Surgical Steel – The Hypoallergenic Choice
For us at Tilva, surgical steel was the obvious choice as the base material. It is one of the hardest and most durable metals on the market today. The steel does not stain the skin and requires minimal maintenance.
Since surgical steel is also used for implants in the body, it is completely free of nickel and cobalt, making it extremely hypoallergenic. A steel piece of jewelry is so durable that, just like precious metals, it will develop a beautiful and personal wear over time – proof that the jewelry is loved and used.
Shell Pearls
The pearls in our jewelry are so-called “Shell Pearls”, made from the inside of oyster shells (also known as Mother of Pearl ). The material is ground into a fine powder that is shaped, colored and coated with natural mother of pearl. Finally, they are given a protective surface for perfect luster.
Shell pearls are often more beautiful and more affordable than saltwater pearls. Thanks to strict quality controls, they retain their color and luster over time and are not affected by sweat or perfume. In fact, they are more durable than both cultured and freshwater pearls.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
We use Cubic Zirconia in our jewelry – one of the few man-made stones that can be cut exactly like a diamond to achieve a stunning sparkle. CZ was invented in 1976 and with its optical similarity to diamond has become a very popular choice in exclusive jewelry.
Caring for your stones
For the stone to sparkle at its best, it needs to be exposed to light. After a period of use, dirt and skin deposits can form a film around the stone, dulling its shine. It then needs to be cleaned to regain its beauty.
Three ways to clean your CZ jewelry:
- Soap & water: Soak the jewelry in lukewarm water with a little soap. Use a soft toothbrush (preferably with a little polishing toothpaste) and brush gently, especially in the nooks and crannies around the stone setting. Rinse thoroughly.
- The saucepan method: For heavy dirt, you can boil water with a little detergent in a saucepan. Let the jewelry sit for a few minutes and then brush it clean with a toothbrush.
- The dishwasher: It's great to wash steel jewelry in the dishwasher's cutlery basket - a method we discovered by chance that makes the jewelry sparkle like new again!
Keep in mind: Even though the stone is hard, it should be worn with care. Avoid rubbing the jewelry against other hard materials, as even a diamond can be damaged by a strong impact.
The Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond
Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone created in a laboratory, while diamond is created by nature. To the untrained eye, they are almost impossible to tell apart. The biggest difference is thermal conductivity; a CZ conducts heat less well than a diamond, which you can feel if you hold the stone to your lips (the diamond feels cooler).