Jewellery Care Guide

Caring for Pieces That Become Part of Your Story

Jewellery has accompanied people through life's moments for centuries.

Some pieces are worn every day, while others are reserved for special occasions and treasured memories.

Over time, favourite pieces often become woven into our personal stories, chosen again and again because they feel familiar, meaningful and uniquely our own.

Whether selected for their beauty, craftsmanship, symbolism or significance, thoughtful care can help ensure your jewellery continues to be enjoyed for years to come.

At Enchantress Collective, we believe jewellery is more than an accessory. It is often a reflection of personal style, meaningful experiences and the moments that shape our journey.

Understanding Sterling Silver

Many Enchantress Designs pieces are created using genuine sterling silver.

Sterling silver is a beautiful and durable precious metal made from 92.5% pure silver combined with a small percentage of other metals to improve strength and wearability.

Like all precious metals, sterling silver naturally changes over time.

Exposure to air, moisture, perfumes, lotions and everyday environmental factors can cause silver to develop a natural tarnish.

This is completely normal and does not indicate a fault or defect.

With regular care, sterling silver can easily be restored to its original beauty.

Everyday Wear

One of the best things you can do for sterling silver jewellery is wear it regularly.

The natural oils in your skin can help slow tarnishing and keep silver looking its best.

A Note About Skin Chemistry

One of the fascinating characteristics of sterling silver is that it can react differently depending on the individual wearing it.

Our skin naturally produces oils and moisture, and factors such as body chemistry, skin pH, medications, skincare products, diet, environment and lifestyle can all influence how silver behaves over time.

As a result, some people may notice their jewellery develops tarnish more quickly, while others experience very little tarnishing at all.

This variation is completely normal and is one of the reasons silver jewellery may age differently from person to person.

Regular gentle cleaning and proper storage can help keep sterling silver looking its best, regardless of individual skin chemistry.

We recommend removing jewellery before:

• Swimming in pools, spas or the ocean

• Bathing or showering

• Applying perfumes, hairsprays, sunscreens or lotions

• Using cleaning products

• Exercising or participating in vigorous activities

• Gardening or manual work

These activities may expose jewellery to chemicals, moisture or physical impacts that can affect both the metal and gemstones.

Caring for Natural Gemstones

Natural gemstones are treasures created by nature over millions of years.

Each gemstone possesses its own unique characteristics, hardness and care requirements.

Some gemstones are highly durable and suitable for everyday wear, while others require more delicate handling.

To help protect your gemstone jewellery:

• Avoid sudden temperature changes

• Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning products

• Remove jewellery before swimming or bathing

• Avoid dropping or knocking gemstones against hard surfaces

• Store pieces carefully when not being worn

Some gemstones are naturally porous, water-sensitive or delicate and may require specialised care.

When in doubt, treat your jewellery gently and seek advice before attempting any cleaning method.

Natural inclusions, growth patterns, colour zoning, matrix and unique markings are part of the individuality and beauty of genuine gemstones and should not be considered imperfections.

These natural characteristics tell the story of the gemstone's formation and are often what make a piece truly unique.

Handling Jewellery

Jewellery is designed to be worn and enjoyed, but thoughtful handling can help preserve both the metal and any gemstones it contains.

While sterling silver is durable, gemstones and decorative details can vary significantly in their resilience. Repeated knocks, impacts and unnecessary handling may increase the risk of scratches, chips or wear over time.

Some Enchantress Designs pieces feature intricate silver scrollwork, decorative filigree and other fine handcrafted details that contribute to their beauty and individuality.

While these delicate elements are created to be worn and enjoyed, they may be more susceptible to bending or damage if caught on clothing, hair, scarves or other accessories.

To help protect your jewellery:

• Handle pieces gently.

• Avoid placing jewellery on hard surfaces.

• Remove jewellery before activities that may cause impact or abrasion.

• Fasten clasps carefully to avoid unnecessary strain.

• Take care when putting on or removing clothing, particularly garments that pass over the head.

• Be mindful of long hair, knitted fabrics, lace and textured materials that may become caught on intricate silverwork.

• If a piece becomes caught, gently free it rather than pulling or tugging.

• Store pieces appropriately when not being worn.

A little care goes a long way in preserving the craftsmanship, beauty and longevity of your jewellery.

Cleaning Your Jewellery

Because every gemstone is unique, there is no single cleaning method suitable for all jewellery.

Some gemstones are sensitive to water, moisture, chemicals, temperature changes or cleaning products. For this reason, we do not recommend immersing gemstone jewellery in water unless you are certain the gemstone is suitable for this type of cleaning.

For regular care, we recommend:

• Using a quality silver polishing cloth to gently restore the shine of sterling silver.

• Using a clean microfibre polishing cloth to gently remove fingerprints, dust and everyday marks from gemstones.

• Wiping jewellery after wear to remove natural oils, cosmetics and environmental residue.

Avoid:

• Harsh chemicals.

• Abrasive cleaners.

• Silver dip cleaners.

• Ultrasonic cleaners.

• Steam cleaning.

• Prolonged exposure to moisture.

• Any cleaning method that may not be suitable for the specific gemstone involved.

If you are unsure how to care for a particular gemstone, please contact us before cleaning.

We are always happy to provide guidance specific to your piece.

Storing Your Jewellery

Proper storage helps protect both sterling silver and gemstones.

When not being worn, we recommend:

• Storing jewellery in a dry location.

• Keeping pieces separate to prevent scratching.

• Using jewellery pouches, boxes or soft-lined compartments.

• Avoiding direct sunlight for extended periods.

• Avoiding humid environments where possible.

Keeping silver jewellery in an airtight pouch or anti-tarnish storage bag may help reduce tarnishing over time.

Travelling With Jewellery

Jewellery often accompanies us through some of life's most meaningful adventures.

When travelling:

• Store pieces individually.

• Use a protective jewellery case.

• Avoid placing jewellery loosely in luggage.

• Carry particularly valuable or sentimental pieces with you whenever possible.

Taking a little extra care while travelling can help prevent accidental damage.

Natural Changes Over Time

Like the people who wear it, jewellery develops character over time.

Sterling silver may naturally tarnish.

Gemstones may display subtle signs of wear.

Handcrafted pieces may develop a unique patina through years of use.

These changes are often part of the story a piece carries.

With thoughtful care, however, your jewellery can remain beautiful and wearable for generations.

Jewellery and Life's Transitions

At Enchantress Designs, jewellery is created with intention.

Many pieces are inspired by personal growth, resilience, creativity and the transitions we experience throughout life.

A piece may celebrate a new beginning.

Mark an achievement.

Honour a memory.

Or simply serve as a reminder of a moment that mattered.

We believe these connections are part of what makes jewellery meaningful.

Caring for your jewellery is, in many ways, caring for the stories and memories it represents.

Beauty, Meaning & Personal Connection

People wear jewellery for many different reasons.

Some are drawn to craftsmanship and design.

Some appreciate the beauty of gemstones and precious metals.

Some choose pieces to mark milestones, celebrate memories or express personal style.

Others are drawn to symbolism, meaning or the emotions a piece evokes.

At Enchantress Collective, we believe there is no single reason a piece becomes special.

The most meaningful jewellery is often the jewellery that resonates with you personally.

A Final Thought

Jewellery often accompanies us through the chapters of our lives.

It celebrates milestones, marks memories and becomes part of the stories we carry with us.

With thoughtful care, your jewellery can continue to be worn, treasured and enjoyed for many years to come.

We hope each piece continues to bring beauty, meaning and connection to the moments that matter most, becoming part of your story for many years to come.