The Jewelry Code

General Rules on Caring for Jewelry

In general, we do not recommend wearing fine jewelry to the gym, in the pool, in the shower or in the ocean, as well as when using household chemicals and cleaners.

We recommend storing silver or gold jewelry in an airtight bag or box.

Never polish jewelry with paper towels or tissue paper.  For a scratch-free surface, gently polish with a lint-free specialist cloth.

What is Sterling Silver Jewelry and how to care for it 

Sterling silver (925) is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (mostly copper. It tarnishes due to oxidization caused by exposure to moisture in the air, particularly in areas of high humidity. Tap water and sweat may also accelerate the oxidization process.  

Silver jewelry can be cleaned using mild soapy water.  We also recommend removing tarnish, dirt, and dullness with a soft cloth dipped in specialist cleaner.

What are the different types of solid Gold Jewelry and how to care for them

24kt gold is pure gold, which is a soft metal. Gold is mixed with other metals to achieve more durability and different shades. The smaller the percentage of gold, the stronger it gets. For example, 18kt is 75% pure, 14kt is 58.3% pure and 9kt is 37.5% pure.

White gold is a mixture of gold and metals such as palladium, silver, nicket, copper and zinc.

Rose gold is a blend of gold, copper and silver. 

All types of solid gold jewelry can be cleaned regularly in a solution of 2 parts mild dish soap (we recommend the Dawn brand) and 10 parts warm water for 3 hours. Gently rub it with an ultra-soft-bristle brush for maximum shine. You can also gently polish gold jewelry with a lint-free cloth.

What is Gold-Filled Jewelry and how to care for it

Gold-filled jewelry is made of a metal bonded with a solid and thick top layer of gold.  This thick layer of gold, is generally more durable and long-lasting than the gold used in gold vermeil and gold plating.  Clean only when visibly dirty and with a lint-free cloth.

What is Gold Vermeil Jewelry and how to care for it

Gold vermeil is made of a thin top layer of gold that is at least 10kt pure, over sterling silver.

Frequent wear and abrasive cleaners can wear off the top layer of gold, requiring the piece to be re-polished in gold.  Gold vermeil jewelry should only be cleaned with a soft lint-free cloth.

What is Gold Plated Jewelry and how to care for it

Gold plated jewelry is made of a thin top layer of gold over another metal, usually a brass alloy.

Gold plated jewelry should only be cleaned with a soft lint-free cloth.

How to care for gemstones

Clean your gemstones with mild soapy water or a specialist solution. Gently rub them with an ultra-soft-bristle brush for maximum shine. You can also gently polish a gemstone with a lint-free cloth.

Note that emeralds, opals, onyxes, turquoises, ambers, tanzanites, peridots, garnets, and most other gemstones, are not as hard as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Avoid cleaning these stones with ultrasonic devices, hot water, steam, and ammonia.

We recommend storing jewelry containing amethysts, rose quartzes, brown opals, and zircons in a dark place, protected from UV radiation.

How to care for pearls

Polish your pearls regularly with a soft lint-free cloth. If visibly dirty, clean them gently with a damp cloth. Lay your pearl strands flat in a box, only when completely dry. Do not hang them from jewelry stands.   

How to care for costume jewelry

Costume or fashion jewelry is often made of base metals including brass, zinc and copper. These pieces are often plated with gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium. Imitation gemstones, rhinestones, glass, wood, plastic, and a wide range of materials serve design purposes.

Always keep your costume jewelry dry; do not wash it unless visibly dirty. Store it in an airtight bag or box.

 

Useful Definitions

 

Conflict-free diamonds

Conflict-free diamonds are mined, traded, and shipped without any connection to civil wars, rebel fighters, and terrorist groups. Procedures and agreements like The Kimberley Process guarantee that today certain ethical standards are met throughout the production process on a global scale. ‘Blood diamonds’ have funded terror and led to major human rights violations related to labor exploitation. 

Cultured pearls

Cultured pearls are bred in farms under controlled conditions inside either freshwater river mussels or saltwater pearl oysters. Most real pearls available in the market are cultured. Pearl farms abiding with sustainable and ethical practices offer an eco-friendly alternative to excessive gemstone mining. Farmed oysters and mussels grow in filtered waters, technically protected from predators, and gently handled so that they can produce the finest quality pearls.   

Lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown or man-made diamonds are produced with advanced technology that replicate a natural diamond’s formation. Man-made diamonds are chemically, thermally, physically, and visually identical to those mined, minus the negative environmental impact of mining.  Mining can cause soil erosion, deforestation, energy waste, increased carbon footprint, decrease in freshwater reserves, and gradual loss of biodiversity. These eco-friendly alternatives are certified by the same international diamond-grading institutions.     

