WHAT IS MY JEWELRY MADE FROM?
**WHAT IS OUR JEWELRY MADE FROM? CAN I WEAR IT IN THE OCEAN?**
If you're like me—a water girl at heart—you might be wondering if you need to take off your jewelry before diving into the ocean at sunset. I get it! That’s why I wanted to create everyday, wearable jewelry that lets you enjoy life without overthinking. But the question still lingers: should you take it off or not? And what exactly is your jewelry made from? Plus, what’s the difference between sterling silver and argentium?
Here’s a breakdown of the different metals we use so you can decide for yourself. While most of our jewelry is water-friendly, there are times when it might be best to take it off and keep it safe before making a splash. After reading this, you’ll be equipped to make that call.
**SOLID GOLD**
Yes, solid gold! This precious metal won’t wear off or tarnish, and its low reactivity means it won’t change color. You can wear it in the water, but be careful not to lose it. For example, my mom used to scuba dive wearing her gold and diamond necklaces. One day, a clasp broke, and she lost a piece at sea. Another diver found it, and my dad let them keep it. Needless to say, Mom wasn’t thrilled! Lesson learned: keep your gold safe unless you’re okay with potentially losing it.
**STERLING SILVER**
Sterling silver is .925 silver mixed with .075 base metals to add strength. While silver can tarnish, wearing it daily can actually help keep it clean thanks to the oils in your skin. Though some say not to swim in sterling, I’ve worn the same sterling silver toe ring for three years and it only tarnishes when I swim in the bay—not the ocean. If your sterling jewelry does tarnish, don’t worry! A quick clean with baking soda and vinegar will bring it back to life. Just avoid exposing it to products like perfume, sunscreen, or hairspray.
**ARGENTIUM STERLING SILVER**
This is my favorite silver to work with. Argentium is .925 sterling, but the difference is that it contains Germanium, which makes it more resistant to tarnishing. It’s a higher quality and less reactive than standard sterling. Even though it’s more durable, I still recommend avoiding long swims or harsh chemicals, though I’ve worn mine for summers on end without a problem.
**14K GOLD FILLED**
Many of my designs are made with recycled 14k gold-filled wire, chain, and sheet. Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, which doesn’t wear off like gold plating. However, delicate gold-filled chains can be more prone to reactions from elements like saltwater, so it's a good idea to treat them with care and clean them occasionally. Heavier chains, rings, and bracelets can stand up to daily wear, but it’s wise to be a bit more cautious with the lighter pieces.
**GOLD PLATE / SILVER PLATE**
Plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold or silver over a base metal. Over time, the plating will wear off with use. You’ll often see gold-plated silver, as silver holds the plating longer than base metals. With plated jewelry, I recommend avoiding swimming, showering, or vigorous activity. Think of it as your “fun” jewelry—great for special occasions, but not for everyday wear.
**BRASS**
I love working with brass! While it’s not ideal for water exposure, the good news is you can easily clean it when it tarnishes. Brass has the look of 14k gold but is much more affordable. I offer brass options for many designs, especially for those who want a similar look without the price tag of gold or silver. Plus, I use brass and copper when experimenting with new designs, so if it doesn’t turn out as planned, I’m not wasting pricier materials.
In short: while most of our pieces can handle some water, it’s always smart to weigh your options and keep your treasured pieces safe if you want to enjoy them for years to come.
If you're like me—a water girl at heart—you might be wondering if you need to take off your jewelry before diving into the ocean at sunset. I get it! That’s why I wanted to create everyday, wearable jewelry that lets you enjoy life without overthinking. But the question still lingers: should you take it off or not? And what exactly is your jewelry made from? Plus, what’s the difference between sterling silver and argentium?
Here’s a breakdown of the different metals we use so you can decide for yourself. While most of our jewelry is water-friendly, there are times when it might be best to take it off and keep it safe before making a splash. After reading this, you’ll be equipped to make that call.
**SOLID GOLD**
Yes, solid gold! This precious metal won’t wear off or tarnish, and its low reactivity means it won’t change color. You can wear it in the water, but be careful not to lose it. For example, my mom used to scuba dive wearing her gold and diamond necklaces. One day, a clasp broke, and she lost a piece at sea. Another diver found it, and my dad let them keep it. Needless to say, Mom wasn’t thrilled! Lesson learned: keep your gold safe unless you’re okay with potentially losing it.
**STERLING SILVER**
Sterling silver is .925 silver mixed with .075 base metals to add strength. While silver can tarnish, wearing it daily can actually help keep it clean thanks to the oils in your skin. Though some say not to swim in sterling, I’ve worn the same sterling silver toe ring for three years and it only tarnishes when I swim in the bay—not the ocean. If your sterling jewelry does tarnish, don’t worry! A quick clean with baking soda and vinegar will bring it back to life. Just avoid exposing it to products like perfume, sunscreen, or hairspray.
**ARGENTIUM STERLING SILVER**
This is my favorite silver to work with. Argentium is .925 sterling, but the difference is that it contains Germanium, which makes it more resistant to tarnishing. It’s a higher quality and less reactive than standard sterling. Even though it’s more durable, I still recommend avoiding long swims or harsh chemicals, though I’ve worn mine for summers on end without a problem.
**14K GOLD FILLED**
Many of my designs are made with recycled 14k gold-filled wire, chain, and sheet. Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, which doesn’t wear off like gold plating. However, delicate gold-filled chains can be more prone to reactions from elements like saltwater, so it's a good idea to treat them with care and clean them occasionally. Heavier chains, rings, and bracelets can stand up to daily wear, but it’s wise to be a bit more cautious with the lighter pieces.
**GOLD PLATE / SILVER PLATE**
Plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold or silver over a base metal. Over time, the plating will wear off with use. You’ll often see gold-plated silver, as silver holds the plating longer than base metals. With plated jewelry, I recommend avoiding swimming, showering, or vigorous activity. Think of it as your “fun” jewelry—great for special occasions, but not for everyday wear.
**BRASS**
I love working with brass! While it’s not ideal for water exposure, the good news is you can easily clean it when it tarnishes. Brass has the look of 14k gold but is much more affordable. I offer brass options for many designs, especially for those who want a similar look without the price tag of gold or silver. Plus, I use brass and copper when experimenting with new designs, so if it doesn’t turn out as planned, I’m not wasting pricier materials.
In short: while most of our pieces can handle some water, it’s always smart to weigh your options and keep your treasured pieces safe if you want to enjoy them for years to come.