How to care for your Ocean Jewellery

Jewelry inspired by the ocean carries a special kind of beauty—whether it’s shimmering sterling silver, radiant gold vermeil, or natural seaglass tumbled by the waves. Proper care ensures your jewelry stays as stunning as the day you got it. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your ocean treasures in top condition.

How to look after your different Ocean Boheme precious metals

Here’s a breakdown of how to care for sterling silver, gold vermeil, and brass

Sterling Silver

• Composition: Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper, which strengthens it.

• You can wear your Ocean Boheme silver jewellery in the ocean or pool without a problem. If left unworn and not kept in its bag it may tarnish a little.

• Cleaning & Care: To clean sterling silver, use a soft cloth with a silver polishing solution, or a DIY paste of baking soda and water or even and old toothbrush and toothpaste.

Gold Vermeil

• Composition: Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns).

• How It Reacts to Water: Gold itself doesn’t tarnish, and thanks to the thick layer this should last a long time.

• Cleaning & Care: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt. Avoid polishing cloths meant for silver.

Brass

• Composition: An alloy of copper and zinc, brass develops a patina (a greenish-blue oxidation layer) over time.

• How It Reacts to Water: Brass tarnishes with moisture especially if not being worn but can easily be polished back to its original shine.

• Cleaning & Care: Use a lemon juice and baking soda paste, or soak it in vinegar for a few minutes before polishing with a cloth.

Tarnish is a natural process for precious metals, not a flaw. It’s simply the result of exposure to air and moisture, and it can easily be removed. Storing jewellery properly (more on that below) will slow down the process. The good news? It can always be cleaned off! With the right care, your ocean jewellery will remain a timeless treasure, holding memories of every beach walk, dive, and sun-kissed adventure.

Caring for Gemstones & Shell Jewellery

Gemstones

Gemstones, require a little care to maintain their beauty and energetic properties.

To recharge gemstones, you can place them under moonlight (especially during a full moon) to restore their energy. Selenite and clear quartz are also excellent for cleansing and recharging other stones—simply place your gemstone jewellery near them to remove any built-up negative energy. With care, your gemstones will stay vibrant and energetically charged for years to come.

• Opals: These are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and water. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, as it can cause cracking or a loss of their signature play-of-color.

• Cleaning & Care: Use a damp, soft cloth with mild soap—never soak or use harsh chemicals.

Shell Jewellery

• Some shells are more fragile than others so be careful to avoid any impact with hard surfaces !

• Cleaning & Care: Wipe gently with a damp cloth or clean with toothpaste if a more thorough clean is necessary.

Seaglass Jewellery

• Seaglass is born from decades in the ocean so it’s no problem to go for a sea dip or surf with your sea glass Jewellery - just be careful not to lose it and be sure to check out the beautiful colour when it’s just come out the ocean !

• Cleaning & Care: Use an old toothbrush and toothpaste to gently scrub seaglass to remove any dirt.

How to Store Jewellery to Prevent Tarnishing

Proper storage helps keep your jewelry looking its best:

• Keep it Dry: Moisture speeds up tarnishing, so store jewelry in a dry place.

• Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: These absorb air pollutants that cause metals to oxidize.

• Store Separately: Gold vermeil, silver, and brass should be kept in separate pouches.

• Soft Cloth Pouches: These protect delicate gemstones and prevent shells from chipping.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your pieces stay as beautiful as the ocean itself!