JEWELRY CARE TIPS
BY MATERIAL
10K & 14K Solid Gold: Timeless & Enduring
Solid gold is the ultimate choice for jewelry intended to last a lifetime. Unlike gold-filled or plated pieces, solid gold is "gold through and through," meaning the color will never rub off or peel. We offer some of our jewelry pieces in 10K and 14K solid gold to ensure your pieces have the perfect balance of rich color and everyday strength.
What’s the Difference?
- 14K Solid Gold: Composed of 58.3% pure gold, this is our standard for luxury. It offers a classic, bright golden hue and is highly resistant to tarnishing.
- 10K Solid Gold: Composed of 41.7% pure gold. Because it contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, 10K gold is actually harder and more scratch-resistant than 14K, making it an incredible option for rings and bracelets that see a lot of action.
Durability & Tarnish
Solid gold is incredibly low-maintenance. It does not tarnish in the traditional sense, though it can occasionally appear dull due to a buildup of lotions, skin oils, or environmental dust. While it is sturdy, gold is still a precious metal and can develop "character marks" (fine scratches) over years of daily wear.
Care Tips for Your Solid Gold Treasures
1. Wear Without Worry
One of the best perks of solid gold is that it is water-friendly! You don’t need to panic if you forget to take it off before a shower. However, we still recommend removing your gold before entering chlorinated pools or hot tubs, as harsh chemicals can eventually weaken the metal alloys.
2. The Gentle Bath
To keep that "brand new" sparkle, give your gold a quick soak every few weeks:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove hidden buildup behind stones or in chain links.
- Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Polishing to Perfection
Because solid gold is gold all the way through, you can safely use a polishing cloth to buff out surface dullness. For 14K pieces, a light buffing once a month will maintain that high-shine finish.
4. Activity Check
Even though it’s durable, gold can be bent or scratched under extreme pressure. We recommend removing your solid gold jewelry during heavy lifting at the gym or intense outdoor activities to protect its shape.
5. Safe Keeping
Store your gold pieces in a fabric-lined box or an airtight pouch. While gold doesn't react to air, storing it separately prevents harder gemstones (like diamonds) from scratching the surface of your gold metal.
Pro-Tip: If your 10K or 14K gold ever loses its luster after years of love, a professional buffing from a local jeweler can make it look exactly like the day you first put it on.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is a high-quality precious metal consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This alloy is the jewelry industry standard, providing the necessary strength and durability for daily wear while maintaining the brilliant, timeless luster of pure silver. Because it is a softer metal than gold-filled alternatives, it should be handled with care to prevent surface scratches.
Tarnishing & Body Chemistry
Tarnishing is a natural process for sterling silver caused by oxidation when the metal reacts with sulfur or moisture in the air. Interestingly, wearing your jewelry frequently can actually help prevent tarnish, as the natural oils from your skin create a protective barrier. However, individual body chemistry—influenced by factors like skincare products, medications, or hormonal changes—can occasionally cause a piece to tarnish more rapidly.
Care Tips for Sterling Silver Jewelry
- Remove during activity: Take off your silver pieces before exercising, swimming, or performing household chores to avoid physical damage and chemical exposure.
- Avoid chemicals & sulfur: Keep jewelry away from lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and household cleaners. Avoid contact with sulfur-rich items like eggs, vinegar, or rubber, which can cause rapid corrosion.
- Minimize moisture: Remove jewelry before showering, hot tubbing, or sunbathing. Always ensure your pieces are completely dry before storing.
- Clean with soft materials: Use only microfiber or specialized soft polishing cloths. Avoid paper towels or tissues, as their fibers can leave microscopic scratches on the silver.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your jewelry in a cool, dark, and airtight place (like a Ziploc bag). Using anti-tarnish strips or pouches will further protect the finish.
What is Gold & Rose Gold Vermeil?
Gold and Rose Gold Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) are high-quality forms of jewelry made by layering a thick coat of genuine gold—at least 2.5 microns—over a base of solid sterling silver. While Gold Vermeil uses yellow gold, Rose Gold Vermeil gets its signature pinkish hue from a specialized gold and copper alloy. Both options offer the look and feel of luxury metal at a more accessible price point, with significantly better durability than standard gold-plated jewelry.
Durability & Tarnish
Vermeil is more durable than standard plating due to its thick gold layer and sterling silver core. However, because the base is silver, both Gold and Rose Gold Vermeil can still wear down or tarnish over time, especially with frequent exposure to water, sweat, or friction. Rose Gold, in particular, requires careful handling to maintain its warm glow. Proper care is essential to extending the life and luster of your pieces.
Care Tips for Vermeil Jewelry
- Wear with care: Vermeil is more delicate than solid gold. Remove your jewelry before exercising, swimming, or performing physical tasks that may cause surface wear.
- Avoid moisture and chemicals: Keep your pieces away from perfumes, lotions, sweat, cleaning agents, and chlorinated water, as these can break down the gold layer.
- Keep it clean: Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water, but avoid soaking. Dry thoroughly and immediately.
- Skip abrasive polishing cloths: Use only a soft microfiber cloth to restore shine. Avoid treated polishing cloths meant for solid metals, as they can strip the vermeil layer.
- Store smart: Store in an airtight pouch or box, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Keep pieces separate from other jewelry to prevent rubbing and fading.
What is 14K Gold / Rose Gold Plated Brass?
Brass has been introduced as base metal so we can make some of our chunkier, statement pieces more affordable.
By starting with a durable brass core and finishing it with a generous 2.5-micron layer of real 14K gold or rose gold—the same thickness as our high-end Vermeil—we offer the luxury look you love at an accessible price point.
Durability & Tarnish
Because these pieces consist of a gold layer over a base metal (brass), they require a little extra intention to stay bright. Over time, exposure to moisture, friction, and chemicals can cause the plating to thin or the brass underneath to oxidize. However, with the right habits, you can keep your plated treasures sparkling for a long time.
Care Tips for Gold/ Rose Gold Plated Jewelry
1. The "Dry" Rule
Water is the biggest enemy of plated jewelry. Always remove your gold or rose gold-plated brass before showering, swimming, or heavy workouts. Sweat and chlorine can quickly break down the gold layer, leading to fading.
2. Chemicals are a No-Go
Think of your jewelry as the final touch. Apply your perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions first, and let them dry completely before putting on your pieces. The chemicals in these products can react with the plating and cause it to lose its luster.
3. Gentle Cleaning Only
Unlike solid gold or sterling silver, do not use polishing cloths or abrasive cleaners on plated brass. These are often treated with chemicals that can actually strip the gold right off. Instead, simply wipe your jewelry with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after each wear to remove skin oils.
4. Skip the Soak
Avoid submerging these pieces in water or jewelry cleaning solutions. If a deeper clean is absolutely necessary, use a very lightly dampened cloth and pat dry immediately.
5. Smart Storage
When you aren't wearing your pieces, store them in an airtight pouch (like a Ziploc) or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Keeping them separate from other metals prevents scratches and slows down the natural oxidation process.