Jewellery Care
At KaiKoa, we create delicate works of art designed for everyday wear.
While our pieces are durable, avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, chlorine, perfumes, or lotions. Follow the “last on, first off” rule. Use a microfiber or jewellery cloth to gently polish your pieces. When not being worn, store your jewellery in the pouch or box provided or a cool, dry place wrapped in a soft cloth to prevent scratching. Discover how to care for your unique piece and its material.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver jewellery is prized for its beauty, versatility, and durability. With proper care, your sterling silver pieces can remain beautiful and lustrous for years to come. This guide will help you maintain the quality and shine of your sterling silver jewellery.
Daily Wear
Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Chemicals in household cleaning products, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can cause tarnishing. Apply these products before putting on your jewellery.
Remove Jewellery During Activities: Take off your sterling silver jewellery when swimming in chlorine pools or spas, bathing, or doing household chores. Chlorine and harsh cleaning agents can damage silver.
Store Properly: When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place. Use a tarnish-resistant cloth or pouch and keep pieces separate to avoid scratches.
Cleaning Your Jewellery
Regular Cleaning: Clean your sterling silver jewellery regularly to maintain its shine. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently rub off any dirt or tarnish.
Mild Soap and Water: For a deeper clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Silver Polish: For heavily tarnished pieces, use a silver polish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, applying the polish with a soft cloth and buffing gently.
Deep Cleaning
Baking Soda and Water: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the jewellery with a soft cloth, rub gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda: Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up. Add boiling water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a tablespoon of salt. Place the jewellery in the solution, ensuring it touches the foil. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
Professional Cleaning
Jeweller Services: For delicate or intricate pieces, or if your jewellery is significantly tarnished, consider bringing your pieces back to Kaikoa, for a professional clean, to polish your pieces, and restore their original shine.
Special Considerations
Oxidised Silver: Some sterling silver pieces are intentionally oxidised for a unique look. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on these pieces, as they can remove the oxidation. Use a gentle, damp cloth instead.
Storage Tips
Tarnish-Resistant Bags: Store your sterling silver jewellery in tarnish-resistant bags or cloths. This can help slow the tarnishing process.
Silica Gel Packs: Place silica gel packs in your jewellery box or storage area to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.
Separate Storage: Keep each piece of jewellery separate to avoid scratches and tangling. Use individual pouches or compartments.
9K, 14K, 18 Yellow Gold
Yellow gold jewellery is a timeless and luxurious choice, celebrated for its rich colour and durability. With proper care, your 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct yellow gold jewellery can maintain its beauty and lustre for generations. This guide will help you preserve the quality of your gold pieces.
Daily Wear
Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: Chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can dull the appearance of yellow gold. Apply these products before putting on your jewellery.
Remove Jewellery During Activities: Take off your gold jewellery when swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine and saltwater can damage gold, and physical activity can cause scratches.
Proper Storage: When not in use, store your gold jewellery in a cool, dry place. Use a fabric-lined jewellery box or a soft pouch to prevent scratches and minimize exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing.
Cleaning Your Jewellery
Regular Cleaning: Clean your sterling silver jewellery regularly to maintain its shine. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently rub off any dirt or tarnish.
Mild Soap and Water: For a deeper clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Silver Polish: For heavily tarnished pieces, use a silver polish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, applying the polish with a soft cloth and buffing gently.
Deep Cleaning
Baking Soda and Vinegar: For stubborn dirt, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of white vinegar. Apply the paste to the jewellery with a soft cloth, rub gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Professional Cleaning: For intricate or heavily soiled pieces, consider bringing your pieces back to Kaikoa, for a professional clean, to polish your pieces, and restore their original brilliance.
Special Considerations
White Gold and Rose Gold: Different gold alloys require specific care. While this guide focuses on yellow gold, be aware that white and rose gold may have additional care requirements, such as rhodium plating for white gold.
