Jewelry Care & Information

About our Process

We work with an eclectic mix of materials that include polymer clay, cellulose acetate, solid brass/bronze, freshwater pearls, 14K gold-filled metals, and semi-precious stones, and employ a diverse variety of jewelry making methods such as lost-wax casting, beading, and sculpture.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

General Best Practices

Be sure to store your jewelry carefully away from humidity, which will affect the rate of tarnish, and other metal pieces that might scratch the softer surfaces of polymer clay or acetate. Please remember that pearls and other delicate parts can be damaged by rough handling, so take care while wearing and removing jewelry.

To get the most longevity out of any piece of jewelry, take it off and store it safely before you do any sweaty activity, clean with harsh chemicals like bleach, or activites involving heavy lifting. 

Gold Filled, Vermeil, and Gold Plate

Gold jewelry isn’t one-size-fits-all, and not all “gold” is created equal. Gold plated pieces are the most affordable option: an extremely thin layer of gold (we're talking a couple of microns, or about the width of one human hair!) electroplated over base metal using chemical processes. That delicate coating wears off quickly with everyday use, especially on jewelry that's exposed to lots of friction (looking at you, rings). 

Gold vermeil sits a step above, with thicker gold plating over sterling silver—meaning it lasts longer and is safe for sensitive skin. When the gold plating wears away (and it will!), you're still left with a valuable metal underneath. Things to consider: allergies, tarnish, the relative value of silver, your preference for gold vs. silver colored jewelry.

Gold filled is the real workhorse: a thick, mechanically-bonded layer of real gold over high quality jeweler's brass. Gold-filled metals must legally contain a minimum of 5% gold. That’s one hundred times thicker than the average plating, making it durable enough for daily wear, better for sensitive ears, and far less likely to fade. Pro tip: if it's not stamped, it's not real gold fill. Keep your eyes peeled for the "GF" stamp, or "1/20 GF", sometimes alongside the karat of the gold (usually 14K). 

In short: plated is affordable but quickly fades, vermeil is reliable, and gold filled is the closest you can get to solid gold without the price tag. Knowing the difference lets you choose jewelry that matches not just your style, but your life.

Bronze and Brass

Many of our designs are cast in solid yellow bronze or brass—gold-hued alloys that have been used in jewelry for centuries. They offer the strength of solid metal, the richness and color of 14K gold, and a price that makes everyday wear possible without compromise. With the cost of gold at an all-time high, these metals allow us to create sculptural, substantial jewelry that still feels attainable.

These are seriously great metals that need better PR. Because both alloys contain copper, they may sometimes react with the skin’s natural pH and leave a green or greyish tint behind. This isn’t a quality issue—it’s simple chemistry, and varies greatly from person to person. If you experience this, painting the inside of a ring (or any part that touches the skin) with a thin layer of clear nail varnish creates a protective barrier. Removing your jewelry before showering or exercising will also help preserve the finish over time.

Bronze and brass may deepen in tone naturally as they meet humidity and skin oils. Some people love this patina, but a soft jewelry polishing cloth (sometimes called a sunshine cloth) or gentle tarnish remover will restore the original glow in seconds. The best part about brass and bronze (besides for how affordable they are)? You don't have to worry about over-polishing and removing plating. Polish to your heart's content.

All jewelry is nickel free. Please see individual product descriptions for more information.