To maintain and extend the life of your Made In Earth jewellery, avoid contact with any form of moisture (even the steam from the bathroom), along with any cleaning chemicals, beauty products, hair sprays and perfumes. Please note that when some chemicals, such as bleach, come in contact with the silver or stones, it can result in permanent and irreversible damage.
A silver polishing cloth, provided complementary with all Made In Earth purchases is the best way to remove tarnish. This cloth is made from 100% cotton impregnated with cleaner agent and anti-tarnish. This cloth remains effective as long as it's not washed.
When the jewellery is not being worn, it should be kept in a safe, dry environment such as a jewellery box or pouch. If these steps are followed, you will enjoy wearing your beautiful MIE piece for many years.
Made Gold Collection – 14k gold vermeil finish
If you have purchased a piece with a 14k Gold vermeil finish please note that over time, the silver underneath the vermeil may begin to tarnish, and a blotchy appearance might become visible. To remove this, using a cotton ball, dab gently with windex. Do not use a polishing cloth - which may remove the gold along with the discolouration. If the silver begins to show through, your jewellery may need to go through the vermeil process again. We offer a 6 month warranty on all vermeil, if the finish starts fading or becomes visible bring your piece to any of our galleries for a one time complementary refinish, if its been longer then 6 months we are happy to send your piece out for a small charge. Bring your piece in to any gallery for a quote on cost and time of the revermeil. Cost varies due to fluctuating gold prices.
Matte and Oxidised
If you have purchased a piece with a matte or oxidised finish you need to be aware that these are surface treatments. Over time they will wear off. Avoid rubbing or polishing vigorously as this can remove the surface finish. Bring your piece in to any gallery for a quote on cost and time for a re-finish.
Raw Druzy and Soft Stones
These particular stones are in their natural state without being polished and their surface may have a crystalline texture or they may just rank low on MOH's scale of hardness. As a result, they are prone to scratching and chipping so extra caution must be taken when wearing these unique pieces.
The surface, having a rough texture, means that dirt and dust can build up, so it's important to try and keep it clean and dry. Avoid contact with hand creams and water so there is minimal build-up on the stones surface. Because of their soft nature the surface lustre can dull, this is a normal attribute for stones with hardness less than 7. Keep this in mind when wearing whilst doing physical activity or in situations where you might get your ring dirty (cooking, cleaning etc).
Pyrites and Meteorites
These particular minerals are metallic/sub-metallic and contain high amounts of iron. As a result, they can be prone to rusting or discolouration if not cared for properly. Extra caution must be taken when wearing these unique pieces.
All of our meteorites have been protected with a special barrier coating however it is still important to avoid contact with water, chemicals and abrasive surfaces so this coating is not destroyed allowing the meteorite to be affected. Although iron is 'hard', edges may still dent and Pallasites have Olivine (Peridot) inclusions that may crack.
Pyrite is porous and can absorb oils and chemicals dulling the surface. As well as keeping clear of water and chemicals also avoid cleaning/beauty products and touching with greasy fingers. Pyrite, although mostly iron, is still a brittle stone so hard knocks can chip and scratch the stone easily.
Opal
Opal contains a varying amount of water between 2-20%. Although Opal is generally stable, heat (even from intense light) and sudden temperature changes can cause fracture lines called 'crazing', as well as the lost of play-of-colour.
If you need to store your opal for a long period, particularly in dry conditions or whilst travelling, it is a good idea to keep it in a sealed plastic bag or jewellery pouch with a damp cotton ball to prevent dehydration.
Opal hardness is variable depending on its exact composition and formation conditions, and ranges from 5-6.5 on the MOH's scale so it requires care when wearing so as not to scratch or break the stone.
The only safe way to clean your Opal stone is with a damp cloth to wipe its surface; it should never be soaked! Always remove Opal jewellery before washing hands, showering or exercising as getting the stone wet or exposing it to oils and chemicals can effect the play-of-colour and general body colour of the stone and this may be irreversible.
Fossils
Fossils are the remaining impressions of a prehistoric plant or animal matter embedded in rock and preserved in petrified form. Not ALL organic materials become fossilised; there are specific conditions that are required in order for this process to take place. They are a feat of nature and are a fascinating look into the past.
Although fossils are comprised of minerals, they are delicate and can be porous. Their hardness varies on the minerals it is composed on and can range from 4-7 on the MOH's scale. Extra care needs to be taken when wearing these gems to avoid scratching and chipping. Avoid wearing whilst doing physical activity and in situations where you might get your jewellery we (cooking, cleaning etc).
