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Caring for your Jewelry

The proper care, storage and cleaning of your jewelry will help maintain its appearance. Whether your piece has stones, pearls, or only precious metal, there are different methods to preserve your jewelry. 

Caring For Sterling Silver Jewelry 

(with or without 18k gold parts)

We are often asked "Will silver jewelry tarnish?" and the only answer is YES—Sterling silver jewelry will tarnish over time. The proper care, storage and cleaning of your jewelry will help maintain the appearance of your piece. 


Another popular question is "Do jewelers use rhodium plating?" and for our workshops, all but one do NOT. There are some black silver options available with our Stilvi workshop which are rhodium plated on only a few pieces to add contrast. All other workshops do not apply rhodium plate. Rhodium plating eventually wears off over time (and unevenly), allowing the silver underneath to start tarnishing, so our workshops avoid it.

It's natural for silver to turn "dark"

As sterling silver naturally oxidizes over time, this "look" is made deliberate in some pieces of jewelry. In fact, most of our 925 sterling silver pieces are intentionally pre-oxidized on the base surface—meant to have an antique "look," or to bring out contrast in the metal. With the shiny portions of silver, do not be alarmed if you start to see a buildup of tarnish. A very good buff cloth like the one available in our store will polish the silver and take the top layer of oxidization off of the piece. It will also add a bit of protection until the next buff.


Avoid hair/skin product contact
Always put on your jewelry last to avoid contact with hair products, perfumes, cosmetics or lotions. Over time these products will build residue on your jewelry.


Avoid water when possible
Do not wear your jewelry in the ocean, hot tub, sauna, pool, bath or shower as water, heat or chlorine may damage your piece.


Buffing is the preferred method
Use caution when using sterling silver cleansers or jewelry solvents, as they may remove the unique finish of your design. Be sure you are using a proper liquid cleanser. We only recommend a buff cloth.


Keep silver in plastic! Moisture accelerates silver tarnish
Exposure to air and humidity will increase the tarnishing of your jewelry. Silver kept in a presentation box or pouch without a moisture seal will tarnish just by sitting in its case. Store each piece separately in a zip lock bag (use the one we send your piece in!) to avoid contact and scratching from other jewelry. To keep your jewelry in its original form, use the treated buff cloth available in our store. 


Caring For Doublet Stones

Doublet stones in jewelry require specific care to ensure their longevity and maintain their appearance. 


Avoid Exposure to Chemicals
Doublet stones are composed of two layers, typically a thin slice of precious gemstone glued to a backing material. It is essential to protect them from exposure to harsh chemicals such as household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics. These chemicals can damage or discolor the adhesive and affect the appearance of the stone. Remove your jewelry before applying such substances.


Gently Clean
To clean doublet stone jewelry, use mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using harsh cleansers or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the adhesive or loosen the layers of the stone. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush or cloth, focusing on the surface of the stone. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.


Avoid Excessive Moisture
Doublet stones should not be exposed to excessive moisture for prolonged periods. Avoid wearing them while swimming, bathing, or engaging in activities that involve water immersion. Moisture can seep into the layers of the stone, potentially causing the adhesive to weaken or the stones to separate.


Store Properly
When not wearing your doublet stone jewelry, store it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is advisable to store them separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching or accidental damage. Consider using a soft pouch or jewelry box with individual compartments to protect each piece.


Handle with Care
Doublet stones are more delicate than solid gemstones, so it's important to handle them with care. Avoid dropping or knocking the jewelry against hard surfaces, as this can cause the layers of the stone to separate or the stone to crack. Additionally, remove your jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to excessive force or impact.


Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect your doublet stone jewelry for any signs of damage, discoloration, or loosening of the layers. If you notice any issues, it's best to take the piece to a professional jeweler who can assess and repair it appropriately.

Caring For Jewelry With Pearls

Pearls are delicate and require special care to maintain their luster and beauty. 


Avoid Exposure to Chemicals
Pearls are organic gemstones that can be damaged by exposure to chemicals. Avoid contact with substances such as perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, and household cleaners. These chemicals can dull the luster and potentially damage the surface of the pearls. Always put on your pearl jewelry after applying any such substances.


Gently Clean
To clean pearls, use a soft, damp cloth or a mild soap solution. Gently wipe the pearls to remove any dirt or oils that may have accumulated. Avoid submerging pearls in water or using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can scratch or damage the surface. After cleaning, ensure that the pearls are completely dry before storing them.


Protection from Impact
Pearls are relatively soft and can be easily scratched or damaged. Protect them from impact by avoiding activities that could subject them to rough handling, such as sports or household chores. When not wearing pearl jewelry, place it in a safe location to avoid accidental damage.


Avoid Heat and Sunlight
Excessive heat and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause pearls to lose their luster and become discolored. Avoid storing or wearing pearls in hot environments, such as near heating vents or in direct sunlight. Pearls are best kept in a cool, dry place.


Regular Use
Even though most of the pearls found in our pieces are set in metal, it's good to note that pearls benefit from regular wear as the natural oils from your skin help keep them moisturized and maintain their luster. Wearing your pearls regularly prevents them from drying out. 


Caring For Gold Plated Jewelry

Buffing and polishing gold-plated jewelry is generally not recommended as the plated layer on said jewelry is very thin.

Gold plated jewelry is made by using electricity or chemicals to deposit and bond a very thin layer of Gold over Sterling Silver. But this gold layer fades or wears off over time. However, it will stay as a beautiful piece of silver jewelry, if you choose to keep it that way.


If you want to keep the gold plating as long as possible, note that strong buffing and cleaning is not recommended.
Here are the reasons why:


Removal of Gold Plating
Buffing or polishing the surface of gold-plated jewelry can easily wear down the thin layer of gold plating and expose the base metal. This would result in a dulled look and reveal a different color or metal composition.


Limited Lifespan
Gold plating is intended to provide a decorative and protective layer over the base metal of the jewelry. However, the plating is not as durable as solid gold. Over time, with wear and tear, the plating will naturally wear off, revealing the base metal underneath. Buffing the jewelry accelerates this process and shortens the lifespan of the gold plating.


Uneven Wear
Buffing the surface of gold-plated jewelry can result in an uneven and splotchy appearance. If you are ever in need of restoring your plated jewelry it is best to use it until it naturally dulls and get it professionally replated to its original state.


Professional Replating Required
In the event of your jewelry becoming damaged after buffing or misuse, the only way to repair it is to take it to a professional jeweler. These jewelers have specialty equipment and skill that can properly repair the jewelry and restore it back to the way you bought it.


It's worth noting that the specific care instructions for gold-plated jewelry may vary based on the designer or jeweler. Consult us if you have concerns about maintaining or restoring the appearance of your gold-plated jewelry.