Care Instructions
Jewelry Rx
We handcraft our jewelry with the utmost attention. With the proper care, your pieces will stand the test of time. Here’s the prescription to keep your jewelry in the brightest condition.
Rx by Material
18K Gold Vermeil
18K Gold Over Brass
Sterling Silver
Enamel
Gemstones
Pearls
- Humidity is the enemy. Keep it dry!
Store your vermeil jewels in a safe, dry place (such as our Book Box or Pill Ring Box). Extra bonus if you have a silica gel pouch to include inside it. - Limit wear and tear by storing your jewelry individually when possible.
- If tarnishing occurs, you can clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft polishing cloth. Or, e-mail us at vteam@vcoterie.com so we can help!
- Humidity is the enemy. Keep it dry!
Store your jewels in a safe, dry place (such as our Book Box or Pill Ring Box). Extra bonus if you have a silica gel pouch to include inside it. - Limit wear and tear by storing your jewelry individually when possible.
- If tarnishing occurs, you can clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft polishing cloth. Or, e-mail us at vteam@vcoterie.com so we can help!
- Humidity is the enemy. Keep it dry! Sterling silver has a tendency to oxidize.
- Store each piece in your V Coterie velvet pouch, Book Box, or our Pill Jewelry Box when not in use to slow oxidation.
- Wear often. The oils in your skin actually slow down the oxidation process!
- Clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft polishing cloth.
- Avoid contact with lotions, shampoos, and cleansers that may potentially affect the enamel.
- Refrain from swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools and minimize exposure to heavy perspiration during exercise.
- Do not clean enamel using ultrasonic jewelry cleaners or ammonia-based products. Instead, gently wipe it clean using a damp cloth.
- Be careful not to drop your enamel pieces, as this can result in chipping or cracking of the enamel.
- Keep your jewels sparkling with a little bit of warm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Shine on!
- Clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft polishing cloth.
- Store separately to avoid abrasion from other jewelry pieces.
- Clean your piece by buffing gently with a soft polishing cloth.
Rx:
18K Gold Vermeil
Our signature collection is crafted with a heavy layer of 18K gold over sterling silver, called vermeil. This type of plating is significantly thicker than regular gold plating, and, therefore, longer lasting. However, because vermeil is not solid gold, it requires some extra care.
Sig:
18K Gold Over Brass
Gold jewelry is strengthened with other alloys, or metal mixtures, because pure gold is too soft for daily wear. Our 18 Karat gold is 75% pure gold. While we are far from perfect, we strive to responsibly produce. We work with recycled eco-brass to reduce our environmental impact and to offer our styles more affordably.
Sig:
Rx:
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy metal containing 92.5 percent silver and a 7.5 percent amalgam of other metals. Chosen for its strength and beauty, sterling silver has a lifetime of durability.
SIG:
Rx: Enamel
Enamel
The enameling technique involves the direct, hand application of a glossy, epoxy resin onto metal surfaces. Note: this technique differs from the cloisonné technique for our lapel pins, and thus, requires a bit of extra care.
SIG:
Rx:
Gemstones
We utilize simulated gemstones such as cubic zirconias and nano gems. These lab-grown gemstones are genuine AAA grade and offer a remarkably similar appearance to mined gemstones. Plus, they have the added benefits of being fully traceable and manufactured in controlled conditions.
We prioritize the use of high-quality simulated gemstones that are exceptionally durable. In fact, they have enhanced hardness and stability compared to their precious and semi-precious gemstone counterparts.
SIG:
Rx:
Pearls
We work with freshwater pearls in various shapes and sizes, and the origin is listed on the respective product description. Freshwater pearls are softer than most gemstones, but as still considered very hard and durable. With proper care, they will retain the original color and luster for decades to come.
SIG:
How to Care For Your Jewelry
General Guidelines
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals
- Wipe with a soft, lint-free polishing cloth to remove dust and oils
- Remove before going to bed, showering, or swimming
- Store in a clean, dry place and separately (like in a jewelry box w/ compartments or in individual pouches) to prevent scratches
Differential Diagnosis
DDx: Tarnish
In case of tarnish, don't fret! There's a treatment for that.
Tarnishing is normal for sterling silver and plated jewelry over time. This is considered normal wear and tear, so please note that your jewelry is not defective. Because it is sped up by a number of factors (e.g. body chemistry, humidity/sweat, exposure to harsh chemicals or personal care products), it's important to be proactive to keep tarnish at bay for as long as possible.
1. Use a polishing cloth to remove.
2. If that doesn't seem to do the trick, reach out to us! We've got your back under our Warranty.
Differential Diagnosis
DDx: Contact Dermatitis
That's medical speak for allergic reaction.
Our jewelry is made from high-quality materials including precious metals like sterling silver and 18K gold. Our unique metal alloys do not contain added nickel, so our customers very rarely experience skin sensitivities.
We currently meet the European Union’s REACH (Restriction, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulation, which aims to restrict hazardous substances such as nickel, lead, and cadmium in all parts of jewelry.
Keep It Safe
Explore Storage
