Jewelry Care Guide
Our jewelry is made of sterling silver and brass, with or without plating, and is often set with natural stones. You can find the exact material of your piece on its product page, and below you will find how to care for each of them.
Everyday rules for all jewelry
- Put your jewelry on after applying perfume, creams, makeup and hairspray
- Take it off before showering, swimming, going to the sauna or the gym, doing housework and going to bed
- Keep it away from chlorine, salt water, household cleaners and other chemicals
- Protect it from knocks and sharp temperature changes
- Every piece comes in its own microfiber pouch: keep your jewelry in it when you are not wearing it, as less contact with air and moisture means slower tarnishing
Sterling silver without plating
Silver naturally darkens over time when it reacts with air and moisture, and the speed of this process also depends on your skin. To restore its shine, wipe the piece with our jewelry polishing cloth. For heavier tarnish, wash it in warm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.
Oxidized (blackened) silver
Some of our pieces have intentionally darkened details that bring out the relief of the design. Clean them only with a soft dry cloth and never use silver dips, pastes or ultrasonic cleaners, as they remove the oxidation for good.
Plated silver and brass
Many of our pieces are plated with rhodium, gold or silver over a sterling silver or brass base. The plating is a thin layer, so treat it gently: clean it with our jewelry polishing cloth or a soft cloth, without pressure, and avoid water, soap and any abrasives. With time the plating naturally wears off, especially on rings and in places that touch other surfaces, and this is normal wear rather than a defect.
Natural stones
Every natural stone is unique, and most of them are sensitive to impact, heat and chemicals. Wipe stones with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry them right away.
Stones with natural inclusions and cracks, such as moonstone, labradorite, tanzanite, star diopside, prehnite and aquamarine, carry tiny inner lines, veils and fissures formed while the stone was growing in the earth. They are part of the stone's natural character and a sign that it is genuine, but they also make the stone more fragile. Avoid knocks and drops, protect these stones from sudden temperature changes, and never clean them with ultrasonic cleaners or steam.
Delicate stones such as opal and turquoise are porous and need extra care: keep them away from water, cosmetics, oils and direct sunlight, which can dull the shine of opal, and never clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner or with steam.
What never to use
Popular home remedies such as toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, alcohol, acetone and bleach damage plating, oxidation and stones, so please avoid them.
Good to know
- Every skin is different. Sweat, skin acidity, cosmetics and even medication affect how metal behaves, so the same piece can darken faster on one person than on another. Brass jewelry, including plated pieces, may sometimes leave a harmless mark on the skin that washes off with water. If you feel any discomfort, simply take the piece off.
- Earrings and piercing jewelry should not be worn in fresh, unhealed piercings. Clean them with an antiseptic before wearing.
- Keep jewelry out of reach of children, as small pieces and parts can be swallowed.
Questions about caring for your piece? Write to support@alohagaia.com.