Jewelry Care and Nina Kuna Designs FAQ:

What are Tahitian Pearls?

Tahitian Pearls are grown in the languid, warm waters of French Polynesian in the large black-lipped oysters named Pinctada Margaritifera. They are rare due to their sensitive nature, only producing under these perfect conditions. Even if the pearl survives to maturity, matching the pearls to make a pair can be a task, let alone a grouping of pearls, or most rare, a strand of Tahitian Pearls.   Nina Kuna Designs offers a modern and very wearable line of Tahitian Pearl jewelry. Our designs call for  semi-baroque Tahitian Pearls, meaning that they are irregular or slightly abstract. Each pearl is blessed with incredible nacre and color.

What is Rhodium Plated sterling silver?

Rhodium Plated sterling silver is the highest industry standard for sterling silver jewelry. Rhodium is a precious metal and is a member of the Platinum family. Rhodium plating is used to provide a surface that will resist scratches and tarnish and give a white, reflective appearance. World renowned jewelers such as Tiffany’s only offer Rhodium plated sterling silver. Nina Kuna Designs is also proud to offer Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver for 2010! All cast pendants and included chains are rhodium plated sterling silver, guaranteeing lasting wear and sparkle.

What is 14K gold filled?

14K gold filled materials has 100 times more gold than in gold plated materials.  By law, gold filled materials must have 1/20^th by weight layer of 14 karat gold permantly bonded over a core of base metal. Unlike gold plate, gold fill will not peel, flake or wear off under normal wear and is safe for most people with sensitive skin who can  only wear solid 14K gold jewelry. Nina Kuna Designs only uses 14K gold filled materials, unless Vermeil is used.

What is vermeil?

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is the highest industry standard for gilding sterling silver with  10, 14, 18, 22 or 24K gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold must be at least 10 carat and be at least 2.5 micrometers thick over sterling silver. In 2010 Nina Kuna Designs proudly presents 14K gold and 14K rose-gold vermeil pendants.

How do I take care of my jewelry?

Your jewelry should always be kept in a jewelry box or an airtight container. Sterling silver should be cleaned if tarnishing appears with a jewelry cloth. Remember that open air and humidity for extended periods of time can cause it to tarnish quickly so be sure to store it.  14K gold-filled will last a lifetime if taken care of properly, just like solid gold. Remember that salt water, chlorine in swimming pools, soap and perspiration take their toll on all fine jewelry, even solid gold pieces. Wipe with a jewelry cloth if your pieces need a little brightening up. Same with vermeil jewelry. If your silver, gold-filled or vermeil pieces need some more cleaning, line a small bowl with tin foil and add about one quart of hot water and 1 tablespoon of Tide washing powder (not liquid or with bleach). Soak the jewelry for about a minute, then rise with clean water and air dry. 

To care for pearls, do not store pearls in an airtight container (such as a zip lock bag) as they need to breath.  Also, do not store pearls with other jewelry or diamonds, as they can scratch the nacre. Place them in a small jewelry bag or non abrasive bag.  After you wear your pearls, wipe the pearls with a soft, damp cotton cloth and allow to air dry before storing them. Do not place pearls in ultrasonic cleaners or harsh detergents.  Be sure to wipe the metals periodically with a jewelry cloth.

Will you repair my Nina Kuna Designs jewelry?

Yes! We will gladly repair your piece free of charge up to two years. Simply mail to:

3381A Kihapai Place Makawao, HI 96768

and we will gladly repair and ship back to you free of charge.

Go Back