Stainless steel vs plated jewelry: care

Every Varette page names the finish and, where our supplier confirms it, the base metal. Those two things decide how you care for a piece.

What the words mean

• Base metal is what the piece is made of. Stainless steel is a steel alloy with chromium that resists rust.
• Gold-tone finish is a thin gold-coloured layer on the surface of the base metal. It is not solid gold, and it can wear with friction, water, perfume, lotion and sweat.

So a stainless steel piece with a gold-tone finish has a sturdy base, but its colour still sits on the surface. A page that names only a gold-tone finish has a base metal our supplier has not confirmed, so treat that piece a little more gently.

Care for both

1. Put jewelry on last, after perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hairspray have dried.
2. Take it off before swimming, showering, cleaning or the gym.
3. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after you wear it.
4. Store pieces separately in a pouch so they do not scratch each other.

What to avoid

• Chemical dips, abrasive pastes and treated polishing cloths: they can remove the gold-tone layer.
• Ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with pearls or set stones.

Examples: the Luna Initial Pendant Necklace and the Ursula Fine Band Ring are gold-tone stainless steel; the Coil Bangle and the Teardrop Studs name a gold-tone finish. More in the care guide.