Caring for your Pearl Jewelry
What Are Genuine Freshwater Cultured Pearls?
Genuine vs. Imitation
Genuine pearls are formed naturally or with human intervention within oysters or mussels in bodies of water through methods discussed below, while imitation pearls are fake and often made of glass, plastic, or coated materials that mimic the look of real pearls.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Freshwater pearls are formed in mussels cultivated in freshwater bodies of water, like lakes and rivers, while saltwater pearls are formed in oysters cultivated in oceans and seas.
Cultured vs. Natural
A cultured pearl means the pearl was formed within the mussel or oysters with human assistance, while natural pearls form by chance in the wild. To put the culturing process into simple terms, a pearl technician inserts an irritant, like a grain of sand or bead, into an oyster or mussel. This stimulates the production of nacre, the substance that forms a pearl.
The ease of production and thicker nacre make freshwater cultured pearls more affordable and durable than their natural, saltwater alternative.
What To Avoid
If your jewelry piece features pearls, whether a single pendant or a full strung piece, we recommend not wearing your jewelry while:
- Showering or swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
- Working out or doing any activity that causes heavy sweating
- Using cleaning products or anything with harsh chemicals
- Sleeping, to prevent tangling or unnecessary wear
When applying sunscreen, perfume, lotions, makeup, or hairspray, wait until products are fully dry before wearing your jewelry.
Regular Cleaning
Day-To-Day
Wipe your pearls (and any metal components of the piece) gently with a soft, lint-free cloth (like the one included with your order) to remove makeup, oils, and daily buildup.
Deep Clean - occasionally
Do not submerge your pearl jewelry in water. If your jewelry is visibly dirty, use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap (avoid harsh detergents), gently wipe both the pearl and metal components. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry with a clean, damp cloth (do not submerge). Gently pat dry the metal components of your piece, then place it flat on a towel to fully dry.
Storage
Pearls love to be worn! The moisture and natural oils from the skin can enhance their beauty and luster over time, while prolonged exposure to dry environments can potentially damage their surface.
When you do store your pearl jewelry, do not store it in an airtight container, it can cause the pearls to crack. Instead, store in a cool, dark place with airflow. Keep pieces separate from one another to avoid unnecessary abrasion.
Bonus: placing an anti-tarnish strip next to your jewelry will help neutralize oxidizing elements in the air. They are typically safe for your pearls and can easily be found on amazon.
Caring for your Gold-Filled, Gold-Vermeil & Sterling Silver Jewelry
What Is Gold-Filled? Gold Vermeil? Sterling Silver?
Gold-Filled jewelry features a thick layer of gold alloy that is permanently bonded to a base metal core, typically brass, using heat and pressure. This process results in jewelry that is durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to both tarnish and water when properly cared for.
Gold Vermeil jewelry features a thick layer of gold alloy that is plated over Sterling Silver. This layer is considerably thicker and more durable than traditional gold plating, resulting in jewelry that is hypoallergenic, durable, and resistant to tarnish with proper care.
Sterling Silver (aka 925 Silver) is a silver alloy composed of, by weight, 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper and is considered hypoallergenic. It is prone to tarnish over time, due to a reaction with sulfur in the air, but this can be minimized with proper care.
What To Avoid
To keep your gold-filled, gold vermeil and sterling silver jewelry looking its best, we recommend not wearing your jewelry while:
- Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
- Working out or doing any activity that causes heavy sweating
- Using cleaning products or anything with harsh chemicals
- Sleeping, to prevent tangling or unnecessary wear
When applying sunscreen, perfume, lotions, makeup, or hairspray, wait until products are fully dry before wearing your jewelry.
Regular Cleaning
Day-To-Day
Wipe your jewelry gently with a soft cloth (like the one included with your order) to remove makeup, oils, and daily buildup.
Deep Clean - recommended monthly or immediately after your jewelry comes in contact with sunscreen, perfumes, or other harsh products
Mix warm water with a drop of gentle soap, soak your piece for about one minute, rinse well and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing. Optional: use your fingers or an ultra-soft toothbrush to lightly scrub your piece while it is soaking - being VERY careful not to scratch your piece.
Storage
Store gold-filled, gold vermeil and sterling silver jewelry in an airtight plastic bag away from sunlight and moisture. Keep pieces separate from one another to avoid unnecessary abrasion.
Bonus: add an anti-tarnish strip to your airtight plastic bag - these will help neutralize oxidizing elements in the air and can easily be purchased on amazon.
Caring for your Gold PVD & Stainless Steel
What Is Gold PVD? Stainless Steel?
Gold PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) features a process in which a layer of gold alloy is vaporized and applied onto a base metal, typically stainless steel, in a vacuum chamber. This results in a thin, yet strong, layer that is considerably more durable than traditional gold plating. It is also considered hypoallergenic, waterproof, and tarnish-resistant with proper care.
Stainless Steel jewelry is made from a steel alloy that contains chromium and other elements like nickel and molybdenum. It is known for its strength, durability, and is considered waterproof, hypoallergenic, and tarnish-resistant with proper care.
What To Avoid
To keep your gold pvd and stainless steel jewelry looking its best, we recommend not wearing your jewelry while:
- Using cleaning products or anything with harsh chemicals
- Sleeping, to prevent tangling or unnecessary wear
It is best practice to wait until products such as sunscreen, perfume, lotions, makeup, or hairspray, are fully dry before wearing your jewelry. Additionally, while gold pvd and stainless steel jewelry is considered waterproof, to maintain pristine condition, it is best to try to limit long-term exposure to saltwater and chlorine.
Regular Cleaning
Day-To-Day
Wipe your jewelry gently with a soft cloth (like the one included with your order) to remove makeup, oils, and daily buildup.
Deep Clean - recommended monthly, immediately after contact with harsh chemicals, or after prolonged exposure to saltwater and chlorine.
Mix warm water with a drop of gentle soap, soak your piece for about one minute, rinse well and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing. Optional: use your fingers or an ultra-soft toothbrush to lightly scrub your piece while it is soaking - being VERY careful not to scratch your piece.
Storage
Store gold pvd and stainless steel jewelry in dark, cool place such as a jewelry box or soft pouch. Keeping your jewelry pieces separate will help avoid unnecessary abrasion.
Bonus: placing an anti-tarnish strip next to your jewelry will help neutralize oxidizing elements in the air. These work best in airtight situations but still provide some benefit placed in a jewelry box or pouch with your jewelry pieces! You can easily find these on amazon.