General Care
Each Saorsa Jewelry piece is handcrafted with care and quality materials. With proper care, your jewelry will last a lifetime and beyond. The specific care requirements depend on the materials used in your piece — check the product description for details about your item.
Daily Wear Tips
- Put jewelry on last: Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup before putting on your jewelry to minimise exposure to chemicals
- Remove before activities: Take off jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or doing household chores
- Avoid chemicals: Chlorine, bleach, and harsh cleaning products can damage most jewelry materials
- Wear it often: Regular wear actually helps keep many metals looking their best
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) is a precious metal that will develop a natural patina over time. This is normal and can add character to your piece.
Cleaning Sterling Silver
- Polish regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Use a silver polishing cloth for removing tarnish
- For deeper cleaning, use warm water with mild dish soap
- Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface
Understanding Tarnish
Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air. Factors that accelerate tarnishing include humidity, perfumes, lotions, and body chemistry. Tarnish is not a defect — it's the nature of real silver and is easily cleaned.
Gold & Gold-Filled
Gold and gold-filled pieces are more resistant to tarnish than silver but still benefit from proper care.
- Clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners
- Store separately to prevent scratching
- Gold-filled jewelry can last for decades with proper care
Brass & Bronze
Brass and bronze develop a natural patina over time, which many people find beautiful. If you prefer a brighter finish:
- Clean with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda
- Polish with a soft cloth
- Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to slow oxidation
- Store in airtight containers to reduce exposure to air
Gemstones & Crystals
Different stones have different care requirements:
- Moonstone & Labradorite: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Clean gently with warm soapy water
- Amethyst & Quartz: Can fade in direct sunlight. Store away from windows
- Turquoise: Porous stone that absorbs oils. Avoid contact with water and chemicals
- Pearls: Very delicate. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. Avoid water and chemicals
When in doubt, clean gemstone pieces with just a soft, dry cloth.
Storing Your Jewelry
- Keep pieces separate: Store each piece individually to prevent scratching. Use the original box or a soft pouch
- Avoid humidity: Store in a cool, dry place. Moisture accelerates tarnishing and can damage some materials
- Anti-tarnish strips: Place anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to absorb moisture
- Airtight storage: For long-term storage, use airtight bags or containers
Ring Care
Rings are particularly prone to wear as they contact many surfaces throughout the day.
- Remove rings before washing hands with harsh soaps
- Take off rings when gardening, cooking, or cleaning
- Have prong settings checked periodically if your ring has stones
- Consider removing rings at night to give your hands a break
When to Seek Professional Help
While most cleaning can be done at home, some situations require professional attention:
- Heavy tarnish or discolouration that doesn't respond to home cleaning
- Bent or damaged pieces
- Loose stones in settings
- Worn clasps or broken chains
Contact us at hello@saorsajewelry.com if you need advice on repairs or restoration of your Saorsa Jewelry pieces.
The Beauty of Patina
Many people love the patina that develops on metals over time. This aged look adds character and depth to designs by highlighting intricate details.
If you prefer this look, simply reduce polishing and allow the natural patina to develop. The high points will remain bright from wear while recessed areas darken, creating beautiful contrast.