Jewellery Care Guide

General Rules

• Put jewellery on last — after applying perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup. Chemicals in these products can dull metals and damage stones.
• Take jewellery off first — before washing hands, showering, swimming, or exercising. Prolonged exposure to water, sweat, and chlorine accelerates tarnishing and weakens settings.
• Avoid impact — remove rings and bracelets before manual work or sport to prevent bending or stone loss.
• No sleeping in jewellery — friction and pressure during sleep can distort delicate pieces over time.

Sterling Silver

Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. This is a normal chemical reaction, not a defect.

• Clean with a soft, lint-free silver polishing cloth to restore shine.
• For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap and a soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush works well). Rinse thoroughly and pat dry immediately — never leave silver wet.
• Store in an airtight pouch or zip-lock bag with an anti-tarnish strip to slow oxidation.
• Avoid silver dips and ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with stones, as these can loosen settings.

Gold-Plated Pieces

Gold plating is a layer of gold applied over a base metal. It is beautiful but requires gentle handling to maintain its finish.

• Clean only with a soft, dry cloth after wear — avoid water and soap where possible.
• Never use abrasive cloths, polishing pastes, or chemical cleaners — they will strip the plating.
• Avoid contact with perfume, sweat, seawater, and chlorine, as these accelerate wear on the plating.
• With regular wear, gold plating will gradually wear off, especially on high-friction areas (inside of rings, bracelet clasps). This is normal and the piece can be re-plated — contact us at info@gerbero.com for enquiries.

Semi-Precious Stones

• Wipe stones gently with a slightly damp soft cloth and dry immediately.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners — vibration and heat can crack or discolour many stones.
• Protect stones from sharp impacts — even hard stones like quartz can chip if struck at the right angle.
• Some stones (turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli, pearls) are porous and especially sensitive to moisture, oils, and acids. Keep them away from perfume, sweat, and cleaning products.
• Store stone pieces individually to prevent scratching.

Storage

• Store each piece separately in its original Gerbero pouch or box to avoid scratches and tangling.
• Keep jewellery away from direct sunlight and humidity — a cool, dry drawer or jewellery box is ideal.
• Hang necklaces and chains to prevent knotting, or lay flat in a lined tray.
• Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your storage box to reduce moisture.

Cleaning Routine

A Note on Handcrafted Pieces

Every Gerbero piece is made by hand. Minor variations in texture, patina, and finish are inherent to the craft — they reflect the human touch behind each item and are not defects. Over time, sterling silver may develop a natural patina that many consider a mark of character. If you prefer a brighter finish, a polishing cloth will restore it quickly.

Repairs

We offer repair services for Gerbero pieces including re-plating, stone re-setting, and clasp replacement. If your piece needs attention, contact us at info@gerbero.com with a description and photos of the damage for a quote.