How to take care of your jewelry according to its composition?

Your jewelry is unique to you, and therefore deserves special care to maintain its beauty and shine over time. Each material requires specific care, and it's important to know the best practices to avoid damage and allergic reactions.

Beyond maintenance, understanding the durability and environmental impact of each material will help you make informed choices. Here's your complete guide to caring for your jewelry based on its composition .

Wool jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) - Wool is naturally strong but can lose its shape over time and in humidity.

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good) - Natural, biodegradable, and renewable material. Impact depends on the farming and dyeing methods used.

Interview

• Cleaning: Use a soft brush to remove dust and lint. For a deeper clean, gently hand wash with warm water and a mild wool soap.
• Drying: Leave to dry flat, away from any direct heat source.
• Storage: Store in a dry place, preferably with natural moth-proof bags.
• Little tip 😉 You can harden wool (or any other fabric) by soaking it in a mixture of potato (or corn) starch and boiling water. Let it dry in the sun, and voilà!

Allergy precautions

Wool may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Always test on a small area of ​​skin before prolonged wear.

Varnished fabric jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐ (Low) - Varnish may chip or dull over time. Susceptible to scratches and wear.

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐ (Low) - Varnish often contains non-biodegradable chemical compounds. The base fabric may be environmentally friendly depending on its composition.

Interview

• Cleaning: Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the surface. Avoid excessive water, which could damage the varnish.
• Protection: Avoid contact with perfumes, creams and chemicals that can dull the varnish.
• Storage: Store in a dry place away from direct light.

Allergy precautions

Nail polish may contain irritating chemicals. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Stainless steel jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) - Extremely resistant to corrosion, scratches and wear. Can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Environmental Impact: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) - 100% recyclable material, but its production requires a lot of energy. This is offset by its exceptional longevity.

Interview

• Cleaning: Wash with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Polishing: Use a microfiber cloth to restore shine.
• Resistance: Stainless steel resists water and corrosion well, but avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.

Allergy precautions

Stainless steel is generally hypoallergenic, but some people may react to small amounts of nickel. Choose 316L stainless steel for better tolerance.

Raw brass jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) - Durable but naturally oxidizes, creating a green patina. Requires regular maintenance.

Environmental Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good) - Copper and zinc alloy, fully recyclable. Less energy-intensive to produce than stainless steel.

Interview

• Cleaning: Use a mixture of lemon and salt, or white vinegar to remove natural oxidation.
• Polishing: Rub gently with a soft cloth after cleaning.
• Protection: Apply a thin layer of wax or protective varnish to slow oxidation.
• Avoid: Contact with water, sweat and cosmetic products.

Allergy precautions

Caution: Brass contains copper and sometimes nickel, two highly allergenic metals. Sensitive individuals may develop contact dermatitis. Always test before wearing and limit skin contact time.

Polymer clay jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) - Resistant to light impacts but may crack or break. Colors remain stable over time if properly fired.

Environmental Impact: ⭐⭐ (Low) - Non-biodegradable plastic material derived from petroleum. However, its longevity and the ability to create unique pieces partially offset this impact.

Interview

• Cleaning: Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive products.
• Protection: Avoid shocks that can cause cracks or breaks.
• Storage: Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat sources.

Allergy precautions

Polymer clay is generally well tolerated, but some additives or colorants can cause reactions. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Self-hardening clay jewelry

Sustainability and ecological impact

Durability: ⭐⭐ (Low) - Fragile material, sensitive to shock and moisture. May crack or crumble over time, especially without a protective varnish.

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) - Composed mainly of natural clay and water, it is biodegradable and non-toxic. Minimal environmental impact.

Interview

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry brush to remove dust. If varnished, gently clean with a slightly damp cloth.
• Protection: Absolutely avoid water and excessive humidity which can soften or deform unglazed clay.
• Handling: Handle with care to avoid shocks and drops.
• Storage: Store in a dry place, away from moisture, ideally in a box with silica gel.
• Repair: Small cracks can be repaired with a little fresh clay and water.

