How to Care for Pearl Jewelry and Gold-Plated Pieces at Home |
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A pearl is an organic material. It forms inside a living organism and retains something of its sensitivity — to chemicals, to moisture, to mechanical damage. Understanding that is already half of what you need to know about caring for it.
Nelrosa jewelry is made from materials that, with straightforward and consistent care, will hold their appearance for many years. Baroque and freshwater pearls, gold-plated sterling silver 925, gold-plated brass and hand-formed silk flowers — each material has its own requirements. We have gathered everything you need below.
Most damage to handmade jewelry comes not from wearing it, but from contact with the chemical substances we carry on our skin every day. Perfume, moisturiser, hairspray, deodorant — all contain ingredients that accelerate the dulling of gold plating and damage the surface of pearls.
The primary rule: jewelry goes on last, comes off first. Apply cosmetics and fragrance before putting on your jewelry. Remove it before sleeping, bathing, swimming and exercise.
CLEANING
After each wear, wipe pearls with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth. Never use washing-up liquid, alcohol, ultrasonic cleaners or abrasive materials of any kind.
MOISTURE
Pearls tolerate brief contact with water but should not be submerged or left wet. If they become wet accidentally, dry gently with a soft cloth and allow to air for several minutes before storing.
STORAGE
Store pearls separately, wrapped in soft fabric or in individual compartments of a jewelry box. Pearls scratch harder stones and are themselves susceptible to scratches from harder materials stored alongside them.
WHAT TO AVOID
Perfume, vinegar, cleaning products, chlorine (swimming pools), intense heat (sauna, hair dryer). Each of these causes permanent surface damage to pearls that cannot be reversed.
Electroplating — the process by which a layer of gold is bonded to sterling silver 925 or brass — produces a durable finish when treated with care. A gold-plated surface does not regenerate: once worn through or damaged by chemicals, it loses its lustre in that area permanently.
What accelerates wear: contact with skin in areas of perspiration (wrist, neck in warm weather), friction against other metal elements, storage without individual wrapping.
What slows wear: putting jewelry on after applying cosmetics, storing pieces in individual fabric pouches or small compartments, cleaning gently with a soft dry cloth — no chemical products.
"Handmade jewelry is not indestructible — but it is repairable. That is one of the primary differences between Nelrosa and mass-produced pieces: you can come back to us."
The silk flowers in Nelrosa jewelry are hand-formed and dyed — their structure is durable, but they respond to moisture and mechanical distortion. Never wet, compress or store them beneath other objects.
If a silk petal loses its shape slightly, you can gently restore it with your fingers — natural silk is pliable and returns to form. For more significant damage, contact the atelier directly.
After every wear: wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. This takes ten seconds and removes perspiration, sebum and cosmetic residue before they penetrate the surface.
Once a month: wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth (water only, no detergent), then dry and leave to air before storing.
When a piece has lost its lustre: contact the atelier. Gold-plated elements can be re-plated. Do not attempt to clean with silver polish or any abrasive product.
FURTHER READING — THE CONNOISSEUR'S GUIDE
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nature inspired handcrafted
We’re a small Poland-based jewelry brand, where lucid and classic designs meet unique details. Our handcrafted pieces are tailored to empower the everyday woman with modern feminine energy. Explore our collection and find the perfect jewelry to celebrate your unique live story.
As always, it is made with love to You.
