FAQ
1. Why not 100% silver?
Pure silver is too soft and easily deforms. Alloying metals make jewelry stronger and more durable.
2. Why does silver darken?
Silver is a “living” metal that may darken over time. This does not mean that the jewelry is damaged or of poor quality. Tarnishing occurs naturally when silver reacts with air, moisture, sweat, cosmetics, or chemicals. It can be easily removed with a special polishing cloth or by professional cleaning, which you can order by contacting the SRIBNA LAVKA operators.
3. Is there a quality certificate?
According to Ukrainian legislation, quality certificates are not issued for precious metals. The authenticity of the metal is confirmed by the official state hallmark on each item.
Quality certificates are usually issued only for precious stones (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc.). If the jewelry does not contain such stones, a separate certificate is not required.
The quality of 925 sterling silver is confirmed by the hallmark. If desired, a customer can always verify the item free of charge at any jewelry workshop, jewelry store, or pawnshop.
4. Who is the manufacturer?
SRIBNA LAVKA is a Ukrainian brand of modern silver jewelry. Our factories are located in Ukraine, Italy, and Thailand. We cooperate only with trusted partners and control quality at every stage of production.
5. Why was the coating damaged? (rhodium plating peeled off)
Most likely, the rhodium coating wore off due to constant contact with water, perfumes, household chemicals, creams, or cosmetics that may contain alcohol or other solvents. We recommend avoiding such exposure as well as mechanical damage so the jewelry keeps its shine longer.
6. Why did a cubic zirconia or other stone fall out?
A cubic zirconia stone may fall out due to impact, strong mechanical stress, or frequent contact of the jewelry with hard surfaces. We recommend removing jewelry during active tasks to avoid such situations.
7. What does the S925 marking mean?
The S925 hallmark means the jewelry is made of 925 sterling silver. This means the alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additional metals (usually copper) to increase strength and durability.
This is an international marking commonly used in European and US markets, confirming the quality of the jewelry.
8. How does Trade-In (old-for-new exchange) work?
You can trade in your jewelry and exchange it for new pieces ❤️
When you trade in, you receive a fixed 25% discount (cannot be combined with other offers).
You can exchange your jewelry in SRIBNA LAVKA stores or send it via Nova Poshta. Shipping is covered by SRIBNA LAVKA.
After receiving your items, we conduct an assessment and calculate their value.
Stones and inserts weighing over 0.2 g are deducted from the total weight. Stones and inserts from SRIBNA LAVKA jewelry are not deducted.
After the evaluation, you receive a trade-in calculation, pay the difference or get a refund — and shine with your new jewelry ✨
For detailed information about the exchange, contact us via a convenient messenger: Viber, Telegram, or Instagram Direct.
9. Is there a customs fee for international shipments?
Customs fees are not included in the shipping cost and, if applicable, must be paid separately. The amount depends on the destination country and the current customs regulations.
10. What is rhodium plating?
It is a thin layer of the precious metal rhodium applied to silver jewelry. It gives the jewelry a bright white shine, protects silver from tarnishing, makes the surface more resistant to scratches, and reduces skin contact with the metal (important for sensitive skin).
11. What is gold plating?
A thin layer of gold applied to silver using the electroplating method. The gold coating adds a warm tone, making the jewelry look like real gold.
12. Does gold plating wear off?
A thin gold coating (electroplated gold) may wear off over time due to friction or improper care. We recommend removing jewelry during active activities to preserve the coating. Gold-plated items come with a 30-day warranty.
13. Does gold plating wear off?
Does gold plating wear off?
Gold plating is a thin layer of gold applied to silver, so over time it may gradually wear off. The speed of this process depends on how you wear and care for the jewelry.
Factors affecting wear:
Contact with water, perfumes, cosmetics
Frequent friction (e.g., rings or bracelets)
Individual skin characteristics (pH)
How to prolong the shine:
Remove jewelry before showering or exercising
Avoid contact with chemicals and perfumes
Store separately in a dry place
Good news: gold plating can be renewed — and your jewelry will look like new again.
14. What are gold inlays (gold sheets)?
You have probably noticed the “With Gold Inlays” subcategory. What is it? It is a silver base partially covered with gold (gold inlay or sheet). The thickness of the layer is on average 5–7 microns. Unlike gold plating (coating), the sheets do not wear off, and our brand provides a lifetime guarantee against wearing on such a coating. This type of product looks luxurious but is much more affordable than solid gold.
15. Czy złota wstawka się ściera?
Nie, jeśli jest to lutowana wstawka lub złota płytka. W SRIBNA LAVKA stosujemy warstwę o grubości 5–7 mikronów i zapewniamy dożywotnią gwarancję na ścieranie takich wstawek.
16. What is oxidized silver?
Silver that is specially treated (darkened) to create a vintage effect or to emphasize the deep relief of a pattern.
17. Are the pearls real?
Yes, we use only natural cultured freshwater pearls. They are grown on specialized farms and have a natural shine and unique shape.
18. What is a Shell Pearl?
A shell pearl is an artificial pearl, but it is made from natural nacre, which is obtained from the inner layer of sea shells.
The nacre is crushed, pressed, and formed into beads, which are then polished and buffed to give them a shine similar to that of real pearls.
This process exists because perfectly round natural pearls do not exist — it is the result of skilled jewelry craftsmanship.
Shell pearls are a high-quality alternative to natural pearls, made from natural material (shells) but handcrafted.
They have a beautiful luster, a uniform shape, and are perfect for everyday wear.
19. What is the difference between premium cubic zirconia and diamonds?
Premium-quality cubic zirconia (8A) has a light refraction index close to that of a natural diamond (~2.42). This means that light refracts through these stones just as effectively as in a diamond, creating a similar sparkle and brilliance. Premium cubic zirconia has a transparent color without any tint. They are produced under controlled laboratory conditions, which results in fewer inclusions and defects than natural diamonds.
Eco-friendliness: Producing 8A cubic zirconia is significantly less harmful to the environment than mining natural diamonds, making it a more responsible choice.