Jewelry Care Guide
Jewelry Care & Materials FAQ
Austin Down to Earth jewelry is designed and handcrafted in small batches in the Washington, DC area using carefully selected materials including pearls, gemstones, sterling silver, and 14k gold filled metals.
Each piece is thoughtfully made to reflect our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
With proper care, your jewelry will maintain its shine and beauty for years to come.
Can I wear my jewelry every day?
Yes. Our jewelry is designed for everyday wear.
Most Austin Down to Earth pieces are crafted in 14k gold filled or sterling silver, materials chosen for their durability and long-lasting beauty. With proper care, these metals can maintain their shine through years of regular wear.
As with all jewelry, removing pieces before swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes will help keep them looking their best.
What materials are your jewelry pieces made from?
Our jewelry is handcrafted using high-quality materials, including:
• 14k gold filled
• Sterling silver
• Gold plated accents (on select designs)
• PVD gold over stainless steel (on select designs)
• Freshwater pearls
• Genuine gemstones
Most of our collections feature 14k gold filled and sterling silver, chosen for their durability and lasting beauty.
What is the difference between 14k gold filled and gold plated jewelry?
Both 14k gold filled and gold plated jewelry contain real gold, but they are made differently.
14k gold filled jewelry has a thick layer of real 14k gold permanently bonded to a base metal using heat and pressure. This layer is significantly thicker than standard plating, making it much more durable and resistant to fading.
Gold plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold applied to the surface of a base metal. Over time, this layer may gradually wear depending on wear and care.
At Austin Down to Earth, most designs are crafted in 14k gold filled or sterling silver, with select pieces incorporating plated or PVD gold components as noted in the product description.
Will my jewelry tarnish?
Different metals behave differently over time.
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. This is normal and can easily be polished back to its original shine.
14k gold filled jewelry is highly tarnish resistant and designed for long-term wear.
Gold plated jewelry may gradually wear over time depending on how often it is worn and how it is cared for.
PVD gold over stainless steel is a modern coating known for its durability and resistance to fading and corrosion.
Because everyone’s skin chemistry is unique, factors such as body oils, lotions, perfumes, and humidity may affect how jewelry wears over time. This is a normal characteristic of all fine and demi-fine jewelry.
Can I shower in my jewelry?
Many of our pieces are designed for everyday wear, and in most cases it is perfectly fine to shower while wearing your jewelry, particularly pieces crafted in 14k gold filled, sterling silver, or PVD gold over stainless steel.
We recommend removing jewelry before swimming in pools or hot tubs and during exercise, as chlorine, saltwater, and perspiration can gradually affect the finish over time.
After showering, simply dry your jewelry with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place when not being worn. These simple habits help maintain the shine and longevity of your jewelry.
How long does 14k gold filled jewelry last?
With proper care, 14k gold filled jewelry can last for many years.
Because the gold layer is mechanically bonded to the base metal and much thicker than standard plating, gold filled jewelry is designed for long-term wear. Many people enjoy their gold filled pieces for 10 years or more.
To help extend the life of your jewelry:
• Remove pieces before swimming, or exercising
• Avoid perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals
• Store jewelry in a dry place when not being worn
• Clean gently with a soft jewelry cloth
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver, which naturally reacts with air and moisture over time. This reaction causes a darkening known as tarnish.
Tarnish is normal and does not mean the jewelry is damaged. Sterling silver can easily be restored to its original brightness with proper cleaning.
Regular wear can actually help slow tarnish because the natural oils in your skin help keep the metal polished.
How do I clean sterling silver jewelry?
Sterling silver is easy to care for and can be cleaned at home.
To restore shine:
• Use a soft jewelry polishing cloth
• Store jewelry in a dry place or anti-tarnish pouch
• Clean occasionally with a mild silver cleaner
A simple at-home method is the baking soda and aluminum foil bath, which safely removes tarnish without harsh chemicals.
Is your jewelry hypoallergenic?
Yes. Our jewelry is made with nickel-free materials, including sterling silver and 14k gold filled metals, which are generally well tolerated by those with sensitive skin.
What if my jewelry needs repair?
If your piece needs repair or professional cleaning, we are always happy to help.
Please contact us at:
austindowntoearth@gmail.com