Sterling Silver
Durable and affordable, consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for strength, making it
suitable for daily wear. It offers a balance of beauty, strength, and flexibility for custom designs, and with proper care,
sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime.
Daily Care
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from perfumes, lotions, hairspray, chlorine, and cleaning products.
- Last on, first off: Put on silver jewelry after makeup/hair products, and remove it before bed, swimming, or exercising.
- Handle with care: Sterling silver can be soft, so avoid bending or pulling at delicate chains or prongs.
Cleaning
- Regular wipe-down: After wearing, gently wipe with a soft, lint-free jewelry polishing cloth to remove oils and light tarnish.
- Soap and water: For a deeper clean, use mild dish soap and warm water. Soak briefly, then clean with a soft cloth or soft-bristled
toothbrush, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Silver polish: For heavy tarnish, use a silver-specific polish or polishing cloth (avoid abrasive cleaners or toothpaste, which can
scratch).
Storage
- Dry and airtight: Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or zip-top bag with the air pressed out.
- Keep separate: Store each piece separately to avoid scratches and tangling.
- Anti-tarnish strips: Place in your jewelry box or bag to slow down tarnishing.
Sterling Silver is also Nickel & Lead Free.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel jewelry is crafted from a durable, corrosion-resistant metal alloy that is primarily composed of
iron, carbon, and chromium, making it resistant to rust and tarnishing, unlike other metals. This material's
strength, hypoallergenic nature, and affordability have made it a popular choice for modern, everyday jewelry.
Cleaning
- Routine wipe-down: After wearing, wipe with a soft microfiber or jewelry cloth to remove fingerprints, sweat, or oils.
Deeper clean
- Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Soak the jewelry for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush if needed (especially around grooves or links).
- Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
Polishing
- Stainless steel naturally resists tarnish, but it can get dull. Use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.
- Avoid harsh abrasives (like steel wool) that could scratch the surface.
Storage & Avoid
- Keep pieces in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder metals.
- If possible, store separately from softer metals (like gold or silver) so they donβt get scuffed.
Things to Avoid
- Even though Stainless Steel is Waterproof, avoid chlorine and saltwater as they can cause pitting or dullness over time. Rinse jewelry if exposed.
- Harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or strong cleaners can damage the finish.
- Rough handling: Even though itβs tough, stainless steel can still scratch if banged against hard surfaces.
With this care, stainless steel jewelry can stay bright and durable for years.
Gold
Gold jewelry is crafted from the precious metal gold, often alloyed with other metals to improve durability and color, and can be made of solid gold, or have a gold-plated, gold-filled, or gold vermeil construction. The purity of the gold is measured in karats,
with 24K being pure gold and lower karats indicating a higher percentage of other metals. Solid gold is the most valuable and durable, while plated options offer a more affordable alternative but with less gold and longevity.
Cleaning
- Routine: Wipe gently with a soft microfiber or jewelry cloth after wearing.
- Deeper clean (safe for solid gold and most gold jewelry):
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Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
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Soak jewelry for 10β15 minutes.
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Use a soft toothbrush to clean crevices./li>
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Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Polishing
- Use a non-abrasive jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.
- For heavily scratched or dull pieces, take them to a professional jeweler for polishing.
Protection
- Remove before: Swimming (chlorine and saltwater can damage alloys), exercising, or heavy chores.
- Avoid chemicals: Perfume, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning agents can dull the shine.
- Gentle wear: Gold is softer than many metals (especially 18k and higher), so avoid knocks and scratches.
Storage
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
- Keep away from harder metals like stainless steel that can scuff gold.
With this care, gold jewelry (especially solid gold) can last for generations and even improve in luster over time
Rose Gold
Rose gold jewelry is made from an alloy of pure gold and copper, which gives it a distinctive warm, pink, or reddish hue. The
amount of copper determines the color's intensity, with more copper resulting in a deeper, redder tone. Rose gold is a durable,
stylish, and romantic choice for fine jewelry, including popular engagement rings and wedding bands, known for its timeless
appeal and ability to complement various skin tones and gemstones.
Cleaning
- At home:: Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10β15 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around details and stones. Rinse
thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Polishing cloth: A jewelry polishing cloth works well for restoring shine between cleanings.
Special Considerations
- Copper content: Copper gives rose gold its warm pink color but makes it more prone to tarnish or darkening over time compared to yellow or white gold.
- Patina effect: Over years, rose gold can develop a slightly deeper, vintage-looking patina. Some people love this look, but you can always have a jeweler polish it
back to bright.
Everyday Care
- Remove rose gold jewelry before:
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Swimming (chlorine can damage alloys).