Allergy precautions

Self-hardening clay is generally hypoallergenic and well tolerated. However, some additives or added colorants can cause reactions in highly sensitive individuals. Finishing varnishes may contain irritating compounds.

Gold jewelry

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gold is one of the most durable metals for jewelry. Its exceptional resistance to corrosion means it doesn't degrade over time, making it a lasting investment that can be passed down from generation to generation. While gold mining has an environmental impact, its infinite recyclability and exceptional longevity make up for this.

Interview

Cleaning

• Use warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush
• No chemical treatment required, reducing your ecological footprint
• Occasional polishing by a professional jeweler to revive the shine without polluting products

Drying

• Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
• Avoid water marks to preserve shine

Protection

• Avoid contact with chlorine
• Avoid perfumes and household products that can alter the color

Storage

• Store separately in a fabric-lined box
• Avoid scratches by separating each piece

Specificities of gold plating

Gold plating requires special care as the gold layer is thinner and can wear off over time.

Cleaning

• Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear
• Remove traces of sebum and perspiration
• Never use abrasive products or brushes

Protection

• Remove your jewelry before any activity involving water (showering, swimming, washing dishes)
• Remove them before any activity involving perspiration (sport)
• Absolutely avoid contact with perfumes, creams and cosmetic products

Storage

• Store separately in individual pockets
• Avoid friction between jewelry

Silver jewelry

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Silver is a durable and infinitely recyclable precious metal, making it a responsible choice for your jewelry. Although it naturally oxidizes upon contact with air and moisture, this process is reversible and does not alter the quality of the metal. Silver can be remelted and recycled indefinitely, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the need for mining.

Interview

Cleaning

• Wear your jewelry regularly to maintain its natural shine
• Use a special silver cloth
• Or prepare a solution of warm water with baking soda (natural and biodegradable product)
• Rub gently

Drying

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth
• Avoid traces of humidity which promote oxidation

Protection

• Avoid exposure to water
• Avoid perfumes and cosmetics
• Limit contact with moisture

Storage

• Store in reusable anti-tarnish pouches
• Or use tissue paper to limit oxidation
• Choose a dry place

Wooden bead jewelry

Ecological impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐

Wooden beads represent the most eco-friendly choice when it comes to jewelry. A 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable material, wood has a minimal carbon footprint compared to precious metals. By choosing wooden jewelry, you're supporting ethical and environmentally friendly fashion. Although wood is more fragile than precious metals and requires more care, its exceptional environmental impact makes it a preferred choice for responsible consumption.

Interview

Cleaning

• Simply use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust
• Completely natural maintenance, without any chemicals
• Occasionally apply a small amount of natural oil (sweet almond oil) to nourish the wood
• 100% natural and biodegradable solution

Protection

• Avoid contact with water
• Avoid excessive humidity
• Avoid chemicals that may cause wood to swell, crack, or discolor
• Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming or exercising

Storage

• Store in a dry place
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Avoid heat sources that could weaken the wood

General tips to avoid allergies

• Pre-test: Always wear new jewelry on a small area of ​​skin for a few hours before prolonged wear.
• Dry Skin: Make sure your skin is clean and dry before wearing your jewelry.
• Rotation: Alternate your jewelry to avoid prolonged exposure to the same material.
• Warning signs: Redness, itching, swelling, or a rash are signs of an allergy. Consult a dermatologist if necessary.

Summary table: Sustainability and ecological impact

Matter	Sustainability	Ecological impact	Highlights
Wool	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Natural, biodegradable
Varnished fabric	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Varied aesthetics
Stainless steel	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Very durable, recyclable
Raw brass	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Recyclable, natural patina
Polymer clay	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Unlimited creativity
Self-hardening clay	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	100% natural, biodegradable
Gold Jewelry	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Sustainable investment
Silver Jewelry	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Recyclable indefinitely
Wooden beads	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Renewable and biodegradable

Conclusion

Proper care will prolong the life of your jewelry while protecting your health and the environment. Choosing sustainable materials and caring for them properly contributes to more responsible consumption. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have specific questions about caring for your pieces or if you experience any allergic reactions. Your well-being and that of our planet are our priorities!