Jewelry Care Tips

A little care goes a long way. Here is how to keep your Olivia Cactus pieces looking their best for years to come.

Our Materials

Gold. Our gold pieces are made with 14k gold-filled materials, which offer remarkable value compared with solid gold (often priced at ten times as much). Gold-filled holds up beautifully, and far better than plated, dipped, overlaid, or vermeil alternatives, though results naturally vary with lifestyle and care.

Silver. Our silver pieces are made with sterling silver, and care is very similar to gold-filled.

Everyday Care

• Avoid harsh chemicals whenever you can.
• Make light cleaning a habit, and never put a piece away while it is damp or dirty.
• Showering with your jewelry on can actually help keep it clean, as long as no harsh soaps are involved. A quick rinse washes away the day's sweat, lotion, and perfume residue, which do the most harm when a piece is stored with them still on. Water and a mild soap do the job well.

Refreshing the Shine

• For either metal, a soak in warm water with a little Dawn dish soap tends to bring back the shine beautifully.
• If a piece has darkened, repeat the soak a few times with some gentle polishing in between. We usually have great polishing cloths available for our customers. Just keep in mind that the treatment in the cloth can discolor light-colored silk cords.
• Always rinse thoroughly afterward. Warm water is best.
• We have used ultrasonic cleaners on our pieces as well, but be mindful of any chemicals involved. Repeated harsh washing can wear through the gold layer more quickly.

Silk Cord Pieces

Please avoid adjusting silk cord pieces while they are wet, and take care not to pull the cord too quickly. Both go a long way toward keeping your piece strong and beautiful.

Questions about caring for a specific piece? We are always happy to help. Contact us.