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Showering or washing dishes (soaps and shampoos leave residue).
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Heavy exercise or household work (sweat and abrasion can dull the shine).
- Store separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to avoid scratches.
Professional Maintenance
- Have prongs and settings checked at least once a year if your jewelry has gemstones.
- Professional polishing every so often will restore brightness if it starts to dull.
Gold-Plated
Gold plated refers to an item, such as jewelry, that has a thin layer of real gold bonded to a base metal core using a process like
electroplating. This process makes the item look like solid gold but at a lower cost, making it an affordable option for those who want a luxurious aesthetic.
14K gold plated has a lighter, more muted yellow color. Tends to look more subtle.
18K gold plating has a richer, deeper yellow color. Brighter and more saturated.
Cleaning
- After each wear: Wipe gently with a soft, dry microfiber or jewelry cloth to remove oils and sweat.
Occasional cleaning
- Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
- Gently wipe the jewelryβdo not scrub.
- Rinse with a damp clean cloth (no direct soaking).
- Dry thoroughly.
Polishing
- Avoid abrasive jewelry cloths or chemical cleanersβthey can strip off the plating.
- Instead, use only a soft, dry cloth to lightly buff.
Protection
- Keep it dry: Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising.
- Avoid chemicals: Perfume, lotion, hairspray, and cleaning products can cause fading.
- Last on, first off: Put jewelry on after applying makeup or sprays, and take it off before bed.
- Skin barrier: If your jewelry tarnishes or fades from skin oils, you can coat the inside with clear nail polish or jewelry shield.
Storage
- Store separately in a soft pouch, lined box, or airtight bag to prevent scratches and reduce exposure to air.
- Never pile gold-plated pieces with harder metals (like stainless steel) that can scratch them.
With gentle handling and proper storage, gold-plated jewelry can stay bright and beautiful much longer
Brass
Brass jewelry is made from a copper and zinc alloy, prized for its warm, golden appearance and affordability, which makes it a popular alternative to gold. It's a durable material, but it can tarnish and oxidize over time, especially when exposed to moisture and skin oils. Brass jewelry is also versatile in design, allowing for intricate patterns and a variety of styles.
Cleaning
- After each wear: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils, sweat, and dirt.
For tarnish or darkening:
- Mix lemon juice (or vinegar) with a pinch of baking soda to make a paste.
- Gently rub onto the brass with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely.
(Alternatively, use mild dish soap and warm water for regular cleaning.)
Polishing
- Use a brass-specific polish or a natural method (like ketchup, which contains mild acids to lift tarnish).
- Always buff with a clean, dry cloth to restore shine.
Protection
- Seal it: To slow tarnishing and reduce skin discoloration, you can coat brass jewelry with a thin layer of clear nail polish, jewelry wax, or a protective jewelry spray.
- Avoid moisture: Remove brass jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Storage
- Keep pieces in an airtight bag or container to reduce exposure to air and humidity.
- Store separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
Things to Avoid
- Water, perfume, and lotions (these speed up tarnish).
- Harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners (can damage brass).
Brass is usually Lead Free when noted.
With consistent cleaning and proper storage, brass jewelry develops a natural patina over timeβsome people love the antique look, while others prefer to keep it
polished and bright.
Alloy
Alloy jewelry is made from a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal, to create a new material with improved properties like increased strength, durability, and a different color. Pure metals are often too soft or easily damaged for everyday wear, so alloys are used to make them harder and more workable. Common examples include various karats of gold (like 14K gold) and sterling silver, which are alloys of pure gold or silver mixed with other metals to enhance their practical qualities for jewelry.
Polishing
- Avoid abrasive polishes or harsh jewelry cleanersβthey can strip away plating.
- Instead, use a gentle polishing cloth made for plated or costume jewelry.
Protection
- Keep it dry: Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Avoid chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, lotion, and cleaning products can quickly wear away plating.
- Seal it: If your jewelry is prone to turning skin green, you can apply a thin coat of clear nail polish or jewelry shield on the parts that touch skin.
Cleaning
- Light cleaning: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and dirt.
- Deeper cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, then wipe dry immediately. Donβt soak alloy jewelryβprolonged exposure to water can cause corrosion, tarnish, or the plating to peel.
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in individual pouches or airtight bags.
- Keep pieces separate to prevent scratches and tangling.
Things to Know
- Alloy jewelry doesnβt usually last as long as precious metalsβitβs best treated as fashion jewelry.
- With careful handling, though, you can extend its life and keep it looking good for a long time.
Copper
Copper jewelry is adornment made from a warm-colored, reddish-brown metal known for its malleability, durability, and unique patina.
