Caring for your jewellery
Your Athenassa jewellery is crafted from premium materials, from 18k gold vermeil over recycled sterling silver to natural gemstones and freshwater pearls. Each piece is designed to be loved for years, but like all fine things, a little care goes a long way in keeping it at its best.
Whether you’re polishing a delicate pendant or storing a favourite pair of hoops, here’s how to make sure your jewellery stays as beautiful as the day it arrived.
How to store your jewellery
Always store each piece individually, ideally in your Athenassa soft pouch, to avoid scratches, tangles or dulling. Our packaging is designed with care, and doubles as a protective home for your jewellery when you're not wearing it.
If you live somewhere humid, we recommend keeping a small silica gel packet in your jewellery box to help prevent tarnishing.
Cleaning your gold vermeil jewellery
Gold with care, always. Our 18k gold vermeil pieces are made to last, but even luxury finishes can lose their shine if exposed to moisture, chemicals or cosmetics. Keep your gold glowing with a few simple steps:
Does gold vermeil tarnish?
Yes, over time, even high-quality gold vermeil can tarnish if it’s regularly exposed to things like perfume, lotions, sweat, or chlorine. It’s best to remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or applying products.
To clean your gold jewellery:
Gently buff with a soft, microfibre cloth to bring back its shine.
For a deeper clean, use a drop of mild dish soap with warm water and a soft toothbrush.
Rinse with lukewarm water and dry carefully with a soft cloth.
Polishing tip: If you wear your jewellery often, a gentle polish every month will help it keep its glow. For less frequently worn pieces, two to three times a year is enough.
Cleaning sterling silver jewellery
Our sterling silver jewellery is rhodium plated for an added layer of brilliance and durability, but even the best silver can oxidise over time. Here's how to keep yours radiant:
Does sterling silver tarnish?
It can, especially when exposed to air, humidity or harsh chemicals. But don’t worry, any darkening is completely natural and reversible with proper care.
To clean your silver jewellery:
Gently polish using a soft, non-treated microfibre cloth.
For more thorough cleaning, use warm water with mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush.
Rinse well and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Storage tip: Store your silver pieces in your Athenassa pouch or a lined box, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Regular wear can also help, your skin’s natural oils create a gentle protective barrier.
Special care tips
Earrings:
Clean gently with a microfibre cloth to remove oils. If deeper cleaning is needed, rinse in warm water and dry completely before storing.
Rings:
Polish with a soft cloth, or use a toothbrush and mild soap if needed, especially around gemstones. Avoid scrubbing too hard or using any abrasive cleaners.
Necklaces and Bracelets:
Lay flat when cleaning. Use a damp cloth or a toothbrush with care if you need to get into fine details. Avoid polishing cloths that contain harsh chemicals or abrasive agents.
The Athenassa difference
All of our jewellery is made with care, from high-grade materials and recycled metals, designed to stand the test of time with the right attention. With a little love, your Athenassa pieces will remain radiant and meaningful for years to come.
If you ever have questions about how to care for a specific item, just get in touch, we’re always here to help.
