Care & Keeping
A little love goes a long way. Here's how to keep your pieces looking as magical as the day they arrived.
The Golden Rules
For every piece in your collection.
Put your jewelry on last — after perfume, lotion, and dry shampoo. Take it off first — before the shower, pool, or gym. Store in a cool, dry place, ideally the pouch it came in. When in doubt, a soft damp cloth is always your safest option.
Your Metals
14k Gold & 10k Gold
Your gold pieces are built to last. A gentle buff with a soft cloth brings the shine right back. Store separately to avoid scratching.
Sterling Silver
Silver tarnishes naturally over time — it's just its nature, not a flaw. Store in an airtight pouch between wears and polish with a silver cloth to keep it bright. Skip the chlorine and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
Your Stones
We've made it easy — here's how to think about caring for your stones.
Low maintenance, high magic.
Diamond
The most durable stone in the collection and your ultimate everyday companion. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are all it needs to stay brilliant. Safe for ultrasonic cleaners. Store separately — diamonds can scratch other stones and metals.
Almost effortless.
Ruby · Sapphire
Two of the most durable colored stones you can wear. Warm soapy water and a soft brush work beautifully for both. Avoid harsh chemicals and remove before swimming or the gym.
A little mindfulness goes a long way.
Alexandrite · Amethyst · Aquamarine · Citrine · Garnet · Peridot · Tourmaline
Wonderfully low-key with just a couple of things to keep in mind. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged sun exposure — amethyst and citrine can fade over time. Peridot is sensitive to temperature changes so skip the steam cleaner. Otherwise, wear freely and enjoy.
Worth the extra love.
Blue Topaz · Emerald · Opal · Pearl · Topaz
These are the delicate ones — and absolutely worth the care.
Blue Topaz & Topaz — warm soapy water only. Avoid knocks and temperature extremes, as topaz has a natural cleavage that makes it vulnerable to splitting.
Emerald — most emeralds are oil-treated. Skip the water soaks and ultrasonic cleaners entirely. A soft, barely damp cloth is all you need.
Opal — opals hold water in their structure and can crack in extreme heat or dryness. A gentle wipe with a soft damp cloth is plenty. Store away from heat and avoid dry environments.
Pearl — the most delicate of all. Put them on last, take them off first. Wipe with a soft damp cloth after every wear — perfume and skin oils break down the nacre over time. Never soak, never steam.
Professional Cleaning
We recommend having your pieces professionally cleaned once a year. A jeweler can also check prong settings and clasps to make sure everything stays secure. Think of it as a little annual spa day for your jewelry.
Storage Tips
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
- Keep silver in an airtight pouch or zip bag to slow tarnishing
- Avoid storing jewelry in the bathroom — humidity is not its friend
- Opals and pearls especially benefit from being stored away from heat and direct sunlight
A Note on Recycled Metals
Many of our pieces are crafted from recycled metals, which carry the same quality and durability as newly mined material. Care for them the same way — with a little intention and a lot of love.
Still Have Questions?
Every product page includes specific care details for that piece. And if you ever have a question about your jewelry, we're always here.
Reach us at cs@ousajewelry.com — we're happy to help.
A little magic, beautifully made — and made to last.