Jewellery Care Guide

How to Care for Your Ariuna Silver Jewellery

Your jewellery is an investment that deserves proper care. With the right maintenance, your 925 sterling silver, rhodium-plated, gold plated and gold vermeil pieces will stay beautiful for years to come. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your jewellery looking brand new.

General Care Guidelines

When to Remove Your Jewellery:

Before showering or bathing – Water, soap, and shampoo can cause buildup and accelerate tarnishing
Before swimming – Chlorine and saltwater can damage precious metals and cause discoloration
Before exercising – Sweat contains acids that can tarnish silver and wear down plating
Before sleeping – Prevents unnecessary wear, tangling, and potential damage
Before applying cosmetics – Lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup contain chemicals that can tarnish or damage jewellery
Before cleaning with chemicals – Household cleaners, bleach, and harsh chemicals can permanently damage precious metals

The "Last On, First Off" Rule:

Put your jewellery on after you've applied makeup, perfume, lotion, and hairspray. Remove it before you start your nighttime routine. This simple habit dramatically extends the life of your pieces.

Caring for 925 Sterling Silver

Why Does Silver Tarnish?

Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction between silver and sulfur compounds in the air, moisture, and everyday products. It appears as a yellowish or black discoloration. The good news? Tarnish is only surface-level and can be easily removed.

How to Clean Sterling Silver at Home:

Method 1: Mild Soap & Water (Recommended for Regular Cleaning)

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water
Soak your jewellery for 5-10 minutes
Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt from crevices
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber works great)
Buff gently to restore shine

Method 2: Silver Polishing Cloth (For Light Tarnish)

Use a jewellery polishing cloth specifically designed for silver
Gently rub the tarnished areas in a back-and-forth motion
Continue until the tarnish is removed and shine is restored
Do not wash the polishing cloth—it's treated with cleaning agents

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste (For Heavier Tarnish)

Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste
Apply the paste to tarnished areas with a soft cloth
Gently rub in circular motions
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
Note: Avoid this method on pieces with gemstones or pearls

What to AVOID:

❌ Harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia
❌ Abrasive materials like paper towels or rough cloths
❌ Ultrasonic cleaners (can loosen stones)
❌ Toothpaste (too abrasive and can scratch)

Preventing Tarnish:

Store in airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches
Keep away from moisture and humidity
Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
Add anti-tarnish strips to your jewellery box
Wear your jewellery regularly—natural oils from your skin help prevent tarnish

Caring for Rhodium-Plated Jewellery

What is Rhodium Plating?

Rhodium is a precious metal coating applied to sterling silver to create a brilliant white shine and prevent tarnishing. It's incredibly durable but will naturally wear over time with regular use.

How to Clean Rhodium-Plated Jewellery:

Mix mild soap with warm water
Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewellery
Rinse with clean water
Pat dry immediately with a soft cloth
Buff gently to restore shine

Important Tips:

✓ Clean gently—rhodium plating is durable but can wear with harsh scrubbing
✓ Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths (they can remove the plating)
✓ Store separately in soft pouches to prevent scratches
✓ Remove before activities that cause friction (exercising, manual work)

How Long Does Rhodium Plating Last?

With proper care, rhodium plating typically lasts 1-3 years. High-contact areas (like ring bands) may wear faster. When the plating wears thin, you'll notice the underlying silver showing through.

Can Rhodium Plating Be Restored?

Yes! Rhodium plating can be professionally reapplied by a jeweler to restore the original brilliance. Many jewelers offer this service for a reasonable fee.

Caring for 14K Gold Vermeil

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of 14K gold (at least 2.5 microns). It's more durable than gold-plated jewellery but still requires gentle care to maintain the gold layer.

How to Clean Gold Vermeil:

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water
Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewellery
For intricate designs, use a soft-bristled toothbrush very gently
Rinse with clean water
Pat dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth
Buff gently to restore shine

What to AVOID:

❌ Harsh chemicals, perfumes, and lotions (can wear down gold layer)
❌ Abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths (will remove gold plating)
❌ Ultrasonic cleaners
❌ Prolonged exposure to water

Maintaining Gold Vermeil:

✓ Store in a dry, airtight container or soft pouch
✓ Keep away from moisture and humidity
✓ Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising
✓ Apply lotions and perfumes before putting on jewellery
✓ Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and residue
✓ Store pieces separately to prevent scratching

How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?

With proper care, gold vermeil can last several years. The thick gold layer (2.5+ microns) is much more durable than standard gold plating (0.5 microns or less).

Proper Storage

Best Practices:

Store each piece separately in soft pouches or lined compartments
Use airtight containers or zip-lock bags to minimize air exposure
Add anti-tarnish strips to your jewellery box
Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Avoid storing in bathrooms (humidity accelerates tarnishing)
Never store jewellery while it's damp

Travel Tips:

Use a travel jewellery case with individual compartments
Wrap delicate pieces in soft cloth
Keep jewellery in your carry-on (not checked luggage)
Remove jewellery before going through airport security

Professional Cleaning & Maintenance

While home care is effective for regular maintenance, we recommend professional cleaning once a year for:

Deep cleaning and inspection
Checking for loose stones or damage
Re-plating rhodium or gold vermeil if needed
Polishing and restoring original shine

Quick Reference Care Chart

Material	Cleaning Method	Avoid	Storage
925 Sterling Silver	Mild soap & water, polishing cloth, or baking soda paste	Harsh chemicals, abrasives, toothpaste	Airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips
Rhodium Plated	Mild soap & soft cloth only	Abrasive cloths, harsh scrubbing	Soft pouches, separate storage
14K Gold Vermeil	Mild soap & soft cloth, gentle wiping	Chemicals, abrasives, prolonged water exposure	Dry, airtight containers

Need More Help?

Have questions about caring for your specific piece? Contact us—we're here to help you keep your jewellery beautiful for a lifetime.

Want to learn more about the materials we use? Visit our Materials & Quality page.