the post securely in place.
• Question:
My ring originally had a beautiful matte brushed finish when I bought it. Unfortunately, it has now become almost smooth.
Answer:
With prolonged wear, brushed surfaces do indeed become smoother and visually calmer. However, the effect can be restored by using the rough side of a new, grease-free kitchen sponge on the silver surface. Brush repeatedly over the silver and test carefully first on the back part of the ring band.
• Question:
My previously beautifully polished shiny ring has developed quite a few scratches from wearing it. How can I make it shiny again?
Answer:
925 sterling silver is generally a relatively soft metal. In the past, nickel was added to silver to make it harder. However, because many people nowadays are allergic to nickel, we no longer use it. As a result, silver jewelry is somewhat softer overall, and rings in particular scratch more quickly. In a way, every scratch tells part of the personal story of the person wearing the ring.
If you prefer to restore the shine, try polishing the ring with a polishing cloth or visit your trusted DUR partner.
• Question:
I own a beach sand ring that I absolutely love. But recently it started causing me concern because the sand developed a small bubble and in one area the sand is beginning to fall out. What can I do?
Answer:
If the situation has progressed as described above, the ring needs to be returned to our workshop. The causes of bubbles forming or sand falling out can vary greatly. For example, was the ring really removed every time you washed your hands? Water can enter tiny gaps that may develop during wear and cause damage. It is extremely important to always remove your sand ring before washing your hands!
What happened while wearing the ring? Was it exposed to pressure or impact? For example, by carrying heavy objects (such as a crate of drinks) or by clapping hands at the theater, a party, or a concert. Especially if you wear rings on both hands, the rings can strike against each other like hammer blows during applause. The greater the enthusiasm — the stronger the impact. In many everyday situations, we are not even aware of the effects they can have on jewelry. But we are always happy to help: Please place the jewelry piece in a small box (for example a matchbox or similar) and send it to us with sufficient postage. Unstamped shipments cause high additional postage costs and unfortunately cannot be accepted!
And even if it is not a warranty case, we will of course still help you and only charge a small workshop service fee of approximately €30.