Materials
What materials does The Blonde Chaos use?
Most of The Blonde Chaos jewellery is made out of Brass.
The brass has either a 14K or a 16K gold-plating.
A few of the BC items are 18K gold-filled, stainless steel gold-plated or 925 Sterling Silver.
Most of our chains have an extra e-coat layer. That means it's water-resistant and won't tarnish that easily. If e-coated jewellery is taken care of properly it can last for years. If not, then yes, it could wear.
The gold-plated stainless steel hoops have a special PVD coating. (Physical Vapor Deposition) PVD coating is a special technique using a vacuüm technique; These hoops are 'waterproof' and can be worn in water. Please note even that layer can get damaged but more unlikely to happen.
Allergies
Sensitivity to certain types of metals is a common problem that many people experience when wearing jewelry. Nickel is the common culprit for metal allergies.
Hypoallergenic are word that is used by many brands nowadays. But hypoallergenic does not mean nickel-free! Hypoallergenic simply means that the amount of nickel is below normal and less likely to cause a skin rash.
The Blonde Chaos using products that are 'hypoallergenic' and also have products with no nickel. Please see our product description what the item is made out.
In general, the higher the purity of the metal, the less likely it is to cause issues. But please be aware that not only nickel can cause allergies!
Tarnish
Just as with other metals, brass does change color over time. It might not be immediate as the products have a goldplated layer, but it can happen. The copper in the brass can turn your skin green, but that isn’t harmful and doesn’t mean you’re having a reaction to the metal.
The best thing to do is to avoid showering, swimming, gymming with your jewels and don't spray your parfum, or rub your body with lotion while wearing your jewels.
The golden rule is to make gold-plated jewelry the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Cleaning Brass: you only need soap and lukewarm water to get the layer of dirt off or use Brasso with a polishing cloth.