Frequently Asked Questions about Ink and Shine Resin Jewellery
At Ink and Shine, we love to share the magic behind our handmade resin jewellery and accessories. We know you might have some questions about this unique art form, so we've compiled answers to the most common queries to help you understand and care for your beautiful pieces.
We're committed to transparency and quality, ensuring that every piece from Ink and Shine is not just an accessory, but a wearable work of art.
1. What is Resin Jewellery Made Of?
Ink and Shine jewellery is lovingly handcrafted using high-quality epoxy resin. This durable, clear material starts as a liquid and, when mixed with a hardener, undergoes a chemical reaction to cure into a solid, glass-like finish. We carefully embed various elements like pigments, inks, dried botanicals, and other unique inclusions to create our signature designs. Each piece is a unique blend of art and science, cured to perfection.
2. How is Handmade Resin Jewellery Created at Ink and Shine?
Our process at Ink and Shine is truly a labour of love. It begins with carefully mixing our epoxy resin and hardener in precise ratios. Then, we add our chosen colours, dried flowers or other special inclusions to achieve the desired effect. This mixture is then meticulously poured into moulds. We pay close attention to detail, from arranging inclusions to removing any tiny air bubbles. The pieces then undergo a crucial curing process, typically taking 24-72 hours to fully harden. Once cured, each piece is individually inspected, sometimes sanded or polished, and finally assembled with high-quality findings to become the unique Ink and Shine creation you adore.
3. Is Resin Jewellery Durable?
Yes, Ink and Shine resin jewellery is surprisingly durable! Once fully cured, our high-quality epoxy resin forms a strong, solid material that is resistant to minor impacts and scratches. While it can withstand everyday wear, like any cherished jewellery, it's not indestructible. We design our pieces to be enjoyed regularly, but we always recommend treating them with care to ensure their longevity.
4. Will My Resin Jewellery Yellow Over Time?
We use a premium-grade epoxy resin at Ink and Shine that contains UV inhibitors designed to significantly slow down the yellowing process. While all resin can eventually show some signs of aging with prolonged exposure to harsh UV light, our resin is formulated to be highly resistant to yellowing. To further preserve the vibrant colours and clarity of your Ink and Shine pieces, we recommend storing them out of direct sunlight when not in use (see care tips below).
5. Can Resin Jewellery Get Wet? Is it Waterproof?
Ink and Shine resin jewellery is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. This means it can handle splashes, rain, and hand washing, but we strongly advise against submerging your pieces in water for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, salt water or chlorinated water (like in showers, baths, swimming pools, or spas), can eventually dull the resin's shine, affect its integrity, and potentially tarnish any metal components. Always remove your Ink and Shine jewellery before swimming, showering, or washing dishes.
6. How Do I Clean My Ink and Shine Resin Jewellery?
Keeping your Ink and Shine pieces sparkling is simple! Gently wipe your resin jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth). For a deeper clean, you can use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Always dry your jewellery thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth immediately after cleaning. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, alcohol-based products (like hand sanitiser or perfume), or abrasive materials, as these can damage the resin's surface.
7. What Should I Avoid to Keep My Jewellery Looking Its Best?
To ensure your Ink and Shine pieces remain beautiful for years, avoid:
- Harsh Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, hairspray, hand sanitiser, and strong cleaning products can degrade the resin. Apply these products before putting on your jewellery.
- Extreme Heat: Do not expose your jewellery to prolonged direct sunlight, very hot water, or extreme heat sources (e.g., leaving it in a hot car). Resin can soften or warp under high temperatures.
- Abrasive Surfaces or Sharp Objects: These can scratch the resin surface. Store your jewellery in a soft pouch or a separate compartment to prevent scratches.
- Sleeping & Exercising: Remove your jewellery before bed or physical activity to prevent accidental damage or undue stress on the components.
8. Can Resin Jewellery Cause Allergic Reactions?
The resin used in Ink and Shine jewellery is fully cured, meaning it's inert and generally safe for wear once hardened. However, like with any jewellery, individual sensitivities to materials can vary. If you have known allergies to certain metals (our findings are typically stainless steel), please check the product descriptions carefully. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use.
9. Is Each Piece of Ink and Shine Jewellery Truly Unique?
Absolutely! As a handmade resin jewellery business, every single Ink and Shine piece is truly one-of-a-kind. While designs may be similar, the nature of resin means that elements like colour swirls, and the exact position of inclusions will always vary slightly. This is the beauty and charm of owning a handcrafted item – you're wearing a unique piece of art!
10. How Should I Store My Resin Jewellery?
Proper storage helps maintain the beauty of your Ink and Shine pieces. We recommend storing your resin jewellery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A jewellery box with separate compartments or individual soft pouches are ideal to prevent scratching and entanglement. Avoid storing them in humid environments like bathrooms.