💍 What Is My Jewellery Made Of? A Quick Guide to Materials (And How to Make It Last)

If you’ve ever bought a piece of jewellery that looked amazing at first... only to find it tarnished or turned your skin green, you’re not alone. At Aurea, we believe that good design isn’t enough – it also has to last. That’s why we carefully select quality materials like stainless steel, sterling silver, and gold-plated brass for our pieces. But what do those words actually mean? And how can you keep your jewellery looking as good as day one? Let’s break it down. 🛡️ Stainless Steel Strong, waterproof, and nearly indestructible. Stainless steel is our go-to for pieces you want to wear every day. It doesn’t tarnish, doesn’t flake, and holds its shine even through sweat, water, and everyday wear. 💡 Best for: Chains, studs, everyday rings 🧽 To clean: Gently wipe with a soft cloth. No need for polishing – it’s that durable. 💫 Gold-Plated Brass The look of gold, without the price tag. Gold-plated jewellery is made by coating a base metal (in our case, high-quality brass) with a thin layer of real gold. It gives you the warm, rich tone of gold with a more accessible price point. 💡 Best for: Statement lockets, pendants, occasional wear 🧽 To clean: Avoid water, perfume and lotions. Store in a dry place and wipe gently after wear to preserve the plating. 💎 Sterling Silver (925) Timeless, understated, and gentle on skin. Sterling silver is a classic for a reason – it’s beautiful, easy to style, and hypoallergenic for most people. Over time, it may oxidise (develop a slight dark tone), but that’s easily polished away. 💡 Best for: Sleek everyday chains, minimalist rings, unisex styles 🧽 To clean: Use a silver cloth or gentle polish. Store in a pouch to prevent oxidation. 🧼 Jewellery Care – 5 Golden Rules Regardless of the material, here’s how to keep your pieces looking fresh: Keep it dry – take it off before showering, swimming, or sweating (unless it’s stainless steel). Apply products first – perfume, lotion, and hairspray should go on before your jewellery. Store it right – use a pouch or soft-lined box, especially for plated or silver items. Wipe it down – use a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue. Don’t sleep in it – it’ll last longer if you let it rest too. Final Thought Jewellery isn’t meant to sit in a drawer – it’s made to be worn. But with the right care and quality materials, your pieces can go from fast fashion to forever. At Aurea, we don’t do throwaway trends. We make pieces worth keeping – and now, you know how to keep them. ✨ Explore the full collection → shopaurea.co.uk