CARE & MATERIALS
All Les Beads pieces are handmade to order in our studio. We prioritise a sustainable production process that minimises waste, which is why we introduce our designs in curated drops. It’s important to us to deliver pieces crafted from carefully selected materials that will last alongside your most treasured accessories.
MATERIALS
Each Les Beads drop is designed with the intention of creating timeless pieces that can last, subtle designs with minimal waste and carefully selected materials. Our pieces are crafted from responsibly sourced materials. We aim to minimize waste in the production process, and therefore, many of our pieces are handmade to order.
Sterling Silver
We choose Sterling Silver as our base material, this is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure Silver and 7.5% Copper, it is way more durable than pure silver alone, because 100% silver is soft and tends to deform with time.
You can identify Sterling Silver by the stamp “925” (our gold plated finishing also has this stamp as it is Sterling Silver coated with a thick gold 18-karat layer).
The nature of Sterling Silver is that it can oxidise when it comes into contact with air and therefore Gold plated and Silver jewellery can both be prone to tarnishing. This is not a fault but the nature of the material and can be easily remedied. We recommend gently rubbing your pieces with a specialised jewellery cleaning cloth to restore its shine and keep it looking at its best.
Care
To keep your 24 karat gold-plated or sterling silver heirlooms as shiny as possible, we advise you to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics.
Swimming, showering or exercise is not recommended whilst wearing jewellery, as it will tarnish the metals over time.
Store it in a cool, dry place - preferably its box - to preserve its strength, as it preserves yours.
Wipe your jewellery clean with soft cloth before putting it away to rest.
All our pieces are available in Sterling Silver if you never want to take them off, come rain or shine.
We also offer a repairs service for all our jewellery. Please contact@lesbeads.com our Clients Team will be happy to assist you.
Freshwater Pearls
We choose pearls that are unique and natural, varying in shape and size, which is a feature of beauty.
Freshwater pearls are more gentle to the environment than saltwater for many reasons.
Unlike traditional pearl harvesting, which involves diving into oceans and disrupting ecosystems, cultured freshwater pearls are cultivated in controlled environments. This process significantly reduces the ecological impact while still yielding exquisite gems that rival their natural counterparts.
Care
To clean your pearls, use a small quantity of cleansing liquid on a delicate cloth, and softly wipe them with a damp sponge.
Prevent contact of gold-plated or sterling silver components with soap or water.
Handle with care and love. When on the go, shield them in the box or pouch provided.
Even though pearls belong to water, remember the finishes are made of metal that can tarnish when swimming in salty or chlorinated water. So, make sure you take them off, as well as before doing any sweaty activities.
If you do get them wet, clean with mineral water and dry with a clean cloth.
Avoid applying make up removers, creams, body lotions, hairspray or perfume when wearing. But, who can live without these products? Make sure you let dry any of these before you put your jewellery on your skin.
Faceted Crystals
Crafted from the finest "Italian Vetro" with chic clear coloured look, these faceted spheres are a great way to spark and it is a sustainable alternative to acrylic or other plastics. Unlike glass, crystal has has a clear tint to it and reflects light in a better way.
We have paired them with our exquisite ultra-fine 925 silver cord plated in either silver finishing or 18k gold.
Vetro crystal colours are unique and may vary slightly in tone, this is not a defect but a reflection of its artisanal nature.
Care
These crystal beads are delicate and can be scratched if rubbed against sharp surfaces of other abrasive materials. Therefore, make sure that you handle them with care and love. When on the go, shield them in the pouch provided or other cloth.
Make sure your skin has dried thoroughly before wearing. Refrain from using makeup removers, creams, lotions, hairspray, or perfume while wearing.