summer care for jewelry made to last
The whole idea behind Til Death is that pieces matter because they mean something to the person wearing them. That's why we build jewelry to last. Our pieces are made to be worn daily, layered, stacked, lived in. Not tucked away for special occasions.
Summer puts that to the test. More time outside, more pool days, more sweat and sunscreen. Living in your jewelry means it has to hold up, and the pieces that mean the most deserve a little extra care to keep up with you. Here's what you need to know about wearing, cleaning, and maintaining your Til Death pieces this summer.
know what your jewelry is made of
Different materials hold up to summer differently. Here's how to care for what you're wearing.
silver
Sterling silver is a timeless metal that develops a natural patina over time. Sunscreen, sweat, humidity, and certain chemicals can speed up tarnishing, but the good news is that it’s easy to refresh. A gentle polishing cloth restores the shine, and wearing your silver regularly actually slows down heavy tarnish.
Store your sterling silver pieces somewhere dry when you're not wearing them, and keep them away from chlorine and saltwater when you can. If you can't avoid it, the silver will be alright, just give it a clean when you’re done.
gold
Gold is one of the most durable metals for everyday wear, but it still benefits from a little care. Our 10k gold pieces are designed to be lived in, though sunscreen, lotions, sweat, and saltwater can leave behind residue that dulls the finish over time.
A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap, followed by a soft cloth, is usually all it takes to restore your gold jewelry’s natural glow.
enamel
Enamel is where Til Death started. It's a glass-like finish fused to metal, and it's what gives our jewelry a color that stands out. It holds up well, but it needs to be handled with care to keep that glossy finish intact. Avoid heat, direct sunlight, ultrasonic cleaners, and harsh chemicals. Clean with mild soap and water only, and your enamel will stay vibrant for years.
pearls
Pearls are organic, so they need the most attention. When you’re getting ready, always put them on last—after your lotions, hairspray, and perfumes. When the day is over, make them the first thing you take off, and wipe them down with a soft cloth after wearing. If you’re wearing sunscreen or taking a dip in the ocean or pool, removing your pearls is the best practice— it helps keep their luster
gemstones
We use a variety of gemstones, but a lot of our pieces are made with black onyx and garnet, which are softer stones that require extra caution and care. Skip the ultrasonic and steam cleaners, take them off before swimming or heavy activity, and keep your cleaning routine to soap and warm water only.
When in doubt, treat your most delicate and meaningful pieces with extra care.
a few habits worth building
Our jewelry is made to last, and the materials we use are made to hold up through summer. But as with all fine jewelry, you'll see wear and tear over time, and a few habits during the summer keep your jewelry looking brand new for longer.
It's best practice to take your jewelry off before swimming when you can, since chlorine and saltwater are what speeds up tarnish and dulls the finish over time. A soft pouch keeps pieces safe and together while they're off. If you're keeping pieces on, apply sunscreen first and give it 15 to 20 minutes to soak in before putting anything back on.
Rinse with fresh water as soon as you're out, whether that's pool chlorine, saltwater, or just sweat from the summer heat. It only takes a second, and it keeps your jewelry as protected as possible before you're home to give it a proper clean.
At-home routine cleaning is simple. Warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush are all you need to gently clear away everyday dirt and keep your pieces bright. Skip harsh cleaners or anything abrasive, which can scratch the metal or dull a stone's finish over time.
If you're ever unsure how to care for a piece, reach out. We're always happy to guide you.
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