Jewelry Care
Caring for Your Gold Vermeil and Sterling Silver Jewelry
At Cocorrina, we want your jewelry to remain as beautiful as the day you received it. Proper care helps preserve the brilliance, finish, and longevity of your pieces. Below are our recommendations for caring for 14k gold vermeil jewelry crafted over 925 sterling silver, as well as sterling silver pieces.
1. Gold Vermeil Jewelry Care
(14k gold over 925 sterling silver)
Gold vermeil is a high-quality jewelry finish made by bonding a thick layer of solid gold over sterling silver. While durable and luxurious, it benefits from mindful care.
How to Care for Gold Vermeil Jewelry:
• Keep it dry: Avoid water, sweat, perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products. Moisture and chemicals can affect the gold layer over time. Remove your jewelry before bathing, swimming, or exercising.
• Store properly: When not worn, store your gold vermeil jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Keeping pieces separated helps prevent scratches and unnecessary friction.
• Clean gently: After wearing, lightly wipe your jewelry with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and residue. Do not use chemical cleaners or abrasive materials.
• Avoid impact: Take care to remove jewelry during activities that may cause it to hit hard surfaces, as impact can scratch or wear the gold layer.
Important Notes:
• Natural wear: With time and frequent wear, the gold layer may gently soften or wear, especially on high-contact areas. This is a natural characteristic of gold vermeil.
• Replating: If desired, gold vermeil pieces can be professionally replated to refresh their original glow.
2. Sterling Silver Jewelry Care
(925 sterling silver)
Sterling silver is a precious metal that can naturally tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. Proper care helps slow this process and maintain its beauty.
How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry:
• Keep it dry: Remove sterling silver jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray.
• Store in a dry place: Store your pieces in a pouch or airtight container when not in use. Anti-tarnish strips or silver polishing cloths can help reduce tarnishing.
• Polish gently: Use a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth to restore shine and remove surface tarnish after wear.
• Avoid abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaners or rough materials, as they can scratch the silver surface.
• Tarnish care: If tarnish develops, use a gentle, non-abrasive silver cleaner or polishing cloth, following instructions carefully.
Important Notes:
• Tarnish is natural: Tarnishing is a normal reaction of sterling silver and does not indicate poor quality.
• Patina: Over time, sterling silver may develop a soft patina that many consider part of its heirloom character.
General Care Tips for All Jewelry
• Avoid contact with household cleaners, chlorine, and harsh chemicals.
• Remove jewelry during exercise, cleaning, or sleep.
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratches and tangling.
• Handle with care to preserve finishes and detailing.
With thoughtful care, your Cocorrina jewelry will remain radiant and meaningful for years to come.
