CARE OF YOUR JEWELRY
At Arista Joyas, we work with precious metals and natural stones, crafting pieces entirely by hand and designed to be cherished for years to come. Each piece is 100% handmade, so it requires special care to preserve its shine, structure, and finish over time.
Always remember that jewelry is delicate: it should be treated with care and attention in daily use. Ideally, jewelry is the last thing you put on before going out and the first thing you take off at the end of the day.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
AVOID IMPACTS AND PRESSURE
Natural stones, including diamonds, can break, chip, scratch, or become loose if subjected to strong impacts or excessive pressure. We recommend avoiding:
- Falls on hard surfaces.
- Physical activities or sports.
- Manual labor or use of tools.
- Lifting weights using rings.
- Contact with metallic surfaces such as weights, steel, pots, keys or tools.
Some stones such as labradorites, moonstones, opals, and emeralds require even more delicate care due to their natural composition.
AVOID CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS
Perfumes, creams, oils, makeup, alcohol, chlorine, detergents and cleaning products can affect the shine of metals, alter some stones and accelerate the oxidation of silver.
Ideally, apply perfumes, creams or makeup before putting on your jewelry.
We also recommend avoiding the use of jewelry in swimming pools, jacuzzis, or during activities where there is frequent contact with chemicals or excessive humidity.
BE CAREFUL WITH WATER AND “RITUALS”
We do not recommend immersing jewelry in water for extended periods or performing rituals with natural stones, such as leaving them in the sun, moonlight, salt water, or similar conditions.
This type of practice can:
- Oxidize silver.
- Damage more delicate stones.
- Alter natural colors.
- Weaken settings or terminations.
NATURAL WEAR AND OXIDATION
Silver can oxidize naturally when it comes into contact with ambient humidity, skin pH, air, or certain external products. This can cause it to take on yellowish or dark tones over time, which is completely normal and reversible with cleaning or polishing.
Similarly, all precious metals—such as gold, silver, platinum, or silver-palladium—develop micro-scratches and lose their shine with everyday use. This corresponds to the natural wear and tear of jewelry worn daily.
CARE OF SETTINGS, RINGS AND CHAINS
Some rings with prongs or delicate settings can snag on clothing, fabrics, or other surfaces, which could bend structures or loosen stones.
In the case of:
- Hoops: If the stoppers feel loose, avoid using them until they are properly adjusted.
- Necklaces: avoid pulling and forcing clasps or chains.
- Rings: try to keep them clean to avoid dirt accumulating under the stones or inside the settings.
Activities such as cooking, gardening, or applying creams can generate a buildup of residue that diminishes the shine of the stones.
CLEANING YOUR JEWELRY
All purchases include a special cleaning cloth to keep your jewelry clean and shiny. This cloth can be used until it becomes completely blackened.
For a deeper clean:
- In a container, submerge the jewelry in warm/hot water with neutral soap or mild dish soap for a few minutes.
- Clean carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush in the same container. If any stones come loose, you won't lose them.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry completely with a cotton cloth, microfiber cloth, or warm air.
Never use abrasive or metallic items to clean your jewelry, as they can damage stones, settings, and surfaces.
Delicate pieces or those requiring special techniques should be cleaned with extra care. If you need a deep clean or professional maintenance, you can contact us to schedule an appointment at our workshop.
STORAGE
Store your jewelry individually in soft bags, padded cases, or separate compartments to avoid scratching between pieces.
We recommend storing them in dry places and avoiding direct contact with wood, moisture, or prolonged exposure to air.