Jewellery Care
At MYJN, every material is chosen with care. Not just for how it looks, but for how it lives with you. We work closely with artisans and trusted partners who share our values: thoughtful design, responsible sourcing, no shortcuts. This page is here to help you understand what your piece is made of, why we chose it, and how to keep it beautiful for as long as you wear it.
On this page
What sets MYJN materials apart · Quick care rules · Gold vermeil · Sterling silver · Solid gold · Stainless steel · Brass · Freshwater pearls · Semi-precious stones · How to clean your jewellery · Living in a tropical climate · When to reach out · Care services · Common questions
What sets MYJN materials apart
We are often asked how we offer what we offer at our price point. The answer is simple: we chose not to compromise on materials. Most jewellery brands in our range use gold-plated brass. The gold layer is thin, typically 0.5 microns, applied over a base metal that can irritate skin, tarnish quickly, and lose its colour within weeks. It looks like gold on the surface. Underneath, it is not.
At MYJN, our gold pieces are made in 18K gold vermeil: a thick layer of real 18-karat gold over a solid sterling silver core. The gold is applied through electrolysis at 2.5 microns, five times thicker than standard gold plating. The base is not brass. It is s925 sterling silver, a precious metal in its own right. Even if the gold layer softens over years of wear, the piece underneath is still real silver. Still valuable. Still yours. Our sterling silver is stamped s925, containing 92.5% pure silver. For certain pieces, we use s990 or s999 fine silver, containing up to 99.9% purity. Most of our silver is finished in rhodium, one of the rarest precious metals in the world, in the same family as platinum. Rhodium gives the surface a bright, mirror-like quality and protects against tarnishing. Our stainless steel is fully recyclable, tarnish-proof, and strong enough for daily wear without any coating to maintain. We are not the cheapest. But we are honest about what you are wearing. If a piece says sterling silver, it is silver all the way through. If it says gold vermeil, the gold is real and the base is precious. We believe that if you are choosing something beautiful, it should be made of something real.
Quick care rules
These apply to all MYJN pieces, regardless of material. One good habit will do more than any product: wipe after each wear, store in the pouch. Everything else follows from there.
Do
- Wipe your piece gently with a soft cloth after each wear
- Store in the MYJN pouch provided, in a cool, dry place
- Put jewellery on last, after getting ready
- Remove jewellery first, before undressing or cleansing
- Keep each piece separated to prevent scratching and tangling
Avoid
- Water, sweat, and humidity during wear (shower, pool, gym, sleep)
- Direct contact with perfume, lotion, hairspray, sunscreen, and skincare
- Chlorinated water, seawater, and household chemicals
- Storing in bathrooms, open vanities, or humid spaces
- Ultrasonic cleaners, silver dips, or harsh chemical cleaning agents
Care and finishing services
We offer a range of services to keep your jewellery feeling just right, whether the piece is new or years old. Services include earring back replacements, cord swaps, minor repairs, polishing, surface refresh treatments, ring resizing, and necklace length changes. If tarnish appears, it can always be reversed. We offer professional tarnish removal and recoating to bring back the original glow.
Anti-tarnishing and protective coating
Sensitive guard and barrier coat
For full warranty details, visit our After-Sale Services & Warranty page.
Explore by material
Shop Gold Vermeil · Shop Sterling Silver · Shop Fine Silver · Shop Pearls · Shop Stainless Steel · Shop Brass
How to care for gold vermeil jewellery
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) has the soft glow of solid gold with a sterling silver core beneath. The surface is plated with a generous layer of 18K gold at 2.5 microns, five times thicker than standard gold plating. It is what gives our pieces their warmth, richness, and quiet luxury.
To keep gold vermeil looking its best, avoid water, sweat, perfume, and skincare products that can wear down the surface. Always remove before showering, exercising, or applying anything onto the skin. After wearing, wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and residue. Store in the MYJN pouch or a soft-lined box to protect from friction.
Gold vermeil does not tarnish the way silver or brass does, but it can fade or lose brightness with time. This is a natural part of how the material evolves, not a flaw. We offer professional cleaning and recoating to restore the original tone.
Gold vermeil vs gold plating
Gold plating applies a thin layer of gold (typically 0.5 microns) over a base metal like brass or copper. The gold wears off quickly. The base metal can tarnish, discolour, or irritate skin.
Gold vermeil applies a thicker layer (at least 2.5 microns of 18K gold) over solid sterling silver. The gold lasts longer. The base is hypoallergenic. Even as the piece ages, what is underneath is still precious.
We chose vermeil because the piece should be real all the way through.
Finishing and feel
There is a visible softness to gold vermeil that sets it apart. The colour is warmer, more even, and closer to solid gold than standard plating. It does not look brassy or overly shiny. It catches light with quiet depth.
