A little care goes a long way. Follow these simple guidelines to protect your jewelry’s finish, shine, and beauty for as long as possible.

A Few Everyday Rules

• Put your jewelry on last and take it off first.

• Avoid contact with water, perfume, lotion, hairspray, and household cleaners.

• Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.

• Gently wipe each piece after wearing it.

• Store pieces separately in a dry place to prevent moisture, tarnishing, and scratches.

Gold-Plated & Vermeil Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry features a layer of gold over another metal. Vermeil is a special type of gold plating applied over sterling silver.

The gold finish can naturally soften or fade with wear. Keeping these pieces dry and limiting exposure to chemicals will help preserve their color.

Cleaning & Storage

Gently wipe with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive polishing cloths, jewelry cleaners, or harsh chemicals. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or sealed bag away from humidity.

Gold-Filled Jewelry

Gold-filled jewelry contains a durable layer of gold bonded to a base metal. It is designed for frequent wear and can maintain its finish beautifully with proper care.

Cleaning & Storage

Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing. When necessary, clean with a lightly dampened cloth and dry completely before storing. Avoid abrasive cleaners and polishing products.

Solid Gold Jewelry

Solid gold is durable and designed to last for generations. Although it does not tarnish like many other metals, it can still collect oils, residue, and small surface scratches over time.

Cleaning & Storage

For plain solid-gold pieces, use warm water, mild soap, and a very soft brush. Rinse carefully and dry completely with a soft cloth. Jewelry containing gemstones may require more specialized care.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver may naturally tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, cosmetics, and other chemicals. This is normal and does not mean the jewelry is damaged.

Cleaning & Storage

Use a polishing cloth specifically made for sterling silver. Store pieces separately in a dry, airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch. Avoid using silver polish on plated jewelry.

Brass Jewelry

Brass naturally develops a deeper color or patina over time. Some people enjoy this evolving finish, while others prefer to restore its original shine.

Cleaning & Storage

Wipe brass with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. A polishing cloth made for brass may be used when needed. Keep it dry and store it separately to protect the surface.

Gemstones, Pearls & Delicate Details

Gemstones and pearls require gentler care because hardness and sensitivity vary from one material to another.

Wipe them carefully with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and abrasive products. Pearls should be stored separately to protect their delicate surface.

Identifying Your Jewelry

The material listed on the product page is the best place to identify your jewelry and choose the appropriate care method.

Common markings may include:

• 925: Sterling silver or the sterling-silver base beneath vermeil

• 10K, 14K or 18K: Solid gold

• GF or 1/20: Gold filled

• GP or GEP: Gold plated

Some small or delicate pieces may not include a visible stamp. If you are unsure how to care for a piece purchased from 3rd & Main, please contact us before cleaning it.