Storage Tips
Individual Storage: Store each piece of gold jewellery separately to prevent scratches. Use soft pouches or individual compartments in a jewellery box.
Avoid Humidity: Keep your gold jewellery away from high humidity areas, like bathrooms. Use silica gel packs in your storage area to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.
Minimise Exposure to Air: Air exposure can cause tarnishing over time. Store your jewellery in airtight containers or wrap it in a soft cloth when not in use.
Maintenance Tips
Regular Inspection: Periodically check your gold jewellery for signs of damage or loose settings. Take any damaged pieces to a jeweller for repair to prevent further issues.
Polishing: Over time, gold jewellery can develop a patina or small scratches. Use a gold polishing cloth to maintain its shine, but avoid excessive polishing, which can wear down the metal.
9K, 14K, 18k Rose Gold
Rose gold jewellery is beloved for its warm, romantic hue and durability. With proper care, your rose gold pieces can retain their beauty and charm for many years. This guide will help you maintain the quality and shine of your rose gold jewellery.
Daily Wear
Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Chemicals found in household cleaning products, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can cause discolouration. Apply these products before putting on your jewellery.
Remove Jewellery During Activities: Take off your rose gold jewellery when swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine, saltwater, and physical activity can damage rose gold and cause scratches.
Proper Storage: When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place. Use a fabric-lined jewellery box or a soft pouch to prevent scratches and minimise exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing.
Cleaning Your Jewellery
Regular Cleaning: Clean your rose gold jewellery regularly to maintain its shine. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently rub off any dirt or oils.
Mild Soap and Water: For a deeper clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the jewellery for a few minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub it. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Jewellery Cleaner: Use a rose gold-specific jewellery cleaner for an occasional deep clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product is safe for rose gold.
Deep Cleaning
Baking Soda and Vinegar: For stubborn dirt, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of white vinegar. Apply the paste to the jewellery with a soft cloth, rub gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Professional Cleaning: For intricate or heavily soiled pieces, consider bringing your pieces back to Kaikoa, for a professional clean, to polish your pieces, and restore their original brilliance.
Professional Cleaning
Jeweller Services: For delicate or intricate pieces, or if your jewellery is significantly tarnished, consider bringing your pieces back to Kaikoa, for a professional clean, to polish your pieces, and restore their original shine.
Special Considerations
White Gold and Yellow Gold: Different gold alloys require specific care. While this guide focuses on rose gold, be aware that white and yellow gold may have additional care requirements.
Storage Tips
Individual Storage: Store each piece of rose gold jewellery separately to prevent scratches. Use soft pouches or individual compartments in a jewellery box.
Avoid Humidity: Keep your rose gold jewellery away from high humidity areas, like bathrooms. Use silica gel packs in your storage area to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.
Minimise Exposure to Air: Air exposure can cause tarnishing over time. Store your jewellery in airtight containers or wrap it in a soft cloth when not in use.
Maintenance Tips
Regular Inspection: Periodically check your rose gold jewellery for signs of damage or loose settings. Take any damaged pieces to a jeweller for repair to prevent further issues.
Polishing: Over time, rose gold jewellery can develop a patina or small scratches. Use a gold polishing cloth to maintain its shine, but avoid excessive polishing, which can wear down the metal.
Want To Know More?
Have a question or want to know more about KaiKoa? We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions below. See something we haven’t covered? Feel free to get in touch!
How do I keep my jewellery looking like new?
Visit our jewellery care page for comprehensive instructions on how to maintain your piece.
Can I wear my jewellery in the ocean?
Yes, you can wear your Kai Koa jewellery in the ocean, but it’s important to take precautions to keep it safe and secure. Properly fasten any clasps or closures to prevent accidental loss, and consider removing your jewellery before engaging in vigorous water activities to avoid damage.
Can I wear my jewellery in a swimming pool or spa?
We advise against wearing your jewellery in any pools or spas, as many pools and spas contain harsh chemicals, that can turn you sterling silver black and will require extensive cleaning and polishing to return to new.
