FILOSOPHY
Wear your jewelry! A little care keeps your favorite pieces looking their best.
We’ll tell you the metals used for the chain, charms, settings and findings. Some pieces combine materials. Check the product details, or ask me!
A substantial layer of real gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. Warm gold, with more resistance to wear than typical gold plating.
What to expect
Years with good care. No fixed lifespan: friction, sweat, chemicals and daily use all matter. The surface and chain can still wear.
Keep it beautiful
Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive polishing, silver dip and repeated soaking.
92.5% silver, alloyed for strength. Silver through the metal, rather than a thin silver-colored coating.
What to expect
Many years with care. Tarnish is normal. Scratches and worn links can happen with use.
Keep it beautiful
Gently polish plain, bright sterling with a silver cloth. Keep the cloth off stones, plated parts and darkened finishes.
Real sterling, intentionally darkened. I love that contrast beside warm gold and pale moonstone!
What to expect
The finish evolves. Areas that rub against skin or clothing may lighten with wear.
Keep it beautiful
Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth. Skip silver polishing cloths and dips: they can remove the dark finish.
We use gold electroplating on some charms and details. An electrical current deposits a thin layer of gold onto another metal, such as brass or sterling silver.
Electroplating is the process. Gold plating is the finish. Unlike gold-filled, its surface is generally thinner and can wear sooner.
Pronounced “ver-MAY.” Gold plating over a sterling silver base, meeting a defined minimum gold thickness.
A real gold surface over precious silver. It is still plating, so its gold color can fade with wear. Not all gold-plated silver qualifies as vermeil.
For both: keep out of showers, pools and hot tubs. Wipe gently. Avoid polishing cloths, silver dip and abrasives that can remove the gold surface. How long plating lasts depends on thickness, friction and care.
A brief splash of plain water is different from repeated soaking. Gently dry it. A durable chain does not make its stone, leather or plated charm waterproof.
For metal-only gold-filled or plain sterling parts, a little mild soap and lukewarm water can help. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not soak a whole piece unless its product care notes allow it. For plated or oxidized parts, start with a gentle wipe.
Each has its own care needs. Follow your product’s Jewelry Care section, including storage instructions. If you’re unsure, ask before soaking or polishing.
Send me a photo and your purchase details. I’ll help you figure out how to care for your piece.
Materials & care references
Rio Grande · jewelry supplier | Halstead · jewelry supplier | GIA · gem education
