Jewellery Care Guide
Your La Lune pieces are made to be worn and loved for years to come. A little care goes a long way, and preventative care is always easier than aftercare. The tips below apply to all of our jewellery, with metal-specific advice where it matters.
Know your metal
Sterling silver is beautiful but delicate. Air, moisture and chemicals cause it to tarnish over time, so storage and regular polishing are key.
Gold vermeil (pronounced vur-may) is a thick layer of gold bonded to a base of solid sterling silver. To be classed as vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. We go above and beyond with a 4-micron gold layer for extra durability and lasting brilliance. It's the perfect blend of luxury and affordability, and with proper care it will stay radiant for years.
Solid 9ct gold combines the timeless allure of gold with enhanced durability, making it a popular choice for everyday wear. With the right care, your 9ct gold pieces can last for generations.
Gently Clean & Store
Gently clean your jewellery using our soft Jewellery Polishing Cloth to remove dirt and oils.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Good storage prevents scratches and slows tarnishing. Never leave your pieces lying on the bathroom sink or bedside table.
- Keep pieces separate. Store each piece in its own jewellery box compartment or soft pouch so they don't rub against and scratch each other.
- Limit air and moisture. Air exposure tarnishes silver, so store sterling silver in an air-tight bag to keep its shine. A soft pouch also protects gold vermeil and solid gold from air and moisture.
Everyday care: When to take it off
Whatever your piece is made of, remove it for these activities:
- Swimming pools and hot tubs: Chlorine accelerates tarnishing on silver and can wear away the gold layer on vermeil. Heat in hot tubs speeds up the reaction. If you forget, rinse and clean your jewellery straight afterwards.
- The ocean: Salt water can wear down gold vermeil, so take it off before a swim at the beach.
- Hot springs and saunas: Natural hot springs contain sulphur, which can severely tarnish silver (unless you're after a dark, oxidised look). Heat and moisture in saunas are also harmful.
- Exercise and sport: Sweat speeds up tarnishing and wears on gold plating, and weightlifting or contact sports can knock and scratch your pieces.
- Bathing and showering: Water and soap can leave a dulling residue.
- Household chores: Dishwashing, laundry and cleaning products expose your jewellery to harsh chemicals.
- Heavy work and gardening: Manual labour, gardening and outdoor chores risk dirt, knocks and scratches.
- Cooking: Eggs, mayonnaise and other sulphur-rich foods can tarnish silver.