Jewelry Care
Jewelry Care Guide
Sowell Jewelry is handcrafted to last. Because our collections include turquoise, mother of pearl, moonstone, onyx, white agate, and spiny oyster shell set in sterling silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated brass, care requirements vary by material. Please follow the guidelines specific to your piece.
Turquoise Care
Turquoise is a porous stone that absorbs oils, chemicals, and moisture, which can permanently alter its color and surface.
- Clean gently with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. Do not soak or submerge.
- Avoid all chemical cleaners, jewelry dips, and ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can discolor, crack, or damage the stone.
- Keep away from perfume, lotion, hairspray, and sunscreen — apply these before putting on your jewelry and allow them to dry fully.
- Remove before swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household tasks.
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat, which can fade or dry out turquoise over time.
Mother of Pearl and Spiny Oyster Shell Care
Mother of pearl and spiny oyster shell are organic materials that are sensitive to acids, chemicals, and abrasion.
- Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and residue. Allow to dry completely before storing.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or chemical jewelry cleaners.
- Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, lotion, and acidic substances.
- Store in a soft pouch or lined box — not in a fully airtight container, as shell materials benefit from slight humidity.
- Put this jewelry on last, after all beauty products have been applied and dried.
Moonstone, Onyx, and White Agate Care
Moonstone, onyx, and white agate are more durable than turquoise or shell, but still benefit from gentle handling.
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can cause fractures in stones with natural inclusions.
- Keep away from harsh chemicals, bleach, and abrasive cleaners.
- White agate and moonstone can be sensitive to prolonged sun exposure — store away from direct light when not in use.
- Remove before swimming, exercising, or doing household tasks.
Sterling Silver Care
Sterling silver develops a natural patina over time and will tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, or sulfur-containing products such as rubber bands, wool, and some cosmetics.
- Polish with a soft silver polishing cloth to restore shine and remove tarnish. Use gentle, straight strokes rather than circular motions.
- Remove before swimming, bathing, or applying lotions, perfumes, and hairspray.
- Avoid household cleaners, chlorinated water, and bleach.
- Store in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not in use to slow oxidation.
- Do not use a silver polishing cloth directly on turquoise, mother of pearl, shell, or other stones, as it can scratch or damage delicate surfaces.
Gold Vermeil Care
Gold vermeil is sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. It is more durable than standard gold-plated jewelry, but the gold layer will wear over time if not cared for properly.
- Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Do not use abrasive cloths, polishing compounds, or silver polish, which can wear away the gold layer.
- Remove before swimming, bathing, exercising, or applying beauty products. Sweat, chlorine, and chemicals accelerate wear on the finish.
- Do not use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or silver dips, which can strip the gold layer.
- Store separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratching.
Gold-Plated Brass Care
Gold-plated brass has a gold finish over a brass base. With consistent care, the plating stays bright and attractive.
- Keep dry — remove before washing hands, showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Avoid direct contact with perfume, lotion, and hairspray.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and residue.
- Do not use silver polish, chemical jewelry cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the plating and the brass base.
- Store in a sealed bag or separate compartment to minimize air exposure and prevent scratching.
Storage
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratching — chains and pendants can tangle and abrade softer stones.
- Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity.
- Anti-tarnish pouches or strips are recommended for sterling silver and gold vermeil.
- Mother of pearl and spiny oyster shell should not be stored in fully airtight containers for extended periods.
- When traveling, use a padded jewelry roll or individual pouches to protect pieces.
General Wear Tips
- Put jewelry on last — after makeup, perfume, and hairspray are fully dry.
- Remove all jewelry before sports, gardening, kitchen work, and household cleaning.
- Soap and water can leave a dull film on metal settings — dry pieces thoroughly if they get wet.
Cuff Bracelet Adjustment
To adjust a cuff bracelet without stressing the metal or gemstone settings:
- Hold the bracelet by its ends, keeping your grip away from any stone settings.
- Apply gentle, even pressure to open or close the cuff gradually. Move each side separately rather than bending the entire bracelet at once.
- Avoid sharp or sudden movements that could strain the metal or loosen stones.
- Adjust in small increments — over-bending weakens the metal and can cause stones to loosen or pop out.
- Do not repeatedly adjust the bracelet, as frequent bending compromises its structural integrity.
Our warranty covers manufacturing defects. Damage caused by overstretching or over-bending is not considered a manufacturing defect and is not covered under warranty.
Adjustable Ring Sizing
Adjustable rings can be resized for a comfortable fit, but must be handled carefully to avoid damage.
- Hold both sides of the band firmly with both hands.
- Gently and slowly pull the sides outward by a small margin.
- Use your thumbs to lightly press the top of the band to maintain its round shape.
- Try the ring on. If it is still too snug, repeat steps 2 and 3 in small increments until comfortable.
Avoid over-widening the band, as this can distort the shape and stress the metal. Our warranty covers manufacturing defects but does not cover damage caused by overstretching or over-bending.