Jewelry Care Guide

Caring for your jewelry

We love when you purchase a piece of handmade jewelry—but we love it even more when you enjoy it for years to come. The best way to ensure your jewelry lasts is to care for it properly. Below are simple tips to help you keep your pieces looking their best.

Handle with care.

Avoid tugging or pulling on elastic, chains, or clasps. Take care not to drop your jewelry on hard surfaces, as some stones are more delicate than they appear.

Store it properly.

When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a jewelry box, soft cloth, or pouch to protect it from dust and scratches.

Keep it dry.

Do not wear your jewelry while swimming, bathing, or during activities with prolonged water exposure. Water can cause tarnishing, rusting, or weaken adhesives.

Put it on last.

Apply lotions, sprays, oils, and perfumes before putting on your jewelry to avoid soiling or damaging finishes.

Take it off first.

Remove your jewelry before bed or other activities to avoid snags and unnecessary wear and tear.

Clean gently.

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean your jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water sparingly. If unsure about a specific stone or piece, consult the maker.

Get it checked.

Handmade jewelry may show natural wear over time, especially with frequent use. Periodic checks can help catch loose parts or small damage before it worsens.

With proper care, your handmade jewelry will remain beautiful and meaningful for years to come.

Caring for your brass jewelry

Brass jewelry is loved for its warm golden tone and versatility. It’s a more affordable option than precious metals like gold or silver, while still being durable and stylish. Brass is strong and can be shaped into countless designs, making it a favorite for unique jewelry pieces. Its distinct, golden hue gives designs a character that stands out.

That said, brass comes with some things to keep in mind. Because it often contains nickel, some people may experience irritation when wearing it. It can also tarnish over time and requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine. While it may not have the same long lifespan as precious metals, with proper care, brass jewelry can last beautifully.

Brass can be cleaned at home using simple, everyday products:

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a small bowl (or substitute lemon juice for vinegar).
Submerge the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to get into crevices.
Rinse under clean running water.
Pat completely dry with a soft cloth.
For heavy tarnish, use a commercial brass cleaner or polish.

To protect your brass jewelry, avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Always store your pieces in a dry place to reduce tarnishing, and wipe them gently after each wear to remove oils and keep their glow.

Brass jewelry is a wonderful option if you love distinctive, budget-friendly designs. With just a little care and maintenance, these pieces will continue to tell your story with warmth and character for years to come.

Caring for your stainless steel jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry is strong, durable, cost-effective, and hypoallergenic—making it a practical choice for everyday wear. It’s also rust-resistant and easy to maintain, which is part of why it has become such a popular material.

Even though stainless steel is resistant to rust and tarnish, it can still lose some of its shine over time. Scratches, pollution, grease, or exposure to harsh chemicals may cause it to dull. Luckily, stainless steel jewelry is easy to refresh and can be cleaned at home with common household items.

To clean stainless steel jewelry:

Add two or three drops of mild dishwashing liquid to a small bowl of warm water and stir gently.
Fill a second bowl with plain warm water.
Submerge the jewelry in the soapy mixture and let it soak for five minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt, focusing on grooves and detailed areas.
Rinse in the second bowl of clean water.
Dry thoroughly with a lint-free microfiber or jeweler’s polishing cloth to restore shine.

If your stainless steel jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, it should only be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking these pieces—wipe gently with a soft cloth instead.

Keep in mind: never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface. Stainless steel should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or saltwater, and if it comes into contact with excessive grease or dirt, clean it right away.

With occasional cleaning and mindful care, stainless steel jewelry will stay polished, durable, and beautiful for years of wear.

Caring for your gold-plated jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is one of the most popular choices for those who want the look of gold without the higher price of gold-filled or solid gold pieces. It’s created by electroplating a very thin layer of real gold over a base metal—commonly copper, brass, or stainless steel. Pieces with a stainless steel base are less likely to fade or tarnish, which makes them especially durable.

Over time, gold plating can lose its shine, especially if it’s exposed to rough wear or frequent contact with water, sweat, or chemicals. The good news is that with a little extra care, you can extend the life and beauty of your gold-plated pieces.

To maintain gold-plated jewelry:

Wipe gently after each wear with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt, oils, and residue.
Avoid excessive water exposure, such as showering or hand washing.
Never wear in the ocean, pool, hot tub, or sauna.
Keep away from harsh cleaners and chemicals.
Apply lotions, oils, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your jewelry.
If the piece does not have a stainless steel base, remove it before exercising.

Gold-plated jewelry is loved for its shine, elegance, and affordability. With consistent care and mindful handling, your pieces can remain bright and beautiful for years, giving you the glow of gold at a fraction of the cost.

Caring for your gold filled jewelry

Gold filled jewelry is an excellent option for those who want the beauty of real gold without the cost of solid gold. By U.S. standards, gold filled jewelry has a solid layer of gold that makes up 5% of the jewelry’s total weight. This layer of 12K or 14K gold is mechanically bonded to a base of jeweler’s brass. To put that in perspective: gold filled jewelry contains almost 100 times more gold than gold plated jewelry.

Gold filled jewelry has several standout benefits:

The gold layer cannot rub off, as it is mechanically bonded to the base.
It does not tarnish.
It is highly water-resistant, making it great for everyday wear.
It is hypoallergenic and safe for those with metal allergies.
It is more affordable than solid gold while offering lasting quality.

Now that we’ve covered what makes gold filled jewelry special, let’s talk about how to care for it. Like any jewelry, it benefits from consistent care and attention to keep it shining.

Avoid wearing your jewelry in the ocean, hot tubs, or swimming pools. Salt water and chlorine can damage the finish.
Keep your pieces as dry as possible. Store them individually in cloth bags or airtight plastic bags to prevent rubbing against other jewelry, which can cause them to lose their sheen.
Remove before exercising, since sweat can dull the finish over time.
Apply perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions before putting on your jewelry, as these products can contain harsh chemicals.
Wipe occasionally with a non-scratch jewelry polishing cloth to maintain shine.
For deeper cleaning, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water. Rinse under warm water to remove residue, and allow to air dry thoroughly before storing.

Following these steps will protect your investment and allow your gold filled jewelry to last beautifully for many years.

Caring for your sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver is not only beautiful, it is also versatile. The type we use — .925 sterling silver — is sturdy and requires less maintenance than lower-grade silver. Still, to get the most out of your sterling silver jewelry, it’s important to take a few steps to care for it properly.

It is completely normal for sterling silver to tarnish. Tarnishing happens when the metal is exposed to oxygen and sulfur in the air. To help prevent this, store your jewelry in an airtight container or plastic storage bag (be sure to remove all air before sealing). It’s also best to store pieces separately to avoid scratches.

While sterling silver can be exposed to water, non-purified water may cause it to tarnish or appear dull. As with all jewelry, it’s essential to minimize exposure to sweat, perfumes, lotions, harsh chemicals, and excessive sunlight.

For everyday upkeep, sterling silver jewelry can be cleaned with a jewelry cloth or a clean microfiber cloth, wiping in an up-and-down motion rather than circular movements. For intricate designs with grooves, use a cotton-tipped applicator to reach the details.

For a deeper clean, try one of these methods:

Make a paste from 2 parts water and 1 part baking soda. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently apply the paste, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Apply a small amount of mild dish detergent, rinse with water, and dry completely.

With mindful storage and simple cleaning, sterling silver jewelry will remain radiant and timeless for years to come.