FABRICS & CARE guide

Our preferred FABRICS & KNOW-HOW

Our innovative and timeless collections arise from a sophisticated and playful fusion of avant-garde design, artisanal craftsmanship and high-end technologies.

Each piece of jewelry is carefully handcrafted and metamorphosed in our Parisian studio with a responsive ethically, eco-friendly and sustainably approach. We are using this high quality materials partially issue from recycling or upcycling.

Our favorite materials are Rubber (since 2000) and "Green" Recycled Acrylic, an extremely high-quality acrylic made from 100% recycled pre- and post-consumer acrylic. It's the most sustainable and especially green choice in the "acrylic world".

ACRYLIC

Acrylic is a perfect lightweight alternative to glass, making it more comfortable to wear. We ennoble every single element to accomplish an impeccable high-end jewelry with a meticulous attention to the most intricate details with the emphasis being on high quality workmanship.

Atelier_gestes_acrylic

RUBBER

We introduced rubber, this unconventional material in our collections and the french jewelry industrie at the dawn of 21 century. Innovation and agility are our hallmarks. We make use of exclusive color treatment of the acrylic & rubber, through the manual process, to produce a sophisticated & spectacular range of color palettes and textured tactile finish for some limited editions and one of a kind pieces with “soft glass” trompe-l’oeil effect. 

Alex+Svet workshop process

CARE GUIDE
How should you care for your Rubber and Acrylic jewelry?
 

All kinds of jewelry need some kind of upkeep, but Rubber and Acrylic jewelry needs its own special care. To make your Rubber and Acrylic jewelry long-lasting and to keep it in top condition for as long as possible, we have some tips and tricks for you.

Each ALEX+SVET piece is treated in order to give them an original aspect. The slight surface distortions or colour changes and variations are due to a special treatment and are considered as “artistically” correct.

Now, these aren’t rules so much as tips and do-them-as-often -as-you-can recommendations.

If we could all follow these rules all the time our jewelry would last a loooooong time (especially if the jewelry is high quality in the first place).

So to start, let's talk other things to avoid:

Of course, remember to remove your jewelry when you put perfume or cream to avoid direct contact.

Extreme Heat and heat sources (Sun or heating)

And while leaving your Rubber jewelry out in the sun isn’t the end of the world—and the minor heat won’t ruin the piece—UV rays it can damage some rubber color during very very long exposure and may change the flexibility of the rubber.

Sharp Objects (abrasive sponge, sandpaper) and domesticated animals with claws

Anything with a sharp edge can scratch the surface of Acrylic and can cut the rubber.

Submerging in Liquids (even if it is just water) 

This one is not just Rubber and Acrylic jewelry-specific.

Wearing any jewelry in the shower, pool, etc, will cause tarnishing to happen more quickly than normal. Basically, don't submerge in liquids with your jewelry. So, water doesn't have a negative effect on rubber, but it does encourage tarnish on metal or acrylic.

Aggressive Chemicals (solvents, acetone or chlorine...)

Chemicals such as acetone are known to "eat" plastic. Alcohol, while useful at cleaning the metal parts of jewelry, can potentially damage the surface of Acrylic or rubber, too. Perfume, which is often alcohol-based, is also a substance to avoid.

Alex+Svet long necklaces ambiance

 

How to clean and store our jewelry

Cleaning

For Acrylic jewelry use the soft microfiber cloth (as for your glasses).

For Rubber jewelry specially in light or opaque white color obviously more fragile than the others (like your white T-shirts, white jeans, white sneakers etc) clean with warm, slightly soapy water and wipe immediately.

About Oils (from human skin)

Oils seem harmless right? Well, the main culprit is actually the oils from human skin—especially for earrings or chokers which are often surrounded by hair and pick up oils from that as well. Including the Rubber bracelets that touch the skin directly (on the condition of long-term use).

Necklaces, especially long ones that lay over your dress all the time, are less affected.

So, a great way to take care of this is with mild dish soap (in very small quantities) made to cut through grease. With some warm water it can remove oils. Use a soft non-abrasive cloth or sponge and wipe immediately.

Storage

When not wearing your jewelry, store them awayfrom sources of sunlight, heat and moisture. This helps to preserve the longevity. 

You can store your jewelry in a dresser drawer in a jewelry organizer or in zip-lock pocket. To reduce scratching and tarnishing, store your pieces individually.

We just ask for special attention to "fringed" necklaces or long necklaces. The rubber has "shape memory" if it is stored as "crumpled", it will keep the "crumpled" shape. To avoid any deformationi we advise you to store them flat or hanging (possible on hangers with your dresses). This may seem confusing when you read in this post that the “extreme heat” is good to avoid but boiling 'tea" water is actually fine with rubber in my experience, precisely to flatten the fringes. Please proceed with caution, immerse very quickly (3-5 sec.) in the bowl and wipe immediately.

TO RESUME

Nobody is perfect about taking care of their jewelry. But make do and go as far as you can. If you follow these care instructions, then you will have a lot of fun with our jewelry and enjoy the great color for a long time.

One of the best ways to keep ALEX+SVET amazing jewelry is to wear it.

For further questions please contact us via the contact form.