Because the base is sterling silver rather than brass or copper, the surface takes on a smoother, cleaner appearance. You can feel the difference.
Skin sensitivity
Gold vermeil is free from mystery metals and harsh alloys. No brass, no nickel, nothing hidden. If you have sensitive skin or have reacted to costume jewellery in the past, gold vermeil is a safe and trusted alternative.
How to care for sterling silver jewellery
Sterling silver is timeless, luminous, and alive to the elements. Over time, it naturally darkens when exposed to air, moisture, and skin. This is called tarnishing. It does not mean the piece is damaged. In fact, many love the soft, moody tone it takes on.
Wearing your silver often helps slow tarnish, as natural movement and skin contact keep it polished. After each wear, wipe clean with a soft cloth. When not in use, store in a pouch or airtight bag to reduce exposure to air and humidity. Keep away from chlorinated water, perfumes, lotions, and sprays.
If silver begins to darken, we offer professional polishing to bring back the original glow.
Purity
Every piece begins with solid silver at its core. Nothing plated, nothing hollow, nothing hidden.
Our sterling silver is marked s925: 92.5% pure silver, blended with a small amount of copper for strength. This is the international standard for fine jewellery.
For certain pieces, we use s990 or s999 fine silver, containing up to 99.9% purity. These have a softer glow and a gentler touch, chosen for their luminosity and quiet elegance.
Pure silver comes at a higher cost. If you have seen similar pieces sold for less elsewhere, they may not be what they claim. Many lower-priced options are silver-plated copper, or mixed metals stamped 925 but containing none of the purity they promise. Some use alloys with heavy metals that irritate skin or wear away quickly.
Silver should feel like silver, and last like it too.
Rhodium finishing
Most of our silver pieces are finished with rhodium, a rare precious metal in the same family as platinum. It gives the surface a bright, mirror-like quality that closely resembles white gold and protects against tarnishing.
Less maintenance. More wear. A longer life for your jewellery.
Skin sensitivity
Sterling silver is one of the most skin-friendly metals you can wear. No mystery metals, no coatings hiding something underneath. Just real silver from the inside out. Most people experience no irritation, even with daily wear.
How to care for solid gold jewellery
14K solid gold is made to last a lifetime. It will not tarnish, fade, or wear away like plated pieces.
Even solid gold deserves care. Over time, it can lose some of its shine from daily contact with skin, product buildup, or the natural wear of life. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. Avoid strong chemicals, perfumes, or cleaning agents. If it starts to look cloudy, a gentle polish or professional clean restores its full warmth.
14K gold is strong, but soft enough to be shaped, scratched, and marked by the life you live in it. That is part of its beauty. It becomes yours over time.
How to care for stainless steel jewellery
Stainless steel does not tarnish or rust. It is strong, steady, and perfect for everyday wear. But like anything worn close to the skin, it can slowly lose its shine from daily buildup.
Wipe with a soft cloth after wear. Keep dry when possible. Avoid long exposure to hot water, perfumes, or harsh products. Store separately to prevent scratching, especially if the piece has a gold-tone coating.
Why stainless steel makes sense
Durable, recyclable, skin-friendly, and more resistant to everyday damage than plated or mixed-metal alternatives. If you love the look of gold but not the upkeep, stainless steel holds its colour and shine without fading or constant polishing. It is also fully recyclable. Nothing wasted. Nothing thrown away.
Earring weight
We design each stainless steel earring to balance substance and comfort. They feel solid in your hand but almost weightless when worn.
Skin sensitivity
Most of our stainless steel pieces are hypoallergenic. Some may contain trace amounts of nickel, though reactions are rare. If you are especially sensitive, applying a thin layer of clear nail polish on the post or hook creates a temporary barrier.
How to care for brass jewellery
Brass is bold, warm, and full of character. Over time, it deepens in tone as it reacts with air, skin, and the environment. This is called patina, and it tells the story of how a piece has been worn.
Keep brass dry and away from water, sweat, perfume, and lotion. Wipe clean after wearing. Store in a sealed pouch to slow oxidation, especially in humid environments.
Brass does not mind aging. But if you want to bring back its shine, we are happy to help with polishing whenever needed.
How to care for freshwater pearl jewellery
Pearls are organic, living materials formed layer by layer in water. Their softness, warmth, and subtle glow make them timeless and delicate.
Every MYJN pearl is a real freshwater pearl, cultured in lakes and rivers. Not synthetic. Not imitation. Each one is hand-selected for its natural colour, luster, and shape. No two are ever the same.
Daily care
Wear pearls last, after getting ready. Remove them first when you are done. After each wear, wipe with a clean, soft cloth.
