Product Care
Caring For Your Jewellery
At by charlotte, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each unique piece is designed in-house and meticulously refined by Charlotte and our designers.
Designed in Sydney, Australia, our jewellery is available in sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil and 14k solid gold. All by charlotte jewellery is nickel free.
From the initial drawings to the final samples, we work closely with all partners within our supply chain to ensure that our jewellery is reflective of the love and consideration that goes into every step of the design process.
To ensure that your jewels last as long as possible, we recommend you follow the below care information.
Exposure to water and moisture when showering, hand washing, exercising and swimming can cause jewels to tarnish.
We suggest that you do not store your jewels in our gift boxes long term. Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
We use 925 sterling silver, which is a lightweight metal made of 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% comprises alloy, which makes our jewellery durable and perfect for everyday wear.
What to know about sterling silver jewellery
- Proactive maintenance is the best way to prolong the lifespan of sterling silver.
- Contact with perfume and cosmetic products can cause sterling silver jewellery to tarnish.
- To mitigate against tarnishing, wear your jewellery often! The more you wear it, the less maintenance it needs.
How to store sterling silver jewellery
- If not stored properly, sterling silver jewellery can be prone to oxidising — this is the ‘tarnishing’ that you may experience.
- We suggest that you do not store your jewels in our gift boxes long term. Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Store it with the anti-tarnishing tab that came with your purchase to protect against moisture during storage.
How to clean sterling silver jewellery
- Proactive maintenance is the best way to prolong the lifespan of sterling silver.
- Clean by wiping with a soft, dry polishing cloth, or use a silver cleaner solution to soak the jewellery before buffing gently with a silver polishing cloth.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use on silver jewellery.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as these can scratch the silver.
Our 18k gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a high-quality method of gold plating, whereby sterling silver is coated with a thick layer of 18k solid gold.
What to know about 18k gold vermeil jewellery
- Vermeil will naturally tarnish when exposed to environmental factors like air pollution, moisture, and items that contain sulphur. However, it is possible to restore the shine of 18k gold vermeil jewellery, so long as the plating has not worn away.
- Contact with perfume and cosmetic products can damage 18k gold vermeil jewellery.
How to store 18k gold vermeil jewellery
- We suggest that you do not store your pieces in our gift boxes long term.
- Store in a safe, dry place—such as an anti-tarnish pouch or case—away from direct sunlight. This will help to protect your pieces when they are not being worn.
- Store it with the anti-tarnishing tab that came with your purchase to protect against moisture during storage.
How to clean 18k gold vermeil jewellery
- Proactive maintenance is crucial.
- To keep tarnish from setting in, clean your pieces regularly by gently buffing them with a soft, dry polishing cloth. Note that some polishing cloths can be abrasive, so ensure not to over-polish.
Our 14k solid gold jewellery is more durable than 18k gold, which is softer and susceptible to scratching and bending. 14k solid gold is therefore more suitable for jewellery which, when properly cared for, can last forever. Be mindful of how you wear it, as exercise or rigorous activity could damage your jewellery.
How to store 14k gold jewellery
- When not being worn, store your jewellery in a safe, dry place where it is away from direct sunlight.
How to clean 14k gold jewellery
- While 14k gold is made to last a lifetime, it does require gentle care and occasional polishing.
- To maintain the shine of your jewellery, gently clean it with a soft-bristled brush or cloth using warm water and detergent-free soap.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use on 14k gold jewellery.
Made with pure gold and mixed with other metals for added strength, our 9k gold is more durable than higher-karat gold, making it perfect for daily wear without sacrificing its radiance.
In caring for your 9k gold jewellery, here are a few tips to ensure its long-lasting shine:
How to store 9k jewellery
When not in use, keep your jewellery in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and reduce exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing.
How to clean 9k jewellery
While 9k gold is made to last a lifetime, it does require occasional polishing. To restore its gleam, simply wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth. For a deeper clean, a mild solution of warm water and detergent-free dish soap will make your jewellery sparkle—just make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Wearing your 9k jewels
Perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products can all dull your jewellery’s shine. Be sure to put on your jewellery last when getting ready, and remove it before swimming, exercising, or using any chemicals.
Many of our pieces feature GH-SI natural and lab-grown diamonds. The GH represents the colour of the diamond, which is 'fine white' and at the high end of nearly colourless range. SI stand for 'Small Inclusions' and represents the clarity of the diamond. Each product description will specify whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.
We source high quality cubic zirconias to ensure consistency and durability. To the naked eye, cubic zirconia crystals appear almost identical to real diamonds, however they are a man-made stone.
Freshwater pearls are delicate in nature and require special care to ensure they stay beautiful and last for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for your pearl jewels.
Wearing Your Pearls
Put on your pearls last and remove them first. This helps to minimise their contact with creams, oils, cosmetics, and hairspray, which can damage them over time.
Avoid wearing your pearls if the string gets wet. A wet cord or string will stretch and damage the pearls.
Do not wear your pearls in water. Exposure to water from swimming, showering, or washing dishes can damage the pearls' lustre and cause them to deteriorate.
Pearls are also sensitive to body acids. Avoid wearing them during strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating.
Store and wear your pearls with care, as they are soft and can easily become scratched. Avoid storing them with other jewellery items that may rub against them and cause damage.
The best way to store pearls is in a soft, silky pouch or a jewellery box with separate compartments. This protects them from dust, sunlight, and other harmful elements.
Cleaning Your Pearls
After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove any body oils or residue.
Clean your pearls gently with a small amount of mild washing liquid and warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals that can damage the pearls.
Dry your pearls with a soft cloth and lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Avoid hanging them, as this can stretch the string and damage the pearls.
Keep in mind that pearls should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, as this can damage the delicate surface of the pearls.
Allby charlottejewels come in our signature pink box and a 100% eco-friendly cotton pouch.
To prevent unnecessary wastage, the number of cotton pouches you receive with your order is dependent on the size of the individual order.
If you would like more than one pouch for gifting reasons, please contact our Customer Care team via email before making your purchase atcustomercare@bycharlotte.com.au.
Need some help?
Our team of by charlotte jewellery experts can help to answer any questions or concerns.