Jewelry Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Taking care of your treasures matters. While it's true that some materials need more upkeep than others, it's important to look after how they age. PVD Gold, like gold plating, is really just a few microns on the surface of your jewelry, so it can wear away over time. For gold jewelry that lasts a lifetime, you'll want to go for 14 or 18 karat gold piercing jewelry instead. Your Obsidian jewelry will stand the test of time if you follow a few tips we're about to share.
Your Skin and Your Jewelry: A Different Match for Everyone
Your skin reacts differently depending on the material you're wearing. In fact, you may notice some darkening around certain silver jewelry. This happens because of a reaction with the acidity in your sweat, which varies depending on each person's skin pH. It depends on the copper content in the jewelry, often found in silver or brass pieces, but also in rose gold, where copper is used to give it its color. Luckily for you, at Obsidian, we only offer solid gold, titanium, and PVD Gold! So you'll never see your Obsidian jewelry darken. At Obsidian, we offer 14/18K gold and titanium piercing jewelry that you can wear worry-free, 24/7. That said, even with these premium materials, you may notice a slight loss of shine over the years. This is usually caused by your skin. Sweat, oils, and chemical products can all contribute to jewelry wear. So it's important to sometimes give your beautiful gems a little break. Even the highest-quality jewelry shows signs of age over time.
Wear Your Obsidian Jewelry Every Day
Our jewelry is fully compatible with everyday life. Sleeping and showering with your jewelry on, without necessarily taking it off every time: quite nice, isn't it? Our piercing jewelry is designed to be worn continuously, so you can skip the long, tedious routine of removing and reinserting it every time.
That said, we do recommend being careful with certain cosmetic products that contain harsh ingredients. Choose shampoos or shower gels that are gentle. Good products that are good for you are good for your jewelry too.
If you're an active person who exercises regularly, you can absolutely wear your jewelry then too. Just keep in mind that, depending on the person, the acidity in sweat can be harsh on jewelry, so make sure to rinse it with clean water after your workout.
If you're a big swimmer, keep in mind that the chlorine used in pools isn't great for gold, platinum, or silver jewelry: these metals can oxidize on contact with chlorine! That said, the purer the gold, the better it'll hold up, but it's still best to be careful. Once again, make sure to rinse your piercing jewelry with clean water, or remove it beforehand.
So you might be wondering, "Can I wear my piercing jewelry to the beach?" Just make sure to give it a good rinse with clean water after enjoying the sea salt and sun. Nothing works better to keep it looking its best.
Titanium, a Sturdy Material
Titanium will easily hold up to all these everyday challenges, though PVD gold titanium will need a bit more care to keep its gold color looking its best for as long as possible: handle it gently and avoid rubbing it too hard, which could damage the PVD gold layer. When cleaning your PVD Gold titanium jewelry, don't rub it: instead, gently pat it dry with a soft or microfiber cloth. You can also use a can of compressed air, but avoid letting your jewelry air dry, to prevent water marks.
A Few Tips for Taking Care of Your Jewelry
- Don't apply perfume directly to your jewelry.
- Clean your jewelry with lukewarm water once a month using a mild soap, for about 5 minutes, then gently rub it with a microfiber or soft cloth to remove any residue. This tip is a valuable one. You may notice a bit of skin buildup on your piercings, which is completely normal. This step is essential for your jewelry, but also important from a hygiene standpoint.
- Store your treasures safely in a small box whenever you take them off.
- Don't wear them during higher-risk physical activities (combat sports, climbing, extreme sports, and the like).
- After cleaning your jewelry, you can use a polishing cloth on your gold or titanium pieces, available at jewelry stores or online.
- Jewelry can easily catch on things, so be careful when drying off after a shower.
Of course, there's plenty of care advice out there online, but above all, we recommend paying close attention to the material you want to wear. Good jewelry is a kind of investment. Choosing quality jewelry means choosing durability. What matters most is choosing a brand that, beyond its designs, offers noble materials that take good care of your skin. And there's nothing better for that than gentle Obsidian jewelry. Come explore our range of PVD Gold and solid gold piercings today.
