Working closely with handmade jewelry at CINCO made me appreciate each piece from a completely different perspective. Here are 4 insider lessons I've learned about 925 sterling silver and gold-plated jewelry.
1. HANDMADE PRODUCTION PROCESS
I was surprised by the amount of work and care that goes into making each handmade jewelry piece. The production time and different techniques used are remarkable: engraving, stone setting, polishing, and finishing. Because each piece is handcrafted in Portugal, there may be small traces of this artisan work — and that's part of the beauty and authenticity of handmade jewelry.
2. JEWELRY CARE & TREASURE
When we invest in pieces made of precious, durable materials like 925 sterling silver and gold plating, we want them to last a lifetime and become part of our treasure chest. That's why proper jewelry care is essential:
- Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, perfumes, and lotions
- Store pieces in a dry place, ideally in a jewelry box or pouch
- Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising
While gold plating doesn't last forever, CINCO offers an active reborn program to restore your pieces to their original shine.
3. SPOTTING BEST-SELLERS
It's impossible to work at CINCO without keeping an eye on jewelry trends. Over time, we've developed an instinct for identifying which pieces will become best-sellers in new launches. It's the little details — design, wearability, versatility — that we pick up over time, and we usually don't miss.
4. THE ART OF JEWELRY LAYERING
Why wear just one necklace, one bracelet, or one pair of earrings when you can stack and layer jewelry to create your own personal style?
Layering jewelry is one of the best ways to make your look more cohesive and express your individuality. Having the ability to mix and match silver and gold jewelry, combine different chain lengths, and stack rings and bracelets makes all the difference in creating a signature style.
Layering tips:
- Mix different necklace lengths for dimension
- Stack delicate rings on multiple fingers
- Combine silver and gold for a modern, mixed-metal look
- Layer bracelets of varying widths and textures
These are the insider lessons that transformed how I see and wear jewelry. From understanding the handmade craftsmanship to mastering the art of layering, working at CINCO has deepened my appreciation for every piece.
Explore our collections: Best-Sellers | Necklaces | Earrings | Rings | Bracelets
cláudia cavaleiro the editor in chief for CINCO editorial. born in '82 in coimbra, she is graduated in philosophy from the university of coimbra. passionate about books and podcasts in a geek kind of way, she always find something interesting to research. loves to bring awareness to social problems and loves working at CINCO!
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