HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELLERY?

Always store your jeweler pieces individually, preferably in your Medea soft-lined box or pouch so that they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle. Particular care should be taken with gemstones to ensure that they do not knock against one another when stored. Also remember to keep your chains fastened so they don’t become tangled.

Living in a humid environment? Store your jeweler with a small packet of desiccant crystals to help reduce tarnishing.

Your gold vermeil and silver jewelers should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. With time and wear, sterling silver will naturally become oxidized and eventually tarnish. Storing silver jewelers in a sealed plastic bag or airtight box when it is not being worn will keep out the air that causes oxidation. The oxidation process is also slowed down by wearing your jewelry often. If, however, your jewelers are stored for long-periods of time, occasional cleaning is recommended to maintain shine and keep oxidation at bay. 

All our Medea sterling silver jewelry is rhodium plated which protects the silver from exposure and helps reduce long-term tarnishing.

Your jewelry is particularly susceptible to damage from the effects of chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, make-up, nail polish remover, body oils, sun tan lotion and deodorant.

Do not keep jewelers in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause many gemstones to fade and lose their color. Amethyst, rose quartz, chalcedony and smokey quartz are just some of the gemstones that can become paler from exposure to sunlight.

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY JEWELLERY?

Clean your jewelers carefully with a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois; this helps maintain or bring back its shine. If necessary, you can use a mild washing up liquid with warm water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid using ‘dip’ polish or abrasive jewelers’ cleaners as these contain harsh chemicals and can destroy your jewelers over time. We do not recommend the use of any jewelry polishing cloths which have been treated with cleaners or polishing agents.

WHAT CAN ERODE OR DULL MY JEWELLERY?

Do not swim or shower while wearing gold-plated or silver jewelers, and remove rings when washing your hands. Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling or eroding them. Gold and silver are particularly susceptible to damage from chlorine, which can permanently damage or discolor them. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.

Some stones can also be quite porous (such as turquoise and lapis lazuli), which is why you shouldn’t leave these kinds of stones immersed in water for too long. Liquids and oils can seep into the gems through the tiny cracks between the crystals, causing permanent discoloration and damage. In addition, porous gems should not be worn to a beach or other hot, extreme environments.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY LEATHER JEWELLERY ROLL?

Our jewelers’ rolls are handmade in India from natural leather, which is responsibly sourced from a Gold certified Tannery in Italy, the highest possible sustainability rating. We keep all weathering to a minimum, however, being a natural skin, we view these unique markings as part of the charm and appeal.

To keep your roll in best condition, see below some TLC tips:

- As a skin, leather is prone to stretching, avoid over filling the roll so it maintains its shape.

- Avoid putting the leather in harsh sunlight as the product color may fade/change, and please keep in dust bag when possible.

- Pebble leather has a surface texture so when cleaning use a soft, clean light-colored cloth to wipe away dust/dirt, use no harsh chemicals. Focus on removing any dirt that builds up in the grooves. To better remove build up in grooves you can use a soft brush to buffer.

- Take care to avoid contact with any sharp or heavily embellished surfaces as the skin could be scratched.

- Avoid leather getting wet as this can change the texture/shape. If the roll does get wet pat dry and allow to dry naturally, away from direct heat.

- Avoid contact with fragrances, make up and hand creams.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE FOR METAL ALLERGIES

If you are allergic to gold-plated earrings, or get a rash or itchy reaction when wearing them, try putting a little bit of clear nail varnish on the post and scroll. When it eventually wears off just re-apply it.

ENAMEL JEWELLERY

Clean your enamel jewelers’ pieces with warm water, a mild liquid soap and a soft cloth, and store in a dark, cool place to prevent damage. Keep your enamel away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, detergents and chlorine.