Jewelry Care FAQ

Jewelry Care FAQ

Your Aura Love pieces deserve a little love too. Follow these care tips to keep them looking beautiful for as long as possible.


General Care

Can I wear my jewelry in the shower or while swimming?

We recommend removing all jewelry before showering, swimming, or soaking in a bath or hot tub. Prolonged exposure to water — especially chlorinated or salt water — can dull metals, loosen stone settings, and accelerate tarnishing.

Can I spray perfume or apply lotion while wearing my jewelry?

No. Chemicals in perfumes, lotions, sunscreens, and hairsprays can react with metal finishes and degrade surface coatings over time. Always put your jewelry on last — after your beauty routine is complete and products have fully absorbed.

Should I remove my jewelry when exercising?

Yes. Sweat contains salts and acids that can wear down metal finishes and affect stones and decorative elements like crystals and velvet accents. Remove pieces before workouts and wipe them down if they've been exposed to sweat.


Tarnishing

Why is my jewelry tarnishing?

Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when metal is exposed to oxygen, moisture, skin oils, and chemicals. Gold-toned and silver-toned metals, as well as rose gold finishes, are all susceptible over time. This is normal and does not indicate a defect in the piece.

How can I slow down tarnishing?

  • Keep jewelry dry and store it away from humid environments.
  • Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products.
  • Store each piece individually to prevent scratching and oxidation from contact with other metals.
  • Remove jewelry before sleeping.

Can tarnished jewelry be restored?

Light tarnish can often be gently buffed away. See the cleaning section below for guidance.


Cleaning

How do I clean my jewelry at home?

For most metal pieces (gold-toned, silver-toned, rose gold, stainless steel):

  1. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with warm water.
  2. Gently wipe the surface to remove oils and residue.
  3. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a dry cloth — do not air dry, as lingering moisture can accelerate tarnish.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, abrasive cloths, toothpaste, or harsh chemical jewelry cleaners, as these can strip coatings and damage stones or decorative elements.

How do I clean pieces with crystals, rhinestones, or cubic zirconia?

Use a soft, barely damp cloth and gently wipe around the stones. Avoid soaking or submerging pieces with stones, as water can seep into settings and loosen adhesive or prong-held gems.

What about velvet or fabric accents?

Pieces with velvet accents (like our Blue Velvet Drop Earrings) should never be submerged in water. Spot-clean velvet gently with a dry or very slightly damp cloth, and allow to air dry away from direct heat.

What about natural stone pieces (Tiger's Eye, Black Obsidian)?

Natural mineral stones are porous and sensitive to chemicals. Wipe gently with a dry soft cloth only. Keep away from water, oils, and ultrasonic cleaners.


Storage

How should I store my jewelry?

  • Store pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Keep each item in a separate pouch, compartment, or small zip bag to prevent scratching and tangling.
  • Anti-tarnish strips placed inside your jewelry box or pouch can help slow oxidation for metal pieces.
  • Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms, which are humid environments.

How should I store layered or chain necklaces?

Hang multi-layer necklaces or lay them flat in separate compartments to prevent tangling and kinking. If chains do tangle, use a pin or needle to gently work knots loose — never pull forcefully.


Material-Specific Tips

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most durable metals in our collection and is more resistant to tarnishing and moisture than plated metals. Still, we recommend following the general care tips above to maintain its shine.

Gold-Toned & Rose Gold Metals

These finishes are typically plated and can wear over time with friction, moisture, and chemical exposure. Handle with care and follow all general care tips closely to extend the life of the finish.

Silver-Toned Metals

Silver-toned pieces may tarnish more visibly than other metals. Store carefully and buff lightly with a polishing cloth designed for silver-toned jewelry when needed.

Crystals, Rhinestones & Cubic Zirconia

Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged moisture exposure. Stones may loosen over time if exposed to water frequently, as it can weaken adhesive and setting integrity.

Pearl & Iridescent Accents

Pearls and iridescent finishes are delicate. Keep away from perfumes, acids, and rough surfaces. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing.


General Tips

When should I take my jewelry off?

As a rule of thumb, remove your jewelry before: showering or bathing, swimming, exercising, sleeping, applying beauty products, and household cleaning with chemicals.

My piece looks dull — is it damaged?

Dullness is often just a buildup of skin oils, lotion, or light oxidation. Try a gentle wipe-down with a soft damp cloth followed by thorough drying. If the piece still doesn't look right, it may have reached the end of its plating life, which is a natural process for plated metals.


Taking a few extra moments to care for your jewelry goes a long way. For additional questions, feel free to contact us.