Store flat in a soft pouch, never hung. Hanging stretches the silk thread over time. Keep separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches. Never store in airtight containers. Pearls need a small amount of natural moisture to retain their shape and luster.
Keep away from perfume, hairspray, skincare, and all harsh chemicals.
Baroque pearls
Baroque pearls are not perfectly round or smooth, and that is what makes them special. Each has its own natural shape, soft curves, and quiet character. Because of their accessible price, they are often chosen as a first pearl, a thoughtful gift, or a daily favourite.
Keshi pearls
Keshi pearls form without a solid centre, made entirely of pure nacre. This gives them a depth and glow that feels almost alive. Their shapes are unpredictable and no two are the same. We choose each one by hand.
How to care for semi-precious stone jewellery
From onyx, agate, and jadeite to aventurine, rose quartz, and others, each stone is naturally formed and entirely unique.
Avoid dropping or knocking against hard surfaces. Keep away from perfume, skincare, and household chemicals. Clean with a soft, damp cloth only. No soaking, no scrubbing. Store separately to prevent scratching. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
How to clean your jewellery
For most pieces, a soft dry cloth after each wear is all you need.
For a deeper clean, use warm water with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Let the piece sit for a few seconds, rub gently with your fingers or a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storing. Make sure no moisture is trapped around clasps or stone settings.
Pearls: Never soak. A damp cloth is enough.
Cords and non-metal parts: Keep dry. Do not submerge.
What to avoid: Harsh cleaners, silver dips, ultrasonic machines, and any cloth that feels rough or gritty.
If you are ever unsure how to clean a piece, reach out to us. We offer professional cleaning and are always happy to help.
When to reach out
Some things are easy to care for at home. Others need a professional eye. Here are signs it is time to write to us:
- A stone that feels loose or shifts when touched
- A clasp that no longer clicks shut firmly
- A post or hinge that has bent or does not sit straight
- Plating that has worn through to the silver base in a way that bothers you
- Any change you are not sure about
Reaching out early often prevents a small issue from becoming a bigger one. We would rather help you with a quick fix than a full repair.
Common questions about jewellery care
How do I care for gold vermeil jewellery?
Keep it away from water, sweat, perfume, and skincare products. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. Store in the MYJN pouch. Gold vermeil naturally softens in tone over time. This is normal and can be refreshed with professional recoating.
Does sterling silver tarnish?
Yes. Sterling silver naturally darkens over time when exposed to air, moisture, and skin. This is completely normal. Wearing it often helps slow the process. We finish most pieces in rhodium for extra protection. Professional polishing is available to restore the original glow.
What is the difference between gold vermeil and gold plated jewellery?
Gold plating applies a thin layer of gold (0.5 microns) over brass or copper. Gold vermeil applies a thicker layer (2.5 microns of 18K gold) over solid sterling silver. Vermeil lasts longer, is hypoallergenic, and has a precious metal base. At MYJN, we chose vermeil because the piece should be real all the way through.
What is rhodium and why does MYJN use it?
Rhodium is one of the rarest precious metals in the world, in the same family as platinum. We use it to finish most sterling silver pieces. It gives the surface a bright, mirror-like quality, protects against tarnishing, and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.
Are MYJN freshwater pearls real?
Yes. All MYJN pearls are real freshwater pearls, cultured in lakes and rivers. Not synthetic or imitation. Each one is hand-selected. No two are ever the same.
Is MYJN jewellery hypoallergenic?
Most pieces are. Sterling silver and gold vermeil are free from common irritants like nickel and brass. Stainless steel is generally safe for sensitive skin. Every product page states the material and finish so you can choose what suits you best. Skin sensitivity is highly individual.
How do I clean my jewellery at home?
A soft dry cloth after each wear is usually enough. For a deeper clean, use warm water with mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Never soak pearls. Avoid silver dips and harsh cleaners.
What does s925, s990, and s999 mean?
These stamps indicate silver purity. s925 is 92.5% pure silver (the international fine jewellery standard). s990 is 99% pure. s999 is 99.9% pure, the highest available. Higher purity means a softer glow and is chosen for pieces where luminosity matters most.
Can I shower or swim in MYJN jewellery?
We recommend removing all jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping. Water, chlorine, salt, and sweat accelerate tarnishing and weaken clasps and plating. Stainless steel is the most water-resistant material in our range, but still benefits from being dried after exposure.
Does MYJN offer professional cleaning?
Yes. During warranty, professional cleaning (polish, tarnish removal, protective recoating) is complimentary. After warranty, the same service is available at a minimal fee. Lifetime general cleaning is always complimentary, in studio or by mail.
You take care of the things you love. We do too.