Product Care
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At Prostatia, each piece is crafted to be both a work of art and a lasting companion. With attentive care, your jewelry will continue to reflect its original beauty for years to come.
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Sterling Silver
Composition: 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with other metals for strength.
Care Tips:
Store silver pieces in a dry, airtight pouch or anti-tarnish cloth bag.
If tarnish appears, polish gently with a soft silver polishing cloth—avoid harsh chemicals.
Do not wear in chlorinated water, salt water, or hot tubs; chemicals can accelerate tarnishing.
Remove before heavy exercise or tasks that involve perspiration or abrasive surfaces.
Long-Term Beauty Tip: Wearing your silver regularly actually slows tarnish buildup, as natural oils from your skin create a protective layer.
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Gold Vermeil
Composition: A thick layer of 18k gold (at least 2.5 microns) over sterling silver. Our use of 18k gold means the finish has a slightly richer, more enhanced luster than 14k gold.
Care Tips:
Avoid exposure to water, lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products—these can wear away the gold layer over time.
Always remove before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Store separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching from harder jewelry.
Clean only with a soft, dry cloth—never with abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds, as they may strip the gold layer.
Stacking & Layering Guidance:
Gold Vermeil can be worn alongside other pendants, but direct contact (such as stacking pendants on the same chain) will gradually wear away the gold finish where the pieces rub together.
If you wish to wear your vermeil pendant with another piece (for example, layering a cross with a saint medallion), use a separate chain that provides at least 0.5 inches of distance between the two pendants. This reduces friction and prolongs the plating’s life.
Worn separately and cared for properly, Gold Vermeil can last for years while retaining its beauty.
Longevity Tip: Treat Gold Vermeil as you would fine silk—gentle handling will preserve its luster and keep its 18k glow intact.
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14k Yellow, White, and Pink Gold
Composition: Durable, solid gold alloyed for color and strength.
Care Tips:
While 14k gold is durable, it can still scratch—store each piece separately.
Avoid wearing during heavy work, weightlifting, or contact sports.
Clean with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
For white gold, rhodium plating may be refreshed every few years to restore brightness.
Professional Care: Once a year, consider a professional cleaning and inspection to ensure settings remain secure.
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Universal Care Recommendations
Regardless of metal type:
Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup before putting on jewelry.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for Gold Vermeil and delicate silver pieces.
Keep your jewelry away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
When traveling, use a dedicated jewelry travel case to prevent tangles and scratches.
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A Note on Handmade Details
Each Prostatia piece is individually crafted, so slight variations are a sign of authentic artistry. These subtle differences will develop a unique character over time, especially in precious metals that naturally age and patinate.
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Final Reassurance
Although this may sound like a lot of rules, caring for your jewelry is not as high-maintenance as it seems. Simply keep a general mindfulness of your pieces—just as you do with your wallet or phone. These items are not indestructible, and neither is jewelry. A little attention will ensure they remain as beautiful as the day you received them.