JEWELRY CARE
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR JEWELRY
Gold filled is quite durable and tarnish resistant. Although rare, it can still tarnish under certain conditions. Exposure to chemicals like chlorine, perfumes, and even acidic skin chemistry, can begin to harm gold filled over time. Keeping your gold filled stored away from moisture and other metals, in a soft pouch or airtight bag will also help prevent tarnishing and accidental scratches. You can also clean your gold filled jewelry with water and a mild dish soap, like Dawn. Always make sure it is throughly dried before storing.
Sterling silver will begin to tarnish when exposed to oxygen and moisture, so it is best to keep sterling silver stored in an airtight bag and away from other metals when not wearing. Always make sure it is completely dry before storing. Frequent cleaning with a jewelry cloth is also recommended.
Gold plated and vermeil pieces may wear off quickly and begin to tarnish, especially if exposed to water.
Gold filled is water resistant. Meaning, wearing it in the shower every once in a while won't cause damage (with a few exceptions like pearls, plated charms, and many gemstones). It's whats with the water that will start to affect your jewelry over time. Things like shampoo, soap, chlorine, salt, and even minerals in the water can damage your jewelry. If you do forget to take if off before you shower or swim, just rinse it well and dry it throughly.
Sweat, perfumes, lotions, and chemicals can also damage your jewelry. To keep your jewelry looking great for years to come, I recommend removing it before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping, just to avoid additional wear and tear, accidents, or breakage.
If your piece has GOLD PLATED charms, VERMEIL, BRASS, or PEARLS (and most gemstones), PLEASE REMOVE BEFORE CONTACT WITH WATER.
Freshwater pearls are porous and moisture can cause the layers of nacre to separate. Water can cause gold plating to wear away and expose the base metal which will then likely tarnish.
- Many gemstones (such as moonstone, opal, and turquoise) should not be worn in water. In general, it is best to remove jewelry with gemstones before showering or swimming because they can dull or become damaged over time.
- Please remove all jewelry before swimming in chlorine or salt water! These are both highly corrosive and can damage the gold layer, as well as sterling silver. If you do choose to wear your jewelry swimming, please rinse with freshwater immediately.