JEWELLERY CARE

We The Stars jewellery is handmade using natural gemstones and precious metals. With the right care, your pieces can be worn and loved for many years.

General Care

Avoid wearing jewellery while exercising, gardening, cleaning or doing activities where it may be knocked or scratched.

Remove jewellery before swimming, particularly in chlorinated pools.

Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, fake tan, moisturisers and household chemicals.

Store pieces separately in a dry jewellery box or pouch to prevent scratching.

Gemstones

Gemstones vary significantly in hardness and durability.

The Mohs scale measures resistance to scratching:

10 — Diamond

9 — Sapphire & Ruby

7.5–8 — Emerald, Aquamarine & Morganite

7–7.5 — Tourmaline & Garnet

6.5–7 — Peridot

Approx. 5.5–6.5 — Opal

Hardness isn’t the only measure of durability. Even diamonds can chip, while inclusions and natural fractures can make some stones more vulnerable to impact.

Take particular care with gemstone rings, which naturally receive more wear than other jewellery.

Opals

Opals are softer than many other precious gemstones and can scratch, scuff, chip or crack if knocked.

Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Solid Australian opals can generally tolerate normal contact with water, although we recommend removing them before swimming, showering or prolonged soaking to protect the stone and setting.

Opal doublets and triplets should not be soaked or repeatedly submerged, as moisture can affect their layered construction.

Clean opals gently with a soft damp cloth. If you’re unsure how to care for your particular opal, contact us.

Solid Gold

Solid gold is durable and designed for long-term wear, but it will naturally develop fine scratches and signs of wear over time.

Clean with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth or toothbrush, provided the gemstones in your piece are suitable for this method.

Avoid chlorine and bleach.

Solid gold jewellery can be professionally cleaned and polished when required.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver naturally oxidises and tarnishes over time. This is normal and is not a fault with the metal.

Perfume, cosmetics, humidity, chemicals and individual skin chemistry can accelerate tarnishing.

Use a silver polishing cloth to restore shine and store silver somewhere dry when it isn’t being worn.

Brass

Brass naturally oxidises and develops a patina over time.

Depending on your skin chemistry, brass may temporarily leave a green or dark mark on the skin. This is a normal reaction between the copper content of brass, moisture and the skin and will wash away.

Avoid excessive moisture, perfume, lotions and chemicals.

A suitable brass polishing cloth can restore its original brightness, or you can allow the natural patina to develop.

Gold Vermeil & Gold-Plated Jewellery

Gold vermeil and gold plating will naturally wear over time.

To prolong the finish, remove plated jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping. Avoid contact with perfume, skincare products and chemicals.

Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive polishing products as these may remove the gold layer.

Plated jewellery can be professionally replated when required.

Settings & Chains

Claws, settings and chains can wear over time, particularly on jewellery worn every day.

We recommend having frequently worn gemstone pieces periodically checked by a jeweller.

If a gemstone becomes loose or you notice damage to a claw or setting, stop wearing the piece until it has been inspected.

Cleaning

For most durable jewellery, use lukewarm water, mild soap and a very soft toothbrush or cloth.

Not all gemstones are suitable for the same cleaning methods. Opals, pearls, emeralds and some treated gemstones require additional care.

Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner unless you know it is safe for your particular gemstone.

If you’re unsure how to clean your We The Stars piece, contact us before cleaning it.