Jewelry Materials & Care Guide

Jewelry Materials & Care Guide

Understanding what your jewelry is made of helps you care for it properly and wear it with confidence. Below is a practical overview of the finishes and metals we work with, along with honest guidance on what to expect over time.

Understanding Your Jewelry's Finish

Gold-Tone

Gold-tone pieces have a gold-colored surface achieved through electroplating or a lacquer finish over a base metal (such as brass or zinc alloy). The gold layer is very thin — typically less than 0.5 microns — making these pieces the most affordable option, but also the most prone to wear over time. With regular care, gold-tone jewelry can maintain its appearance, though some surface change should be expected with extended daily use.

Gold-Plated

Gold-plated jewelry features a layer of real gold (commonly 14k or 18k) bonded to a base metal core via electroplating. The gold layer is typically between 0.5–2.5 microns thick. The plating may gradually fade or wear, particularly in areas of friction or regular contact with moisture, skin oils, and cosmetics. Thicker plating (often labeled "vermeil" when applied over sterling silver to a minimum of 2.5 microns) tends to last longer.

Gold-Filled

Gold-filled jewelry contains a substantially thicker layer of gold (at least 5% of the item's total weight) that is mechanically bonded to a brass core under heat and pressure. It is significantly more durable than gold-plated pieces and is generally well-tolerated by most people — though individual skin sensitivities vary. Gold-filled pieces can last for years with proper care.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper), giving it the strength needed for everyday jewelry. It is marked with a "925" hallmark. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and sulfur compounds — this is a normal characteristic of the metal, not a defect. Tarnish can be gently removed with regular cleaning.

Note: Some people experience sensitivity to the copper content in sterling silver. If you notice any skin reaction, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Everyday Care

Storage

  • Store jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Keep pieces in individual pouches or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratching and tangling.
  • Store silver pieces in anti-tarnish bags or wrap them in acid-free tissue to slow oxidation.
  • Remove jewelry before storing and avoid stacking plated pieces directly against one another.

Perfume, Hairspray & Cosmetics

  • Apply perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and lotions before putting on your jewelry, not after.
  • Allow products to dry fully before wearing pieces, especially plated or gold-tone finishes.
  • Chemicals in fragrances and cosmetics can accelerate wear on plated surfaces and contribute to tarnishing on silver.

Water & Moisture Exposure

  • Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, washing dishes, or exercising.
  • Chlorine (in pools and cleaning products) and saltwater can be particularly damaging to plated finishes and sterling silver.
  • If a piece gets wet, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.

Cleaning

  • Gold-tone & gold-plated: Gently wipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp lint-free cloth after wearing. Avoid abrasive cloths, chemical cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip the plating.
  • Gold-filled: Wipe with a soft cloth. Occasional gentle cleaning with mild soap and lukewarm water is fine — rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
  • Sterling silver: Use a soft silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish. For heavier tarnish, a mild silver cleaning solution or a paste of baking soda and water can be used gently — rinse and dry thoroughly afterward. Avoid abrasive materials.

Skin Sensitivity

Skin reactions to jewelry can occur for a range of reasons, including sensitivity to base metals such as nickel, copper, or brass — metals commonly found in the core of plated and gold-tone pieces. Gold-filled and sterling silver pieces may be better tolerated by some individuals, but no finish can be guaranteed free of irritation for everyone.

If you experience redness, itching, or discomfort while wearing any piece, remove it immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional before wearing that piece again. We recommend testing a new piece on a less sensitive area of skin first if you have a known metal sensitivity.

General Tips for Longevity

  • Put jewelry on last when getting ready, and take it off first when you return home.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry during physical activities, household cleaning, or while sleeping.
  • The more consistently you follow these care steps, the longer your pieces will maintain their appearance.

If you have questions about a specific piece's materials, feel free to reach out — we're happy to help.