Materials & Care Guide
Jewelry should feel beautiful… and last.
Below you’ll find detailed information about the materials I use and how to properly care for each piece. Different materials require different care, and I want you to feel confident wearing yours every day.
316L Stainless Steel with 18K Gold PVD Coating
Base material: 316L stainless steel
Finish: 18K gold PVD coating over stainless steel
316L stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to tarnish, corrosion, and rust. It is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is an advanced plating process that bonds gold to the steel surface. It creates a stronger and more durable finish than traditional electroplating.
While PVD is highly resistant to wear, it is not solid gold. Over time, especially with frequent friction, some fading may occur.
Care Instructions – Stainless Steel
While stainless steel jewelry with PVD coating is perfect for everyday wear and won't turn your skin green, it is not solid gold. The gold coating may gradually fade over time, especially if not cared for properly. To help maintain its appearance, I recommend the following:
Storage
When you're not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a soft jewelry pouch or jewelry box to protect it.
Daily Wear
Avoid exposing your pieces to harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach.
Limit contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and body products such as lotions.
Be cautious of scratching and scuffing, particularly the base of rings, which experience frequent contact with surfaces. Over time, some fading in high-friction areas is normal for plated jewelry.
Cleaning
Regularly clean your jewelry by wiping it down with a soft cloth, especially before storing it. This helps remove any build-up that could potentially cause damage over time.
Specific care instructions for pieces with gemstones
To protect the gemstones, remove your gemstone pieces before hot showers or saunas. Excessive heat can weaken the bond between the gemstone and its setting over time.
18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver
Base material: Sterling silver
Finish: 18K gold plating
My gold plated sterling silver pieces have a sterling silver base with a layer of gold applied on top, plus a protective e-coating.
Care Instructions – Gold Plated Silver
Storage
Always store separately in a dry place.
Keep away from humidity.
Daily Wear
Remove before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and sweat.
Be cautious of scratching and scuffing, particularly the base of rings, which experience frequent contact with surfaces.
Cleaning
Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Vintage Jewelry
Vintage pieces are special — and often irreplaceable.
Many vintage pieces (especially 80s costume jewelry) are gold-plated brass or mixed alloys. The exact composition may vary depending on the original manufacturer.
To enjoy these pieces for a long time, they require gentle care.
Care Instructions – Vintage
Storage
Store separately to prevent scratching.
Keep away from moisture and humidity.
Daily Wear
Avoid water entirely.
Remove before showering or exercising.
Keep away from perfumes and body products.
Cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
If you’re unsure about the care of any specific piece, feel free to reach out.
And last but not least, your jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. Over time, natural signs of wear and fading of gold plating may appear, especially in high-friction areas such as ring bands, but with proper care your pieces can stay beautiful for many years to come.