While historically valued for its beauty and for its perceived physical and spiritual benefits, such as aiding with joint pain and enhancing
energy.
Cleaning
- Everyday care: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove oils and moisture.
- For tarnish removal (shiny finish):
- Lemon + salt: Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt, rub gently on the copper, rinse well, and dry.
- Lemon + salt: Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt, rub gently on the copper, rinse well, and dry.
- Ketchup trick: The mild acid in ketchup can dissolve tarnishβrub a thin layer on, leave for a few minutes, rinse, and dry.
Polishing
- Use a jewelry polishing cloth made for copper.
- For deeper cleaning, you can use a commercial copper polish, but always rinse thoroughly and dry to avoid residue.
Protection
- Keep it dry: Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Avoid chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, lotion, and cleaning products speed up tarnish.
- Skin discoloration: Copper may leave a green tint on skinβthatβs harmless, but you can prevent it by:
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Coating the inner surface with clear nail polish or jewelry shield.
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Choosing sealed or lacquered copper jewelry (many jewelers add a protective layer).
Storage
- Store in an airtight bag or container to slow tarnish.
- Add anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs to your jewelry box.
- Keep pieces separate to prevent scratches.
If you like the natural aged patina, simply wipe the jewelry clean and skip polishing. It will deepen in color over time.
Titanium
Titanium jewelry is one of the easiest types to care forβitβs extremely strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to tarnish, rust, and
corrosion. That means it doesnβt need as much upkeep as copper, brass, or even sterling silver. Still, a little routine care will keep it looking
sleek and polished.
Cleaning
- Daily care: Wipe with a soft microfiber or jewelry cloth after wearing.
- Deeper clean:
- Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap
- Soak the jewelry for a few minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub if needed.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Polishing
- Titanium doesnβt tarnish, but it can pick up small scratches.
- Use a non-abrasive jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.
- For matte or brushed finishes, stick to gentle cleaning onlyβpolishing can change the texture.
Protection
- Very durable, but not scratch-proof: Harder metals (like tungsten or diamond) can still scratch titanium.
- Even though Titanium Steel is Waterproof, avoid harsh chemicals: Chlorine, bleach, or strong cleaners can dull the finish over time.
- Remove for heavy work: Even though itβs tough, avoiding unnecessary knocks keeps it looking pristine.
Storage
- Store separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from other metals.
- Keep away from abrasive surfaces.
With just basic cleaning and mindful storage, titanium jewelry can last a lifetime with little to no change in appearance.
Platinum
Platinum jewelry is made from a naturally white, strong, and rare precious metal, typically 85-95% pure, with a density that makes it
heavier than gold. It is valued for its durability, hypoallergenic qualities, and timeless luster, which makes it an enduring choice for fine
jewelry, often used in engagements rings to enhance diamond brilliance.
Polishing & Shine
- Platinum develops a soft finish called a patina over time (a satiny look rather than high shine). Many people love this vintage effect, but
you can have a jeweler professionally polish it back to a mirror finish if you prefer.
- Professional polishing once a year (or as needed) will restore shine without thinning the metal (platinum is displaced, not lost, when
scratched).
Everyday Care
- Remove platinum rings before:
- Gardening, lifting weights, or heavy manual work (to prevent scratches and bending prongs).
- Swimming or hot tubs (chlorine can weaken settings).
- Store separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches from contact with other metals or gemstones.
Professional Maintenance
- Have prongs and gemstone settings checked annually by a jeweler β platinum is strong, but stones can loosen over time.
- Re-polishing or refinishing can be done whenever you want it to look new again.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic, man-made crystalline material that serves as an affordable diamond simulant, known for its colorless appearance, high brilliance, and hardness (around 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale). While it closely resembles a diamond, CZ is heavier, has more fire (colored light dispersion), can develop a cloudy appearance over time, and has no resale value. It is created in a lab to offer a similar look to diamonds for jewelry at a fraction of the cost.
Cleaning
At home:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece for 10β15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, especially under the stone where oils collect.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
For extra sparkle: You can wipe CZ with a damp microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth between deep cleanings.
Avoid harsh cleaners: No bleach, ammonia, acetone, or toothpaste (too abrasive β they can scratch the stone or damage the metal).
Everyday Care
- Oil & dirt buildup: CZ can attract oils from skin and lotions, which dull its shine more quickly than diamonds. Wiping it regularly helps.
- Heat sensitivity: CZ can be damaged by sudden high heat, so avoid exposing it to very hot water or open flame.
- Settings matter: The metal around your CZ (silver, gold, brass, etc.) may need its own care routine, so clean accordingly.
