Jewelry Care and Cleaning: Tips and Advice

Well cared-for jewelry keeps its shine for years. At L'Or Didon, our jewelry combines 316L surgical stainless steel with an 18k fine gold finish, natural stones and natural freshwater pearls. Each material has its own needs: here is our complete guide to cleaning, protecting and storing your jewelry, simply, at home.

Getting to know your L'Or Didon jewelry

316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel is the steel used in surgery and watchmaking. It doesn't rust, it's tarnish free, waterproof and hypoallergenic: it suits sensitive skin. It's a strong base, made to be worn every day.

The 18k fine gold PVD finish

Our gold jewelry is coated with 18k fine gold using the PVD technique (physical vapor deposition). In a vacuum, the gold is deposited as a very thin layer that bonds to the surface of the steel. This finish is far more resistant than a traditional gold finish: it withstands water, sweat and everyday wear.

It is still a finish, though. Repeated friction, abrasive products and certain chemicals can wear it down over time. The few simple habits below are all it takes to preserve it.

Natural stones and natural freshwater pearls

Tiger eye, malachite, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, amethyst, onyx, turquoise: every natural stone has its own hardness and sensitivity. Natural freshwater pearls are living materials, born in water, and more delicate than steel. They need a little more gentleness.

Other materials

A few pieces are made of resin, enamel or cotton pearls. They don't like water or cleaning products: simply wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. The exact material of each piece is listed on its product page.

The golden rule: last on, first off

Put your jewelry on last, once your perfume, cream, makeup and hairspray are completely dry. Take it off first in the evening, before removing your makeup. This simple habit protects the gold finish, the stones and above all the pearls.

Sweat, water, seawater and swimming pools

Sweat

Sweat is slightly acidic and salty. It doesn't damage 316L steel, but over time it can dull the shine of the gold finish and the pearls. After sport, a hot day or a night out, simply wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth before putting it away.

The shower and fresh water

Your steel jewelry, gold-tone or silver-tone, handles fresh water: no need to worry if it gets wet. To keep it shiny for longer, just avoid putting soap and shampoo directly on the piece, and dry it afterwards. Natural freshwater pearls and porous stones (turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli) should not get wet: take them off before showering.

Seawater and swimming pools

The salt in seawater and the chlorine in pools are the harshest for the gold finish and for stones. If you keep a steel piece on at the beach, rinse it in clean water as soon as possible, then dry it well. Always take off your pearls and natural stone jewelry before swimming.

Chemicals and cosmetics: keep them away

These products can dull the gold finish, cloud the stones and permanently damage pearls:

• perfume, hairspray, oil, sunscreen and self-tanner;
• hand sanitizer;
• bleach, household cleaners and detergents;
• silver polish and impregnated polishing cloths.

Take your jewelry off for cleaning, washing up and gardening, and let your cosmetics dry before wearing it.

Caring for a stainless steel chain with an 18k fine gold finish

1. Wash gently: a few drops of mild (pH-neutral) soap in a bowl of lukewarm water.
2. Clean the links: run a very soft toothbrush, without toothpaste, between the links.
3. Rinse in clean water.
4. Dry by patting with a soft cloth, then let it air dry before putting it away.
5. Polish with a microfiber cloth, using small circular motions.

Avoid on a gold finish: lemon, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste and scouring sponges. These "grandmother's tricks" are acidic or abrasive: they wear away the gold layer. If your piece has a stone or a pearl, don't immerse it in water: clean only the chain.

Caring for natural stones

• Cleaning: a soft, barely damp cloth, then a dry cloth. No soaking, no products.
• Sensitive stones: malachite, turquoise and lapis lazuli are soft and porous. They don't like water, acids or cosmetics.
• Harder stones: tiger eye, onyx, amethyst and rose quartz are more resistant, but a knock can still mark them.
• Light: amethyst and rose quartz can fade in prolonged sunlight. Store them away from light.
• No heat or ultrasound: ultrasonic cleaners and steam can crack a natural stone.

For our interchangeable necklaces, store each stone pendant in its own pouch so they don't scratch each other.

Because each stone is natural, its color and veining vary slightly from one piece to another: that's what makes your jewelry unique.

Caring for natural freshwater pearls

Pearls are the most delicate pieces in your collection, and also the ones that love being worn the most: contact with your skin keeps their luster alive.

• After each wear, wipe them with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth to remove sweat and traces of cosmetics.
• Never soak them: water weakens the thread and dulls the nacre.
• No products: no soap, alcohol, vinegar or jewelry cleaner.
• Perfume and hairspray: always spray them before putting on your pearls.
• Storage: flat, on their own in their pouch, away from metal jewelry that could scratch them.

Storing your jewelry properly

• Store each piece separately, in its L'Or Didon pouch or gift box: it protects it from dust, light and scratches.
• Fasten chains before putting them away to avoid knots.
• Choose a dry place: avoid the bathroom, where humidity dulls jewellery.
• When travelling, carry your jewelry in its pouches, never loose.

Frequently asked questions

Can I shower with my stainless steel jewelry?

Yes, 316L steel is waterproof. To keep the gold finish shining longer, avoid putting soap directly on the piece and dry it afterwards. Do take off any jewelry with natural freshwater pearls or natural stones, though.

Will my gold jewelry turn black or green?

No: stainless steel doesn't oxidize and doesn't leave a green mark on the skin. Over time and with friction, the gold finish may gently wear on the most exposed areas: the tips in this guide help you preserve it for a long time.

Can I swim in the sea with my jewelry?

We don't recommend it: salt and sun wear out the gold finish and the stones. If it does happen, rinse your piece in clean water and dry it carefully.

How can I restore the shine of a dull piece?

Wash it in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinse, dry, then polish it with a microfiber cloth. For pearls and stones, a soft cloth is all you need.

My jewelry has a defect, what should I do?

Our jewelry comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Write to us at support@lordidon.com, on WhatsApp at +33 6 67 45 88 74, or come and see us at our boutique in Le Marais, Paris (3 rue Madame de Sévigné, Saint-Paul metro).

To find out more, discover the materials of our jewelry and our guide to stainless steel jewelry.

With these simple habits, your L'Or Didon jewelry stays as luminous as on the very first day.