How to Care for Your Ocean Jewellery — A Guide from the Maker
By Ally, Marine Biologist & Founder of SunVoyager
I spend a lot of time in the water. Between days on the reef and weekend dives, my jewellery takes a beating — and over the years I've learned exactly what it takes to keep a piece looking beautiful when you live a coastal life.
When I started SunVoyager, I knew I wanted to create jewellery that could keep up with that lifestyle. Pieces that felt at home on the reef, at the markets, at a dinner table. But no matter how much care goes into making something, how long it lasts is always a partnership between the jewellery and the wearer.
So here's what I tell every customer who asks me how to look after their piece.
First, understand what you're wearing
Our jewellery is made from quality materials — gold, sterling silver, freshwater pearls and natural gemstones. They are beautiful and durable, but they are not solid gold. Only an investment in solid gold can truly guarantee a lifetime of wear without any change to the metal. Everything else — no matter how high the quality — benefits from a little care and attention. Like anything, if you take care if it, it will last.
Gold Jewellery
Our gold pieces are beautiful and durable — but they are not solid gold. Only an investment in solid gold can truly guarantee a lifetime of wear without any change to the metal, and at this more accessible price point, solid gold would not be possible. With the right care, your piece will stay looking its best for as long as possible.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Remove before swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean
- Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray and harsh chemicals
- We do not recommend using household chemicals (for example bleach, bench spray), gardening, or using abrasive chemicals while wearing our jewellery.
- Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth after wearing (not a chemical polishing cloth)
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a timeless metal that develops a natural patina over time. To keep it bright and polished:
-
Store in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag to minimise tarnishing
- Avoid exposure to chlorine, saltwater and household chemicals
- Remove before sleeping, swimming or exercising
- Polish with a soft silver polishing cloth occasionally to bring shine back
Freshwater Pearls
Pearls are my absolute favourite material to work with — and the most misunderstood. People assume they're delicate and precious, which they are, but they're also remarkably wearable when you treat them right. As someone who studies marine life, there's something deeply satisfying about wearing a material that the ocean itself created. People often ask me if they can wear their pearls in the water, to which I reply "... pearls were created in water"
Pearls are organic, which means they're sensitive to acids, chemicals and dryness in a way that metals simply aren't.
- Always put pearls on last — after perfume, hairspray and makeup
- Wipe with a soft damp cloth after each wear
- Store flat, separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching
- Avoid soaking or submerging in pool or treated water
A Few General Rules I Live By
- Take your jewellery off before sleeping, intense exercising, swimming or showering
- Put perfume, sunscreen and beauty products on before your jewellery, not after
- Store each piece individually to prevent tangling and scratching
- When in doubt, a soft dry cloth and a little breathing room will do the trick
As always, if you ever have a question about your specific piece, you can reach me at hello@sunvoyager.com.au — I'm always happy to help.
Ally x
