Care & Maintenance
Your Stone + Salt piece is designed to be worn, loved, and lived in. Here's how to keep it glowing for years to come.
MATERIALS
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is sterling silver with a thick layer of gold plating. To qualify as vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thickâmuch thicker than standard gold plating, which makes it more durable and longer-lasting.
Stone + Salt vermeil is different.
I use a two-step plating process: a thick layer of 24k gold for rich, warm color, followed by a 14k gold flash for durability and scratch resistance. This gives you the best of both worlds: the luxurious look of pure gold with the everyday wearability of 14k.
What is Gold-Filled?
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a solid layer of gold to a base metal (usually brass or copper) using heat and pressure. The gold layer is much thicker than platingâtypically 5% or more of the total weightâwhich makes it incredibly durable.
Gold-filled jewelry won't tarnish, flake, or wear off like gold plating. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.
Why Demi-Fine?
Demi-fine jewelry sits between fashion jewelry (plated, low-quality) and fine jewelry (solid gold, $2,000+ price tags). It's made with high-quality materialsâgold vermeil and gold-filledâthat offer the warmth, durability, and beauty of gold without the luxury price point.
Stone + Salt pieces are designed to be worn every day, layered and stacked, and passed down. They're heirloom-quality jewelry made for real life.
VERMEIL (24KT GOLD PLATING OVER STERLING SILVER)
Vermeil is durable but requires gentle care to maintain its finish.
Daily Wear: ⢠Safe for most activities, but remove before showering, swimming, or exercising (or rinse thoroughly after exposure to chlorine or saltwater) ⢠Avoid harsh chemicals, cleaning products, and prolonged contact with lotions, perfumes, or hairspray ⢠Pat dry immediately if exposed to water
Cleaning: ⢠Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear ⢠For deeper cleaning, use warm water and mild soap, then dry immediately ⢠Never use abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths (they can wear down the gold layer)
Storage: ⢠Store in the included pouch or a jewelry box to prevent scratches ⢠Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity when not wearing
Longevity:Â With proper care, vermeil maintains its luster for years. If the gold plating eventually wears thin after extensive daily wear, we offer complimentary re-plating within the first six months of purchase. After that, re-plating is available for a small fee. Learn more about our re-plating service.
GOLD-FILLED (14KT GOLD BONDED TO BASE METAL)
Gold-filled jewelry is incredibly durable and tarnish-resistant.
Daily Wear: ⢠Safe for showering, swimming, and sweating (gold-filled is highly durable!) ⢠Avoid harsh chemicals and chlorine when possible, or rinse after exposure ⢠Safe for most everyday activities
Cleaning: ⢠Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing ⢠Clean with warm water and mild soap if needed ⢠Gold-filled can handle more frequent cleaning than vermeil
Storage: ⢠Store in the included pouch or jewelry box ⢠Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity
Longevity:Â Gold-filled jewelry lasts for decades with proper care. Unlike plating, the gold layer is bonded to the base metal and won't wear off or tarnish. This is an investment piece designed to become an heirloom.
GENERAL TIPS FOR ALL JEWELRY
⢠Put jewelry on last (after makeup, hairspray, perfume) ⢠Remove jewelry first (before showering, exercising, sleeping) ⢠Avoid wearing jewelry during heavy physical activity ⢠Store pieces separately to prevent scratching ⢠Bring jewelry to a professional for deep cleaning or repairs as needed
RE-PLATING SERVICES
We stand behind the quality of our vermeil pieces. If your piece needs a refresh within the first six months of purchase, we'll re-plate it for free (you cover return shipping). After six months, re-plating is available for a small fee.
Learn more about our re-plating service
REPAIRS
We stand behind our craftsmanship. If your piece needs repair due to a manufacturing defect, contact us and we'll make it right. Repairs due to normal wear or damage are available for a fee.
Email us at stoneandsaltjewelry@gmail.com to discuss repair options.
QUESTIONS?
Need care advice for your specific piece? Email us at stoneandsaltjewelry@gmail.com. We're here to help your jewelry last a lifetime.