Caring for Your Jewellery
Each piece I make is designed to be worn, loved and treasured for years to come. A little care goes a long way, and with the right attention your jewellery will continue to look beautiful for many years.
Below you'll find everything you need to know about caring for your Embers and Maple jewellery.
About Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a natural process that happens when metal reacts with air, moisture and the oils on your skin. It's not a fault, it's simply chemistry.
The good news is that with the right care, tarnishing can often be slowed and, in most cases, reversed.
Sterling silver and bronze naturally develop a patina over time. Silver plated jewellery can also tarnish if exposed to moisture or chemicals. Gold filled jewellery is highly resistant to tarnishing, while gold plated jewellery will gradually wear with everyday use, particularly if exposed to water, lotions or perfume.
The biggest culprits are perfume, sunscreen, lotions, sweat and water. Put your jewellery on last when getting ready, and remove it first before swimming, showering or exercising.
Everyday Care
A few simple habits will help keep your jewellery looking its best:
- Apply perfume, moisturiser and hairspray before putting your jewellery on.
- Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising or doing housework.
- Wipe your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing.
- Store pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Store jewellery separately to help prevent tangling and scratching.
Caring for Each Material
Gold Filled
Gold filled jewellery is one of the most durable gold finishes available and is highly resistant to tarnishing.
Clean with a soft cloth after wearing. If needed, wash gently in warm water with a small amount of mild soap before drying thoroughly.
Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine, harsh chemicals and perfumes.
18k Gold Plated Sterling Silver
My 18k gold plated impression jewellery begins as solid sterling silver before being finished with a generous layer of 18k gold, offering a premium finish with the strength of a sterling silver base.
To keep it looking its best:
- Remove before swimming, showering and exercising.
- Avoid perfume, sunscreen, lotions and household cleaning products.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
- Store separately in a jewellery pouch or box.
Avoid polishing cloths, silver dips or abrasive jewellery cleaners, as these can gradually wear away the gold plating.
Gold Plated (Base Metal)
Some pieces in my beaded collection feature a premium gold plated finish over a base metal.
Gold plating naturally wears over time, particularly with frequent contact with skin, water and everyday products.
To maximise its lifespan:
- Keep dry wherever possible.
- Avoid perfume, lotions and sunscreen.
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Store separately to avoid scratches.
Do not use jewellery polishing cloths or chemical cleaners on gold plated jewellery.
Sterling Silver (925)
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time, particularly when exposed to air and moisture. This is completely normal and can easily be restored.
Use the polishing cloth provided, or another sterling silver polishing cloth, to gently remove tarnish and restore shine. For heavier tarnishing, a sterling silver cleaner can also be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Store in an airtight container or anti-tarnish pouch when not being worn.
Silver Plated
Silver plated jewellery can tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture and skin oils.
Avoid water and chemicals wherever possible.
Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use silver polish or abrasive cleaners, as these can remove the plated finish.
Store in an airtight pouch to help reduce tarnishing.
Bronze
Bronze is a beautiful, timeless metal that naturally develops a rich patina as it ages. This is part of its character and one of the things many people love about it.
Every bronze impression piece is coated with a clear protective finish to help slow tarnishing and includes a polishing cloth for easy ongoing care. How quickly bronze develops a patina varies from person to person and depends largely on your body chemistry and how often the piece is worn.
If your bronze jewellery begins to darken over time, simply polish it with the cloth provided to restore its shine.
To keep your bronze jewellery looking its best:
- Remove before swimming, showering and exercising.
- Avoid prolonged contact with perfume, lotions and harsh chemicals.
- Wipe clean with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Freshwater Pearls & Natural Gemstones
I work with genuine freshwater pearls and natural gemstones, so every piece is beautifully unique.
Slight variations in colour, shape, lustre and size are completely natural and part of what makes your jewellery one of a kind.
Pearls are softer than metal, so avoid dropping them or storing them alongside harder jewellery that may scratch their surface.
Still Have Questions?
If you're ever unsure how to care for your jewellery, or something doesn't look quite right, please get in touch.
I'd always much rather help you care for your piece than have you worry about it. Simply email hello@embersandmaple.com.au and I'll be happy to help.