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925 sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, primarily copper. This composition is the international standard for quality jewelry.

Pure 100% silver would be too soft to withstand daily wear — the copper alloy provides the necessary hardness and durability without compromising silver's natural beauty.

Every Broken Hearts piece bears the "925" hallmark alongside our maker's mark, guaranteeing material authenticity.

The 925 silver we use contains nickel levels significantly below the limits established by the European REACH Regulation (EU 1907/2006), which sets the maximum permitted release at 0.5 µg/cm²/week.

Most people with nickel sensitivity can wear our jewelry without issues. However, if you have confirmed hypersensitivity or severe allergies, we recommend:

• Consulting your dermatologist before purchase
• Contacting us at support@brokenhearts.co for specific information about the product you're interested in

Yes, tarnishing is a natural process and not a defect. When sterling silver comes into contact with sulfur compounds present in air, moisture, perfumes, or even certain foods, a thin layer of silver sulfide forms on the surface, appearing as dulling or darkening.

This reaction actually confirms your jewelry is genuine silver. Tarnish affects only the surface, never the underlying metal, and can always be removed with simple polishing.

Oxidized silver, also called blackened or antiqued silver, is 925 silver that has been intentionally treated with chemicals (typically liver of sulfur or potassium sulfide solutions) to accelerate the oxidation process and create a dark finish.

This technique is used to:

• Highlight textures and intricate design details
• Create visual depth and contrast
• Give a distinctive vintage or gothic aesthetic

The dark patina is a design feature, not a defect. With wear, areas most exposed to friction will gradually lighten, revealing the bright silver underneath — a natural evolution that adds character to the piece.

We source exclusively from certified Italian suppliers who comply with European regulations on precious metal traceability. The 925 silver we use comes from accredited refineries that guarantee purity and ethical sourcing.

Any stones or decorative elements are selected with the same attention to quality and responsible origin.

All Broken Hearts jewelry is designed and modeled in-house, then handcrafted in Italy by an exclusive partner goldsmith workshop. Our headquarters are in Naples, where every piece is designed before being entrusted to an exclusive artisan partner.

Italy boasts a goldsmithing tradition spanning over 2,700 years, from the Etruscans through medieval guilds to today's master craftspeople. Cities like Valenza, Arezzo, Vicenza, and Naples are recognized worldwide as centers of jewelry excellence.

Every production phase — from initial design to final finishing — takes place on Italian soil, ensuring adherence to the quality standards and regulations that have made "Made in Italy" synonymous with excellence.

Every Broken Hearts piece goes through a process combining traditional techniques and time-refined artisan skills. Design and 3D modeling are handled in-house by our team, while physical production is entrusted to an exclusive partner goldsmith workshop in Italy:

1. Design & Planning (Broken Hearts)

Each piece begins as a concept in our studio, developed through hand sketching and 3D modeling, digitally refined until proportions and details are perfect.

2. Wax Modeling (Partner Laboratory)

The design is translated into a three-dimensional wax model, sculpted with precision tools to capture every detail.

3. Lost Wax Casting

The wax model is coated with refractory plaster and heated to approximately 720°C. The wax melts away, leaving a perfect cavity. Molten 925 silver is then poured into this mold, taking on the exact original design.

4. Hand Finishing

After casting, skilled craftspeople cut, file, and polish each piece through progressive stages — from 220 grit to 1200 — before final buffing creates our distinctive finish.

5. Surface Treatments

Depending on the design, pieces may receive oxidation, gold plating, rhodium plating, or other special finishes.

6. Quality Control

Every single piece is individually inspected before receiving the Broken Hearts hallmark and being prepared for shipping.

All our jewelry is made to order. We don't maintain stock: each piece is specially created for you after order and payment confirmation.

This approach means:

• Uniqueness — Every piece is literally made for you
• Freshness — No pieces sit in storage for months
• Customization — We can adapt sizes and, upon request, offer personalizations
• Sustainability — We only produce what's actually ordered, reducing waste

Production times are typically 4-10 working days, plus shipping time.

Variations are the signature of authentic handcraft, not defects. When skilled artisans shape each piece individually — filing edges, defining details, applying finishes — no two pieces can be perfectly identical.

