Care for your jewelry
The complete guide to clean and care for your jewelry to help them last longer.
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Gold Plated
WHAT IS GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY?
Gold-plated jewelry means the piece has a thin layer of gold (around 0.5 micron thick) applied over a based metal like brass or copper. Brass is typically made by combining copper, zinc, and occasionally nickel. Base metals in brass, especially nickel can cause allergies. However, depending on the type of plating (gold or rhodium), the thickness of the plating, and how the jewelry piece is cared for, it could last longer. The general rule of thumb is the thicker the coating, the higher quality the product and the more durable and can last longer.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics. Remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wipe the jewelry clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest. However, be sure to not over-polish, use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners as this could be abrasive on the plating.
Gold Vermeil
WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL JEWELRY?
Gold vermeil (ver-may) jewelry means the piece has a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns thick) applied over a base metal made with sterling silver. The general rule of thumb is the thicker the coating, the higher quality the product and the more durable and can last longer.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics. Remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wipe the jewelry clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest. However, be sure to not over-polish, use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners as this could be abrasive on the plating.
Gold Filled
WHAT IS GOLD FILLED JEWELRY?
Gold filled jewelry means the piece has a thick layer of gold (around 5% of the total volume) applied over a based metal like brass or copper. Brass is typically made by combining copper, zinc, and occasionally nickel. Base metals in brass, especially nickel can cause allergies. However, depending on the type of plating (gold or rhodium), the thickness of the plating, and how the jewelry piece is cared for, it could last longer. The general rule of thumb is the thicker the coating, the higher quality the product and the more durable and can last longer. Compared to gold-plated and gold vermeil, gold filled jewelry is great for everyday wear and used as medium to long term staple pieces.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Gold filled jewelry can be great everyday wear, but to preserve it for a longer time, be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wipe the jewelry clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest. However, be sure to not over-polish, use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners as this could be abrasive on the plating.
Solid Gold (14k, 18k, 24k gold)
WHAT IS SOLID GOLD JEWELRY?
When solid gold jewelry is cared for, it can last forever. The difference between 14k and 19k gold is in the gold purity, which also affects their color and durability. 14k gold typically has around 58% pure gold and 18k contains 75% pure gold. The higher gold content makes 18k gold pieces softer and more expensive and also gives it a richer, warmer yellow color.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Solid gold jewelry can be great everyday wear, but to preserve it for a longer time, be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wipe the jewelry clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe of use for solid gold jewelry.
Sterling Silver
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER JEWELRY?
Sterling silver jewelry means the piece is made with a lightweight metal made of 92.5% pure silver. It is great for everyday wear.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Sterling silver jewelry can be great everyday wear, but to preserve it for a longer time, be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wipe the jewelry clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest. To remove tarnish, buff gently with a polishing cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use on silver jewelry.
Pieces made of oxidized silver (generally darker in color), dry clean without water or cleaning polish to avoid rubbing off the special finish on these pieces.
Stainless Steel
WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY?
Stainless steel jewelry means the piece is made from a combination of metals typically composing of iron, chromium, and potentially other elements like nickel and carbon. Chromium forms the protective layer making it resistant to rust and corrosion. It is great for everyday wear.
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe, dry place such as an anti-tarnish case. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Stainless steel jewelry can be great everyday wear, but to preserve it for a longer time, be sure to avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Wash the jewelry gently and clean regularly with a soft cloth before putting it away to rest.
Pearls
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe place. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Clean regularly by applying some water with a soft cloth and wiping the pearls before putting it away to rest.
Stones and Gemstones
HOW TO STORE?
Store in a safe place. This will help to protect the jewelry when it is not being worn. Avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions or cosmetics and remove when swimming, showering or exercising.
HOW TO CLEAN?
Clean regularly by applying some water with a soft cloth and wiping the stones before putting it away to rest.