Jewelry FAQs: Materials, Stones & Care

What materials are used in your necklaces and earrings?

Our jewelry is crafted in 925 sterling silver and select pieces in 950 silver, chosen for a clean, luminous finish that pairs beautifully with natural stones and shell details.

Because silver is a living material, it may softly deepen or tarnish over time—this is normal and easily refreshed with gentle care.

What stones and shell materials are featured in this collection?

We work with a curated selection of stones and shell materials—each chosen for its color, character, and story:

  • Red Spiny Oyster (Spondylus shell): often referred to as “red gold” in Andean cultural history.
  • Purple Spiny Oyster (Spondylus shell): traditionally associated with uplifting energy and protection.
  • Orange Spiny Oyster (Spondylus shell): often linked with abundance, rain symbolism, and cultural continuity.
  • Abalone (shell): celebrated for iridescence; often associated with resilience and personal growth.
  • Blue Sodalite: traditionally connected with clarity, creativity, and calm.
  • Chrysocolla (green to light blue): often regarded as a protective, steadying stone.
  • Mother of Pearl (shell): admired for luminous depth; associated with luck and enduring beauty.
  • Serpentine (“Machu Picchu stone”): valued for soothing, grounded symbolism and natural green tones.

Note: Spiny oyster, mother of pearl, and abalone are natural shell materials (not minerals). They’re beautiful, but they appreciate gentler care.

Do these stones have cultural or spiritual significance?

Yes—many of these materials have been valued across Andean and coastal traditions for centuries. We share their symbolism as part of cultural storytelling and personal meaning.

While many people connect with stones spiritually, these meanings are not medical claims. They’re a way of honoring heritage, intention, and the quiet ritual of what we choose to wear.

Are the stones and shell materials natural?

Yes. We use authentic stones and natural shell materials selected for color, pattern, and character. Because they’re natural, no two pieces are exactly alike—variation is part of what makes each one feel personal.

What makes your jewelry unique?

Each piece is designed to feel quietly expressive—rooted in craft, shaped by tradition, and finished with materials that carry history. We choose stones and shell not only for their beauty, but for the feeling they bring to a piece: luminous, grounded, and meant to be worn often.

Will sterling silver tarnish?

Yes—tarnish is normal. Silver naturally reacts with air, moisture, and everyday elements (like perfume, lotions, and cleaning products). The good news: it’s typically easy to remove with a soft polishing cloth.

If your piece includes stones or shell, polish the silver carefully and avoid rubbing the stone surface with silver polish.

How should I care for my jewelry day to day?
  • Put jewelry on last: after perfume, hair products, and lotion have dried.
  • Remove before water: showering, swimming, hot tubs, and dishwashing.
  • Avoid chemicals: household cleaners and sanitizers can dull both silver and stones.
  • Wipe after wear: a quick, gentle wipe helps reduce tarnish buildup.
How do I clean sterling silver safely?

Best method: use a soft silver polishing cloth to gently buff tarnish and restore shine.

If a deeper clean is needed, use mild soap and water on the silver only, rinse quickly, and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking jewelry that includes stones or shell.

How do I clean stones and shell materials?

For most stones and shell, the gentlest approach is best:

  • Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals.
  • Keep away from abrasive surfaces to prevent scratches (especially shell, mother of pearl, and softer stones like chrysocolla).

If you’re unsure about your piece, treat it as delicate: minimal water, no soaking, and no chemical cleaners.

How should I store my jewelry?
  • Store dry in a soft pouch or an airtight container to slow tarnish.
  • Store separately to prevent scratches and tangling.
  • When traveling, keep pieces in individual pouches and avoid loose storage where items rub together.
What if my piece needs a refresh or repair?

If a clasp loosens, a jump ring opens, or you’re unsure how to clean a particular stone, we recommend pausing at “gentle care” and reaching out before trying stronger methods. A quick check can prevent accidental damage—especially with shell and softer stones.