These subtle differences prove your jewelry was touched by human hands rather than stamped by machines. They make each piece genuinely one-of-a-kind. The uniformity of mass production cannot replicate this character — what Italian craftsmen call the "soul" of handmade work.

Variations may include:

• Subtle differences in surface texture
• Minor size variations (±0.5mm)
• Nuances in oxidation or polish degree
• Small differences in weight

Gold plating is an electrochemical process called electroplating that deposits a layer of gold onto the silver jewelry surface. Here's how it works:

The Process

The jewelry is immersed in a solution containing gold ions. Through the passage of electric current, gold ions migrate and deposit onto the base metal surface, creating a uniform coating.

Preparation

Before plating, each piece is thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and often treated with a layer of nickel or palladium that acts as a barrier and improves gold adhesion.

Thickness

Coating thickness is measured in microns (µm). One micron equals one thousandth of a millimeter. Greater thickness means longer durability:

• Flash plating: 0.1-0.3 µm (economical, limited durability)
• Standard plating: 0.5-1 µm
• Quality plating: 1-2.5 µm
• Gold Vermeil: minimum 2.5 µm (highest standard)

Gold Vermeil (pronounced "ver-MAY") represents the highest standard for gold-layered jewelry. To be classified as vermeil, a piece must meet three specific criteria:

• Sterling silver base (925)
• At least 10-karat gold purity
• Minimum 2.5 micron thickness — five times thicker than standard plating

The fundamental difference from common gold plating? The sterling silver base means that even when the gold eventually wears, you still have quality precious metal underneath — and pieces can be professionally re-plated.

With proper care, vermeil maintains its appearance for 3-5 years or longer, compared to 6-12 months for thin plating.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is an advanced finishing technology where gold-toned compounds are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited atom by atom onto the jewelry. This creates a molecular bond significantly more resistant than traditional electroplating.

PVD Advantages

• Superior hardness: HV 200-300 versus HV 50-100 for standard plating — dramatically superior scratch resistance
• Better adhesion: The atomic-level bond makes the coating more resistant to peeling
• Eco-friendly: The process doesn't use harsh chemicals
• Uniformity: Extremely even coverage even on complex surfaces

With proper care, PVD coatings maintain their appearance for 2-5 years.

Durability depends on several factors: coating thickness, frequency of wear, exposure to aggressive substances, and jewelry care.

Gold-plated jewelry requires gentler treatment than solid silver to preserve its finish:

Essential Rules

• Remove before water exposure — showers, pools, ocean swimming accelerate wear
• Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products
• Clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after wearing (never abrasive materials)
• Store individually to prevent scratching
• Put on last — after applying makeup, perfume, and hair products

Never Use

• Silver polish
• Jewelry cleaning solutions (dips)
• Ultrasonic cleaners
• Abrasive cloths

These products strip the gold layer.

Yes, jewelry with a 925 silver base can be professionally re-plated to restore its original appearance when the plating shows signs of wear.

We offer a re-plating service for Broken Hearts pieces. Contact us at support@brokenhearts.co for pricing and timing information.

The process includes:

• Surface cleaning and preparation
• Removal of residual old plating
• Application of new coating
• Final polishing

Method 1 — Measure an existing ring

Take a ring that fits well and place it on a ruler. Measure the inner diameter in millimeters. Match to our size chart.

Method 2 — String or paper strip

1. Wrap a non-stretchy string or paper strip around your finger's base, ensuring it passes over your knuckle
2. Mark where the string overlaps
3. Measure the length in millimeters
4. Divide by 3.14 to get the diameter, then match to the chart

For accurate measurement:

• Measure in late afternoon when fingers are largest
• Measure at room temperature (cold shrinks fingers, heat swells them)
• Your dominant hand typically runs ½ size larger

When in doubt, always choose the larger size. A slightly loose ring can be adjusted with sizing inserts, while a too-tight ring requires professional modification (if possible) or won't be comfortable to wear.

Also consider:

• Fingers swell with heat, humidity, and after meals
• Wide bands (over 6mm) fit tighter — consider a half size up
• If you want to wear the ring on different fingers, choose the larger size

Wide bands cover more finger surface, creating a tighter feel than narrow rings of identical inner diameter. The wider the band, the more it contacts skin on both sides.

