Vivienne Westwood Jewellery: A Brief History and Care Guide
About Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is world renown as one of the most unconventional and outspoken fashion designers around. Dame Vivienne rose to fame towards the end of the late 1970’s when her designs helped shape the look and style of the Punk Rock Movement. Her anti establishment views and way of life helped shape what is now one of England’s most long living fashion empires. Sadly in December 2022 at the age of 81, Vivienne Westwood passed away.
About Vivienne Westwood Jewellery
The range includes many different types of Jewellery, including Vivienne Westwood Earrings, Vivienne Westwood Bracelets, Vivienne Westwood Pendants and also Vivienne Westwood Watches. Not only does the brand focus on Jewellery, it also focuses on Clothing and Accessories, which only adds to the strength and popularity of Westwood products.
What is the Vivienne Westwood Orb?
The very familiar logo featured on most, if not all Vivienne Westwood Jewellery and clothing is named “ The Orb”. It was in Italy when Westwood, working on a piece for Prince Charles, found the perfect symbol and design for the brand.
Vivienne was working on a collection based on the styles and tradition of Royalty. When playing around with different styles that focused around the British insignia and the orb from the crown jewels, Westwood developed a symbol that would carry a sense of tradition and royalty.
She also wanted to develop the idea more and integrate the futuristic aesthetic to the symbol. In order to do this, Vivienne used the rings of Saturn to encapsulate the orb. Westwood had been inspired by images of the rings which she had seen in astronomy magazines. A Business partner described the logo as being perfect for the brand, as it encapsulated Vivienne’s wish to take tradition into the future.
How to Care for and clean your Vivienne Westwood Jewellery
All of our Vivienne Westwood Jewellery is genuine and beautifully hand-made. In order to take care of your Jewellery, keep it clean, and maintain its beautiful sparkle, we have a number of tips and guidelines for you to follow.
Cleaning:
To take care of your sterling silver pieces we would recommend regular cleaning using cleaning cloths specifically designed for Jewellery. Use the cloth in circular motions to remove dirt and debris build up. If you don’t have access to jewellery cloths you can use a regular cloth or soft tooth brush. You can dip them in lukewarm water mixed with a splash of washing up liquid. You should avoid using hard brushes and dip in silver cleaning solutions. This is because it could damage the piece, such as stones or parts of the item with oxidized finishes.
Preventing Oxidation:
Tarnishing can occur when sterling silver or imitation metals come into contact with different substances. Substances such as perfume, skin care products, hair products, chlorine and acids from your skin can damage and dullen the Jewellery over time.
You can help avoid oxidation by applying and letting perfume dry before putting on your Jewellery. You can also help by making sure you don’t spray any perfume or skincare products directly onto the jewellery. When washing and bathing, it is recommended you remove all jewellery, as some harsh chemicals can be found in soaps and body washes that can damage the item.
Storage:
The storage of your Jewellery is just as important as its up keep. Where possible, store your jewellery within clear and sealable containers. An air tight environment can help protect the item when its not in use and keep it safe and dry from any external elements.
You can also make sure you keep your jewellery stored in a bed room or wardrobe. Never store your jewellery a room with high humidity such as a bathroom. This is because it will increase oxidization and cause the piece to become damaged. If you accidentally leave the item in the bathroom after a shower or overnight, just use a jewellery cloth to wipe away any dampness and clean the item.