Mass-produced jewelry

Mass-produced or commercial jewelry is jewelry manufactured with the help of machines. The same styles are produced in great numbers on an assembly line at a low cost. It is the opposite of original high-quality hand-crafted designs made with care by skilled artisans.     

Necklace Length Options

Standard necklace lengths and their corresponding styles:

Collar (12-14") is set tight around the neck

Choker (15-16") sits at the base of the neck

Princess (17-19") lies on the collarbone

Matinee (20-24") falls between the collarbone and the bust

Opera (26-35") sits right on the bust or a couple of inches below

Rope (over 36") in the middle of the bust or a little below.

Sustainable jewelry

Sustainable jewelry is produced with the least possible negative impact on the environment and involves fair-trade practices. It is made of upcycled materials, and of metals or gems that are either recycled or mined in ways that minimize toxic and energy waste. Eco-friendly jewelry is hand-crafted to avoid the carbon footprint of heavy machinery. Artisanal methods ensure the sustainable development of skills within local communities and the protection of the local community from chemical disposal, soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and the gradual loss of biodiversity.       

 

General Questions and Thoughts

 

Is lead-containing jewelry harmful?

Lead is a toxic metal used in mass-produced jewelry for children and adults as a cheap medium offering support, weight, and color brightness to structural components. It accumulates in our bodies in various ways (digestion, inhalation, skin absorption). Especially at younger ages, it can cause neurological disorders, anemia, organ failure, and even death.

Are there rules when it comes to jewelry?

There are no jewelry rules, the only rule is whatever you are comfortable with. 

Can I mix fine jewelry and costume jewelry? 

We believe you can mix fine and costume jewelry, but suggest you maintain a balance between the various pieces and the rest of your outfit. Build your jewelry mix around one common element (metal, gemstone, color family, texture, design, motif, theme, size, or scale).  

Can I mix silver and gold jewelry? 

You can mix silver with gold jewelry, but often mixing metals and stones in complementary tones work best. 

What metal best suits my skin tone?

Personally, we hate the idea that certain tones look best on certain skin colors.  It’s all about how you put it together!  Traditionally the thought is, white gold, platinum, and silver flatter mostly those with a cool skin tone (pink, red, blue undertones). Yellow gold, copper, and brass are recommended to those with a warm skin tone (yellow, peachy, golden/bronze undertones). All metals work on those with a neutral skin tone (no undertones or a mix of cool and warm ones). Rose gold is great with most skin tones. But what does this even mean? We have seen it all and tried it all and these rules are dead.

Our thoughts on how to stack rings

Space the rings along your fingers so that they don't scratch each other. Pile up thin ones together and keep chunkier styles apart. 

Mix different metals, gemstones, shapes, textures, sizes, and widths, together, but stick to a single theme or mood (romantic, edgy, bohemian, minimalist) or fix one of the other variables.

Place cocktail rings in traditional spots (near the base knuckles) and simple bands anywhere you prefer including around your middle and top knuckles. Place different ring widths proportionally to the size of your fingers.

Our thoughts on how to layer necklaces

Mix different metals, gemstones, shapes, textures, sizes, and scales, together, but stick to a single theme or mood (romantic, edgy, bohemian, minimalist).

Layer a variety of weights and widths, and create a cascade of lengths that allow each necklace to be seen and enjoyed. Play with different chain styles (rolo, wheat, bead, rope, snake, mesh, Figaro, Venetian etc.).

We love Combining necklaces in threes or other odd numbers for a pleasing aesthetic.

Purchase a necklace spacer to avoid tangling.

 

Different types of rings

Band: It is usually a ring with a uniform width.  Identically cut gemstonescan line part of the perimeter, or all of it and in this case they are called ‘Eternity’ or ‘Infinity’ bands.

3-Stone Ring: It features a linear arrangement of thee stones, typically with a larger in the center flanked by two smaller ones. It might symbolize the past, present, and future.  

Halo Ring: Small diamonds or other same-size gems set around the main stone, often to give the illusion of a larger center stone.   

Cluster Ring: It features multiple small gemstones secured in a ‘cluster setting,’ or arranged around the main stone. Back in the Prohibition era, ladies were wearing such rings to secretly drink cocktails, hence they are also called ‘Cocktail’ or ‘Dinner’ rings. These rings are often sizeable and dazzling.

Antique Ring: It’s an over 100-year-old ring.

Birthstone Ring: It carries the gemstone that corresponds symbolically to the month you were born in.

Flexible Ring: Made of metal mesh or link chain, this comfortable bendable style adjusts to your finger’s shape.  

Signet or Seal Ring: It features a rounded plate engraved with initials, its name deriving from the Latin word ‘signum’ which means ‘signature’. Known from its earliest adopters as “gentleman’s ring” or ‘pink ring’ (from preferable finger placement), it adds a heritage feel to your looks.