Recommended adjustments by width:

• Under 3mm: Standard size
• 3-5mm: Consider a quarter to half size up
• 6-8mm: Go up half a size
• Over 8mm: Go up half to a full size

Choosing the right size for a gift can be tricky. Here are some tips:

• Borrow an existing ring that the person wears on the desired finger and measure it
• Ask a family member or friend who might know their size
• Trace the ring impression on paper while the person sleeps (if you live together)
• When in doubt, go larger — it's easier to size down than up

Necklace Lengths

Bracelet Lengths

Measure your wrist with a tape measure and add:

• +1 cm for a snug fit
• +1.5-2 cm for a comfortable fit (recommended)
• +2.5+ cm for a loose fit

Daglige Vaner

• Ta på sist — etter at parfyme, lotion og hårspray har tørket
• Ta av før du sover, trener eller gjør rent
• Tørk av med en myk klut etter bruk for å fjerne oljer og rester

Oppbevaring

• Oppbevar hvert smykke i individuelle poser eller rom (forhindrer riper og floker)
• Bruk lufttette beholdere eller antioksiderende poser
• Legg til silicagelpakker eller antioksiderende strimler for ekstra beskyttelse
• Hold unna varmekilder og direkte sollys

Rengjøring

• Lett oksidering: Polér forsiktig med en sølvpusseklut
• Moderat oksidering: Vask med lunkent vann og mild såpe, tørk helt
• Kraftig oksidering: Profesjonell rengjøring anbefales, eller bruk en sølvspesifikk løsning

For å maksimere levetiden til smykkene dine, unngå kontakt med:

Kjemikalier

• Klor — svømmebassenger, badebassenger, rengjøringsmidler
• Parfyme og kosmetikk — påfør alltid før du tar på smykker
• Hårprodukter — hårspray, gel, sjampo
• Rengjøringsmidler for hjemmet — blekemiddel, ammoniakk, avfettingsmidler
• Solkrem og insektmiddel

Aktiviteter

• Svømming — hav, bassenger, spa
• Sport og treningsstudio — svette akselererer oksidering
• Manuelt arbeid — hagearbeid, rengjøring, gjør-det-selv
• Dusje og bade
• Sove med smykker — kan forårsake deformasjon og brudd

Oksidert sølv er bevisst mørklagt for å skape dybde og kontrast — patinaen er et designelement, ikke en feil.

Stell- og Vedlikeholdsinstruksjoner

• Rengjør kun med mild såpe og en myk børste
• Unngå sølvpuss, pussekluter og smykkebad — de fjerner den mørke finishen
• Forvent at soner med høy slitasje gradvis avslører det lyse sølvet undernunder — denne "levde" utviklingen er normal og gir karakter

Hvis oksidasjonen på stykket ditt falmer betydelig, kontakt oss for informasjon om re-oksidasjonstjenester.

Siden alle smykkene våre er laget på bestilling, inkluderer de totale tidene produksjon + frakt:

Produksjon

4-10 arbeidsdager avhengig av kompleksiteten til det bestilte stykket.

Frakt

• Italia: 2 arbeidsdager via ekspressbud (UPS)
• Europa: 3-5 arbeidsdager
• Resten av verden: 5-10 arbeidsdager

Bestillinger klargjøres for forsendelse den arbeidsdagen etter at produksjonen er fullført. For bestillinger mottatt innen kl. 16:00 skjer forsendelsen samme dag som ferdigstillelsen.

Fraktkostnader beregnes automatisk ved kassen basert på destinasjon. Alle forsendelser er sporbare og forsikrede.

For detaljerte priser per land, sjekk den dedikerte seksjonen under utsjekk eller kontakt oss.

Du vil motta en e-post med sporingsnummeret så snart pakken din er levert til budtjenesten. Du kan følge forsendelsen i sanntid på transportørens nettside.

Hvis du ikke mottar sporings-e-posten innen forventet tid, sjekk spam-mappen din eller kontakt oss på support@brokenhearts.co.

Den europeiske union: Ingen ekstra avgifter eller skatter — prisene inkluderer mva.

Utenfor EU (UK, USA, Sveits osv.): Bestillinger kan være underlagt tollavgifter, importskatter og administrative gebyrer. Disse kostnadene fastsettes av lokale myndigheter i destinasjonslandet og er utelukkende kundens ansvar.