Everyday Care
Remove CZ jewelry before:
- Showering or swimming (soap, chlorine, and saltwater dull CZ and can weaken settings).
- Using lotions, perfumes, or hairsprays (they create a cloudy film).
- Heavy exercise or chores (to prevent scratching or loosening the stone).
Store separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box β CZ is durable but can scratch softer gemstones (like pearls or opals).
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are pearls that grow inside the Freshwater mussel, usually a hybrid of the Hyriopsis cumingii, typically found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers in China. Natural Freshwater pearls have been found all over the world, but today, China is
the largest supplier.
These pearls are known for their variety of shapes, natural colors like pink, lavender and classic white along with their wide
range of sizes from tiny 2.0mm to impressive 12.0mm and even larger. They are more abundant and affordable than their
saltwater cousins like Akoya pearls, Tahitians, or South Sea pearls.
Cleaning
- After each wear: Wipe pearls gently with a soft, damp cloth (like microfiber) to remove body oils, sweat, and residues. This prevents dulling.
- Occasional deeper cleaning:
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Mix lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild soap (never harsh detergents).
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Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe the pearls (do not soak them β water can weaken the silk thread).
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Rinse the cloth with clean water, wipe again, and dry with a soft towel.
- Avoid ultrasonic, steam, bleach, vinegar, ammonia.
Considerations
- Pearls are porous and can be harmed by acids, perfumes, cosmetics, and hairspray.
- They actually benefit from being worn β your skinβs natural oils help keep them hydrated and lustrous.
Everyday Care
- Last on, first off: Put on pearls after applying makeup, perfume, and hairspray, and remove them first when undressing.
- Avoid water: Donβt wear pearls while showering, swimming, or exercising (sweat can damage them).
- Protect the string: If strung as a necklace or bracelet, avoid stretching or twisting β silk thread can weaken over time.
Storage & Maintenance
- Store pearls separately in a soft pouch or cloth-lined box (not plastic, which traps moisture and can damage luster).
- Lay necklaces flat to avoid stretching the silk string.
- Have strands professionally restrung every 1β2 years (more often if worn frequently).
Imitation Pearls
Imitation pearls, also known as fake or faux pearls, are man-made beads designed to mimic real pearls' appearance but are not formed naturally within a living organism. They are typically made from materials like plastic, glass, or shell, coated with a pearlescent substance to achieve a lustrous finish. Modern technology allows some imitation pearls, like Majorica pearls, to look very similar to real ones at a lower cost and with greater resistance to damage from cosmetics and sweat.
Cleaning
- Light cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and sweat.
- Occasional deep cleaning:
- Use lukewarm water with just a drop of very mild soap.
- Dampen a soft cloth (not the pearls directly) and wipe each bead carefully.
- Dry immediately with a soft towel.
- Never soak: Prolonged water exposure loosens the coating or damages the string.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, alcohol-based cleaners, or abrasive cloths.
Cleaning
- The surface coating is thin, so itβs prone to:
- Scratches from rough handling or hard jewelry.
- Peeling if exposed to perfume, hairspray, or chemicals.
- Dulling from sweat, lotions, or constant friction.
Care
- Last on, first off: Put imitation pearls on after makeup, perfume, or hairspray, and remove them before undressing.
- Keep dry: Donβt wear while showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Handle gently: Avoid pulling or stretching strands β many are strung on cotton or nylon thread.
Storage
- Store separately in a soft pouch or cloth-lined box (not plastic bags, which can trap moisture).
- Keep away from sharp objects or harder gemstones/metals that can scratch the coating.
- Lay necklaces flat to prevent stretching.
Gemstones
Gemstones are minerals, rocks, or organic materials that are valued for their beauty, durability, and rarity, and are then cut and polished for use in jewelry, adornment, and decoration. These colorful substances exhibit unique properties like color, transparency, and hardness, making them desirable for personal ornamentation and artistic display. Some common examples include mineral-based diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, as well as organic gems like pearls and amber.
Cleaning
- Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean around the stone and setting.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid soaking porous or delicate stones (like opals, pearls, turquoise, or amber).
Polishing
- Use only a jewelry polishing clothβavoid abrasive cleaners or powders that could scratch the stone.
Protection
- Keep away from chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, lotions, and cleaning supplies can damage or dull stones.
- Mind temperature changes: Some gemstones (like opal or emerald) can crack with sudden heat or cold.
- Remove before heavy activity: Even hard gems like diamonds can chip if struck.
Storage
- Store gemstone jewelry separately (soft pouch or lined box).
- Hard stones like diamonds and sapphires can scratch softer stones if stored together.