Jewelry Care Guide

Handmade by the sea, intended for everyday magic. A little care goes a long way in keeping your pieces shining.

Quick Care (At-a-Glance)

  • Last on, first off: put jewelry on after lotions, perfume, hairspray, and sunscreen.
  • Keep dry: remove before swimming, showering, workouts, or cleaning.
  • Store smart: keep pieces separate in a soft pouch or airtight bag.
  • Wipe after wear: a soft, dry cloth removes oils and slows tarnish.
  • Be gentle: avoid bending wire-wrapped designs and rolling elastic too tight.

Everyday Do & Don’t

Do

  • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear
  • Store away from humidity and sunlight
  • Roll elastic bracelets on/off; don’t stretch wide
  • Pack in a pouch when traveling

Don’t

  • Expose to chemicals (chlorine, bleach, perfume, hairspray, sunscreen)
  • Wear in saltwater or hot tubs
  • Toss into a bag where pieces can scratch each other
  • Ultrasonic/steam clean pearls, shell, sea glass, or soft stones

Cleaning & Material-Specific Tips

Sterling Silver (.925 / Argentium)

  • Clean: mild dish soap + lukewarm water; dry thoroughly.
  • Polish: use a silver polishing cloth.
  • Store: airtight bag or box to slow tarnish.
  • Avoid: dips on pieces that include pearls, shell, sea glass, or porous stones.

Gold-Filled

  • Clean: mild dish soap + lukewarm water; soft brush for crevices; dry fully.
  • Polish: gentle jewelry cloth (no abrasives).
  • Avoid: harsh chemicals and rough scrubbing.

Gold-Plated / 14k Gold-Plated Findings

  • Clean: brief rinse with mild soap + water; pat dry (no rubbing).
  • Note: plating can wear with friction—store separately and clean gently.

Brass & Copper

  • Expect a natural patina over time (many love the warm, lived-in glow).
  • To brighten: polish gently with a jewelry polishing cloth.
  • Skin tinting can occur for some wearers—keeping metal dry and clean helps. A thin coat of clear jewelry shield can create a barrier if desired.

Pearls (including coin pearls & freshwater)

  • “Last on, first off.” Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wear.
  • Store separately in a soft pouch (avoid airtight long-term storage for strung pearls).
  • Never: chemical cleaners, ultrasonic, steam, or long soaks.

Sea Glass

  • Durable but can chip if dropped.
  • Clean: warm water + mild soap; soft cloth.
  • Avoid: abrasives or polishing compounds (the matte frost is natural).

Gemstones (Jasper, Lapis, Quartz, Garnet, etc.)

  • Porous/treated stones (e.g., lapis, turquoise, some jaspers): wipe with a barely damp cloth; avoid soaking, ultrasonic, and steam.
  • Hard stones (e.g., quartz): mild soap + water is fine; dry well.
  • Keep away from harsh chemicals and extreme heat.

Shell / Mother-of-Pearl

  • Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth; dry immediately.
  • Avoid acids (vinegar, citrus), perfumes, hair products, and prolonged water exposure.

Elastic Bracelets

  • Roll on/off over your hand—don’t pull wide.
  • Remove for sleep, workouts, water, and chores.
  • Over time, elastic can loosen; restringing is available.

Chains, Clasps & Wire-Wrapped Designs

  • Avoid tugging; store flat or hang individually.
  • If a clasp feels stiff, a micro-drop of mineral oil on a toothpick can help—wipe away excess.

Tarnish, Patina & Color Changes

  • Tarnish is natural on silver, brass, and copper—regular wiping and dry storage slow it down.
  • Patina on copper/brass is normal; if you prefer a bright look, polish gently as needed.
  • Sun, sweat, and saltwater can speed up tarnish—give pieces a quick wipe after a beach day (but best practice is to remove before beach time).

Storage & Travel

  • Store in a dry spot, individually bagged or in a compartmented box.
  • Add an anti-tarnish tab or silica packet to your jewelry box to reduce humidity.
  • When traveling, use a soft pouch or travel case to prevent scratches and tangles.

Metal Sensitivities & Ear-Wire Options

Many pieces are made with sterling silver, gold-filled, copper, or brass findings. If you have sensitive ears, sterling silver or gold-filled usually offer the best experience. Need an ear-wire swap? I’m often able to accommodate—just ask before purchase or email after checkout.

Repairs, Restringing & Refresh

Things happen! If you need a repair, earring mate, or restringing, email contact@coastalmimidesigns.com with a photo. I’ll assess and share options and a quote.

Safety

Jewelry contains small parts—please keep away from young children and pets. Do not wear during activities where snagging may occur.

Questions?

Email contact@coastalmimidesigns.com. From my little shore to yours—thank you for caring for your treasures.