Jewellery Materials & Care FAQ

We want you to enjoy your jewellery for as long as possible. The answers below are based solely on information provided by our suppliers. If you have a specific question about a product, please check the individual product listing for full material details.

Materials

What metals are used in your jewellery?

Our jewellery uses a range of metals depending on the piece. Common base metals include zinc alloy and brass. Many pieces feature a plating of gold, silver, or rose gold applied over the base metal. Where a piece is made from 925 sterling silver, this will be clearly stated in the product title and description. Always refer to the individual product listing for the specific metals used in that item.

What does "gold-plated" or "silver-plated" mean?

Plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold or silver applied over a base metal such as brass or zinc alloy. This gives the appearance of a precious metal at an accessible price. Plating can wear over time, particularly with frequent exposure to moisture, sweat, perfume, and abrasion. Following our care guidelines will help the plating last longer.

What is 925 sterling silver?

925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper) to improve durability. Items described as "925 Silver" in our listings are made from sterling silver. Explore our Tree of Life Silver Jewellery and Silver & Gold Jewellery collections for sterling silver options.

What gemstones do you use?

We stock a variety of natural and semi-precious gemstones, including coral imitation, volcanic stone, and assorted gem pendants, as described in each product listing. Some pieces use glass or shell rather than gemstone. The material of each piece is stated in the product description — please check this before purchasing if a specific stone type is important to you. Browse our Gemstone Pendant Jewellery, Indian Gemstone Necklaces, and Cord Necklace Gemstone Pendants collections.

Is your jewellery nickel-free?

We do not make a blanket nickel-free claim across our range, as the base metal composition varies by supplier and product line. If you have a known nickel sensitivity, we recommend reviewing the full materials information in the individual product listing before purchasing, and patch-testing new jewellery if you are unsure. We cannot guarantee that any item is free from trace metals without independent testing.

Water & Chemical Exposure

Can I wear my jewellery in water?

We recommend removing all jewellery before swimming, bathing, showering, or entering hot tubs. Prolonged water exposure — particularly chlorinated or salt water — can accelerate tarnishing and wear on plated pieces and damage natural gemstones or shell components. This applies to all items in our range unless otherwise stated.

Should I avoid perfume and lotions near my jewellery?

Yes. Perfume, hairspray, body lotion, and cleaning products all contain chemicals that can dull plating and degrade softer gemstones and shell inlays. We recommend applying any cosmetic products first and allowing them to dry fully before putting on your jewellery.

Cleaning

How should I clean my jewellery?

For most pieces, a soft, lint-free cloth is the safest option. Gently wipe the surface to remove oils and light dirt. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, abrasive cloths, and harsh chemical solutions, as these can damage plating, loosen stones, and affect natural materials such as shell and coral imitation. Do not soak pieces in water.

How do I clean gemstone jewellery?

Wipe gemstone surfaces gently with a dry or barely damp soft cloth. Avoid soaking, as many natural stones are porous and can be damaged or discoloured by water. Volcanic stone, used in our Aromatherapy Diffuser Necklaces, is particularly porous and should be kept dry unless you are adding essential oils as intended.

Storage

How should I store my jewellery?

Store pieces individually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent tarnishing and fading. Keeping items in separate pouches or compartments prevents scratching and tangling. Avoid storing jewellery in bathrooms where humidity is high. Airtight bags or jewellery boxes with anti-tarnish lining are ideal for silver and plated pieces.

How do I prevent my earrings from tangling or getting lost?

Hook and drop earrings should be stored with their hooks closed or paired through a small card to keep them together. Flat earring trays or individual compartment boxes work well for stud styles. Explore our Earrings collection.

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Information on this page is based on supplier-provided product data. For specific material queries, please refer to the individual product listing or contact us.