Jewelry Care Guide

The materials I use—like pearls, coral, opals, silver—each have their own personalities and needs. With just a little attention, your jewelry can maintain its beauty for years to come. As a general rule, it’s best to avoid wearing your jewelry while sleeping, swimming, lifting weights, gardening, or doing anything that could expose it to unnecessary stress or damage. Below, you’ll find simple care tips for some of the more delicate elements in my designs, so you can wear your pieces with confidence and keep their stories shining bright.

Caring for Pearls

Are pearls fragile?

Yes—pearls are organic and delicate, ranking only 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They require more care than typical gemstones.

Can I wear my pearls every day?

Pearls benefit from occasional wear, as they draw moisture from the air and skin. But avoid wearing them while sleeping, exercising, or at the beach—sweat, sunscreen, and salt water can damage their luster.

How should I store pearl jewelry?

Lay strands flat and avoid hanging them. Store your pearls in a breathable fabric pouch or soft dish—never plastic—to preserve their moisture.

What’s the best way to clean pearls?

Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry flat with a towel. Avoid submerging or rinsing under running water.

Can I layer pearls with other jewelry?

Yes, but do so with care—metal clasps and harder gemstones can scratch them. Always put pearls on last and take them off first.

Caring for Red Coral

Is coral jewelry durable?

Red coral is an organic material, like pearls, and ranks low on the Mohs scale (around 3–4), making it relatively soft and sensitive to scratches and chemicals.

Can I get coral wet?

Avoid soaking coral in water or wearing it while swimming, bathing, or washing hands. Water, especially chlorinated or salty, can dull its surface over time.

How should I clean coral jewelry?

Gently wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, soaps, or ultrasonic machines. A little care goes a long way in preserving coral’s rich, natural hue.

Does coral need special storage?

Yes—store coral separately in a soft pouch or box to prevent scratching. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can cause fading or cracking.

Caring for Opals

Are opals delicate?

Opals are known for their beautiful play of color, but they’re also among the most fragile gemstones (5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale). They can be prone to cracking or surface scratches if not treated with care.

Do opals need moisture?

Yes—opals contain a small amount of water, so storing them in extremely dry conditions can cause them to dry out and crack. A soft pouch in a slightly humid environment is best.

Can I wear opals every day?

Opals are best suited for occasional wear. Avoid wearing them during strenuous activities or in environments where they could be knocked or exposed to heat or chemicals.

How do I clean opals?

Use only a damp, soft cloth. Never soak or steam clean opals, and avoid strong soaps, solvents, or sudden temperature changes.

Caring for Silver Jewelry

Does silver tarnish?

Yes—sterling silver naturally oxidizes over time, developing a patina. This is a normal process and can be cleaned easily.

How should I store silver jewelry?

Store silver in an airtight container or pouch when not in use to slow down tarnishing. Avoid humid environments when possible.

Can I wear silver every day?

Absolutely. In fact, regular wear helps prevent tarnish. Just be mindful to remove silver jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes.

What’s the best way to clean silver?

Use a soft polishing cloth made for silver. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach, chlorine, and harsh cleaners.