Jewelry Care

Every Modern Whimsy Jewelry piece is made to last — with a little care. Here's what you need to know to keep your jewelry looking its best.

Everyday Wear

  • Put jewelry on last — after perfume, lotion, makeup and hairspray.
  • Remove before water — shower, swimming, dishwashing and cleaning with household products included.
  • Store away from light — UV exposure (even indirect) can permanently fade certain gemstones. Keep pieces in a pouch or closed jewelry box when not worn.
  • Store in a cool, dry location — avoid storing jewelry in the bathroom; high humidity accelerates silver tarnishing and can damage gemstones.
  • Last on, first off — make it part of your morning and evening routine. 

Cleaning 

  • Sterling Silver: Sterling will naturally tarnish over time. To remove tarnish, buff gently with a soft, dry polishing cloth, careful to work around (avoid) gemstones and pearls. Avoid silver dips and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • 14K Gold Fill: Wipe with a soft cloth, taking care around gemstones and pearls. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
  • Freshwater Pearls: Pearls are both soft and porous and deserve special care. Wipe with a soft damp cloth. Never soak or use chemical cleaners.
  • Gemstones: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid abrasives including toothpaste.

For Deeper Cleaning:

  • Put a few drops of a mild soap (like Dawn) in a small container or the palm of your hand with a bit of lukewarm water.
  • Swish your jewelry around with your fingers for a minute or so. 
  • Rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Pat dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or lint-free towel.

Porous stones like natural turquoise, opal, and lapis should be kept away from water and oils entirely — they can absorb liquids and change color permanently.

Light-Sensitive Stones

  • It is generally recommended to keep all gemstone jewelry away from windowsills and other sources of direct as well as indirect light to prevent fading.
  • Some natural gemstones are especially vulnerable to fading from prolonged sun or UV exposure — including amethyst, all varieties of opal, amazonite, rose quartz, kunzite, aquamarine, fluorite, and natural topaz. Store these in an opaque pouch or closed box away from windows.

Storage Tips 

  • Store pieces individually to prevent scratching.
  • Sterling silver loves to be worn. Natural oils in our skin keep sterling bright longer. 
  • Pearls are organic and need to breathe; store them in a soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box.
  • Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms — humidity accelerates tarnish and can damage stones.

About Natural, Untreated Gemstones 

  • I source natural, untreated gemstones whenever possible — no heat, no chemicals, no enhancements. What you see is what the earth created. Natural inclusions and color variations are features, not flaws.
  • Some gemstones in the jewelry industry are routinely stabilized or using them in jewelry would be problematic due to their softness and porous nature. Turquoise is a common example.

For more about gemstone treatments, visit the Gemstone Treatments page.