Caring For Your Bowerbird Jewels

Jewellery should look and wear exactly as the materials it’s made from are meant to. Different metals and finishes have different characteristics, and understanding how they behave helps set clear, realistic expectations from the start. Sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold-filled, and gold-plated jewellery will perform and last according to the metal type and construction. Drawing on decades of experience in jewellery design, manufacturing, and materials, we share practical guidance so you know what to expect and how to care for your pieces with confidence.

Any surface coating, plating, or layered finish will naturally wear over time. Daily wear, friction, knocks, and exposure to the environment all contribute to this process. Unless a piece is made from solid metal, such as solid gold or solid sterling silver, surface finishes will gradually change with use. This includes gold-plated, vermeil, gold-filled, and even stainless steel jewellery. Solid gold and sterling silver may develop tarnish or patina over time, which can be cleaned or polished away. Jewellery is not indestructible, but with thoughtful wear, regular care, and occasional maintenance, it can continue to look as it was designed to for years to come.

Waterproof Jewellery

When people ask if jewellery is “waterproof”, they are usually asking whether they can wear it in water all the time without removing it and expect the colour or finish to stay the same forever. We do not describe jewellery as waterproof because it is not an accurate way to explain how most jewellery materials behave over time. Plated and coated finishes will naturally change with everyday wear, especially with frequent water exposure. Gold-filled jewellery is more durable than plating but not every design can be made using gold-filled method due to how it is constructed. It can still be scratched or damaged, which may eventually expose the inner brass core. Even stainless steel jewellery is not immune to scratching, surface wear, or gradual changes over time. Solid metals such as solid gold or solid sterling silver offer greater long-term stability, but care is still required. Certain conditions, such as chlorine, spa baths, or chemical exposure, can affect colour, surface finish, or even structural integrity over time. Clear information helps you make informed choices and wear your jewellery with confidence.

Everyday Jewellery Care

Jewellery is delicate by nature, and caring for it properly will help maintain its beauty. To keep your pieces looking their best, avoid direct contact with chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays, as these can affect the finish of metals and gemstones over time. We also recommend removing your jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising, as exposure to water, sweat, and chlorine can cause dullness or tarnishing. After each wear, gently wiping your jewellery with a soft, lint free cloth will help remove oils and residue that build up naturally throughout the day.

How to Wear Your Jewellery

To prolong the life of your jewellery, it’s important to be mindful of how and when you wear it. As a general rule, jewellery should be the final touch to your outfit, applying skincare, makeup, and perfume first will help prevent product build up on metals and gemstones. Rings and bracelets, in particular, are more exposed to daily wear, so removing them before lifting, cooking, or using cleaning products can help prevent scratches and unnecessary wear. If you enjoy layering necklaces, choosing different chain lengths or styles can help prevent tangling, keeping each piece in its best condition.

Cleaning Your Jewellery

Regular cleaning will help maintain the beauty of your jewellery. For most pieces, a soft, dry polishing cloth is enough to restore their shine and remove fingerprints. If a deeper clean is needed, warm water and mild soap can be used, gently brushed with a soft toothbrush, though it’s best to avoid soaking gemstone jewellery for long periods. Gold-plated pieces require extra care, as harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners can strip the plating, so a gentle wipe with a damp cloth is the safest option. Always dry your jewellery thoroughly before storing it to prevent moisture damage or tarnishing.

How to Store Your Jewellery

Proper storage plays a key role in keeping your jewellery in excellent condition. Store your pieces in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause fading or tarnishing. While our signature boxes beautifully present your jewellery upon purchase, they are not designed for long-term storage. To keep your pieces protected, we recommend storing each item separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box, which will help prevent scratches and tangling.

For sterling silver jewellery, keeping an anti-tarnish tab with your pieces can help slow down oxidation and maintain their brightness. These tabs work by absorbing moisture and sulphur compounds in the air, which are the main causes of tarnishing. Storing silver jewellery in an airtight bag along with an anti-tarnish tab will provide extra protection, keeping your pieces looking polished for longer.

If you’re travelling, a dedicated jewellery case will keep your pieces secure and prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged in transit. Taking a little extra care in how you store your jewellery will help ensure it stays as radiant as the day you first wore it.

Material-Specific Care

Solid Gold Jewellery

Solid gold is durable and resistant to tarnish, making it well suited to regular wear. However, it is not immune to scratches, surface wear, or chemical exposure. Remove solid gold pieces before swimming in chlorine, spa baths, or using harsh cleaning products, as these can affect colour and structural integrity over time. Clean gently with warm, mild soapy water and a soft gold polishing cloth, then dry thoroughly.

Gold-Filled Jewellery

Gold-filled jewellery has a thicker outer layer of gold compared to plating, making it more durable for everyday wear. However, because of its layered construction, scratches or damage can eventually expose the inner brass core. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, chemicals, and heavy friction where possible. Clean gently with a cloth and avoid abrasive polishing.

Gold Vermeil Jewellery

Gold vermeil is a layer of gold at least 2.5 microns over sterling silver. It's far more durable than thinner gold plating but it should be treated with care to preserve the surface finish. Remove before showering, swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes. Clean with a soft, dry cloth rather than liquid cleaners to help extend the life of the plating.

Gold-Plated Jewellery

Clean gently with a cloth and avoid abrasive polishing. Avoid regular water exposure, sweat, and harsh chemicals. Store separately and remove during activities that may cause friction or impact.

Gold-Toned Stainless Steel Jewellery

Stainless steel is durable and resistant to corrosion, but gold-coloured finishes on steel are still surface treatments and will change if worn every day. While more resilient than some plated finishes, avoiding constant water exposure and heavy abrasion will help maintain appearance for longer.

Sterling Silver Jewellery Care

Sterling silver naturally develops a patina over time, giving it a unique character. However, regular polishing with a silver cloth will help keep it bright. To minimise tarnishing, store silver jewellery in an anti-tarnish pouch when not being worn, and avoid exposure to moisture and chemicals, as these can accelerate oxidation. Spa baths and pool chemicals may cause the silver to turn black so remove before entering the water. These can be slowly cleaned off using a silver polishing cloth. Silver plated with rhodium is more durable and will not tarnish.

Gemstone Jewellery Care

Different gemstones have varying levels of hardness and sensitivity, so they should be handled with care. To clean gemstone jewellery, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dust or build-up, avoiding prolonged soaking, as some stones are porous and can absorb liquids that may alter their appearance. It’s also best to store gemstones separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches, as some stones are softer and more delicate than others.

Pearl Jewellery Care

Pearls are organic and require extra care to maintain their natural lustre. Wiping them gently with a soft cloth after wearing will help remove any natural oils or residue that could dull their surface. Since pearls are particularly sensitive to chemicals, it’s important to keep them away from perfumes, hairsprays, and harsh cleaners. Unlike other jewellery, pearls should not be stored in airtight containers, as they need a slight amount of moisture to prevent drying out, storing them in a soft pouch is the best way to protect their delicate surface.

Bowerbird Aftercare & Information

We believe in the lasting beauty of Bowerbird Jewels and want your pieces to be enjoyed for years to come. 

If you need assistance with your jewellery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach our customer care team at:

Email: info@bowerbirdjewels.com.au
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm AEST