Vi anbefaler å sjekke landets tollregler før du bestiller. Vi har ingen kontroll over disse kostnadene og kan ikke forutse dem nøyaktig.

Produktene våre lages på bestilling, spesifikt for hver enkelt kunde. Av den grunn, i henhold til art. 59, nr. 1, bokstav c) i forbrukerloven, varierer returpolicyen etter produkttype:

IKKE-returnerbare Produkter

• Ringer — laget til spesifikke mål
• Øredobber — av hygieniske årsaker
• Personaliserte produkter — graveringer, tilpasninger på forespørsel

Andre Made-to-Order Produkter

For halskjeder, anheng, armbånd og andre artikler aksepterer vi ikke returer ved simpel angrerett, gitt den personaliserte naturen av produksjon på bestilling.

Defekter og Manglende Samsvar

Ved produksjonsfeil eller åpenbare avvik fra bestillingen din har du 48 timer fra mottak til å rapportere problemet med fotografisk dokumentasjon. Vi vurderer hvert enkelt tilfelle og tilbyr gratis henting, reparasjon, erstatning eller refusjon.

For fullstendige detaljer, se våre Vilkår og Betingelser.

Vi beklager veldig hvis bestillingen din kom skadet. Følg disse trinnene:

1. Dokumenter skaden — ta detaljerte bilder av smykket, emballasjen og eventuelle synlige skader
2. Ikke forsøk reparasjoner — dette kan kompromittere vår vurdering
3. Kontakt oss innen 48 timer — send e-post til support@brokenhearts.co med ordrenummer og bilder

Vi vurderer saken og tilbyr den mest passende løsningen: gratis henting, reparasjon, erstatning eller refusjon.

Alle Broken Hearts produkter er dekket av den lovpålagte samsvargarantien på 24 måneder i henhold til artiklene 128-135 i den italienske forbrukerloven.

Hva garantien dekker

• Produksjons- eller materialfeil
• Manglende samsvar med beskrivelsen på nettstedet
• Fravær av lovede eller rimelig forventede egenskaper

Hva garantien IKKE dekker

• Skader fra feil bruk, uaktsomhet eller uforsiktighet
• Slag, riper, utilsiktede deformasjoner
• Eksponering for kjemiske stoffer (parfyme, rengjøringsmidler, klor)
• Normal slitasje fra daglig bruk
• Naturlig oksidering av sølv
• Slitasje av forgylling ved bruk

Ja, vi tilbyr reparasjonstjenester for Broken Hearts smykker. Send detaljerte bilder av skaden til support@brokenhearts.co for å motta et gratis tilbud innen 48 timer.

Tilgjengelige tjenester

• Reparasjon av låser og kroker
• Lodding og rekonstruksjon
• Polering og finish
• Ny belegging
• Re-oksidering
• Profesjonell rengjøring

• Kreditt-/debetkort — Visa, Mastercard, American Express via Shopify Payments
• Digitale lommebøker — Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay
• Klarna — Betal i 3 rentefrie avdrag (underlagt godkjenning)
• Bankoverføring — Detaljer gis etter bestilling; produksjon starter ved mottak av betaling
• Kryptovaluta — USDC

Klarna lar deg dele kjøpet ditt i 3 rentefrie betalinger over 6 uker:

1. Velg Klarna ved kassen
2. Oppgi nødvendig informasjon for umiddelbar godkjenning (myk kredittkontroll — påvirker ikke kredittscoren din)
3. Første betaling belastes umiddelbart; de to resterende automatisk hver 2. uke
4. Motta påminnelser via e-post og Klarna-appen

For returer: Når vi behandler returen din, oppdaterer Klarna automatisk. Resterende betalinger settes på pause til saken er løst.

Absolutt. Vår kasse bruker banknivå-kryptering (SSL/TLS) for å beskytte all dataoverføring. Vi bruker Shopify Payments med 3D Secure-verifisering og samme teknologi som beskytter banktransaksjoner.

Kortopplysningene dine behandles sikkert og lagres aldri på serverne våre. Broken Hearts har aldri tilgang til kundenes fullstendige betalingskortdata.