How to Care for Your Jewelry

You've treated yourself to something beautiful, perhaps even started a small collection—but do you know how to properly care for your jewelry?

Most of our jewelry is made from sterling silver, specifically Ag 925/1000. Silver is a metal that naturally oxidizes over time. Oxidation, or the darkening of silver jewelry—including gold-plated pieces—is not a manufacturing defect. It is a natural chemical reaction caused by exposure to various compounds, especially sulfur in the air, as well as chemicals found in medications, cosmetics, detergents, and household cleaning products. Dusty environments can also contribute to oxidation.

In most cases, oxidation appears as a blackened surface on the jewelry. While silver remains more stable in dry, clean air, humid conditions accelerate oxidation. The speed of oxidation can also be influenced by factors such as skin type and the substances silver comes into contact with. The good news is that oxidation is not irreversible—silver can be easily and quickly cleaned with a special jewelry cleaning cloth, available on our e-shop or at most jewelry stores. You can also use silver cleaning solutions, but we do not recommend them for jewelry containing pearls, coral, any gemstones or minerals, or leather or fabric components. Even gold-plated silver jewelry can oxidize over time.

How to Protect Jewelry from Oxidation and Damage

Wearing your jewelry frequently can actually help prevent oxidation, as it is naturally polished by contact with your skin and clothing. However, if you store silver jewelry in a jewelry box for an extended period, it is likely to oxidize.

When storing jewelry, it is best to wipe it with a dry, soft cloth to remove any dirt, sweat, or oils.

Jewelry boxes are not ideal for long-term storage of unworn pieces. Unworn jewelry should be protected from air and humidity. Most jewelry boxes are made of cardboard and contain foam inserts that can absorb moisture from the air, accelerating oxidation. We recommend storing jewelry individually in small, resealable plastic bags after cleaning.

Pure silver jewelry without plating can generally handle contact with clean, cold water. However, exposure to soaps, oils, shampoos, and cosmetics can trigger chemical reactions that may alter the jewelry’s color. While this doesn’t happen often, it is possible. If you notice a color change, consider what products the jewelry may have come into contact with and avoid them in the future.

It’s best to put on jewelry after applying cosmetics and styling your hair. Sprays, hairsprays, dry shampoos, and perfumes all leave residues on jewelry surfaces.

Silver is a precious metal but also relatively soft, so it requires careful handling. Our jewelry designs are delicate, so please be mindful of how you wear and store them. Never carry jewelry in your pockets or wallets, as this can cause tangling and damage. Avoid exposing your jewelry to excessive pressure or impact.

Many of our designs incorporate pearls, coral, and natural gemstones/minerals. These materials may seem durable but are actually fragile and delicate. Please handle them with care and protect them from impact and mechanical stress. It is advisable to remove your jewelry before playing sports, gardening, washing dishes, or cleaning.

For jewelry with engravings or stamped designs, the gold plating may be slightly compromised in those areas, making it more susceptible to moisture and chemicals. Before storing such jewelry in a dry, airtight place, be sure to wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.

If you’re purchasing jewelry as a gift for later, please store it carefully and check it before gifting. If any oxidation has occurred, simply clean it with a jewelry cloth so that it shines beautifully for the recipient.

Lastly, if you choose delivery to a pickup location, please collect your jewelry as soon as possible. Pickup locations may not always provide ideal storage conditions, and packages could be exposed to moisture or rain during transit. The sooner you retrieve your jewelry, remove it from the packaging, clean it, and admire it, the better!