Your Crabby Mermaid jewelry is made with a variety of materials, and each deserves the right kind of care. Follow the recommendations below based on the materials in your piece, and always check the individual product description if you're unsure what your jewelry is made from.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time as it reacts with elements in the environment. Gently polish your sterling silver jewelry with a soft, lint-free silver polishing cloth to restore its shine. Store pieces clean and dry when not being worn.
Avoid exposing sterling silver to chlorine, bleach, harsh household chemicals, or abrasive cleaners. Take extra care when a sterling silver piece also contains gemstones, pearls, cork, or another material that may require gentler cleaning.
Larimar
Larimar is a natural gemstone and should be treated gently. Wipe your Larimar jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing it and keep it away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, cosmetics, chlorine, and household cleaners.
Remove Larimar jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or activities where it could be struck or scratched. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and strong direct sunlight. Do not use steam or ultrasonic cleaners on Larimar.
Natural Gemstones
Different natural gemstones can have different care requirements, so there is no single cleaning method appropriate for every stone. For routine care, gently wipe your gemstone jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth and protect it from harsh chemicals, excessive heat, and impacts.
Do not use steam, ultrasonic cleaners, or commercial jewelry-cleaning solutions unless you know they are safe for the specific gemstone and any treatments it may have received.
Freshwater Pearls
Pearls require especially gentle care. Cosmetics, perfume, hairspray, lotions, and other chemicals can damage their surface, so put your pearl jewelry on after applying beauty products.
After wearing, gently wipe pearls with a very soft, clean cloth before storing them. Keep them away from excessive heat and harsh chemicals, and never clean pearls in a steam or ultrasonic cleaner.
14K Gold Vermeil over Sterling Silver
Gold vermeil consists of a layer of real gold over sterling silver and requires gentle care to preserve the gold finish. Remove your vermeil jewelry before showering, swimming, washing your hands, exercising, or exposing it to water and chemicals.
Put your jewelry on after applying perfume, lotion, makeup, and other beauty products. To clean, gently buff it with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaners, polishing substances, or abrasive products on gold vermeil.
18K Gold PVD over 316L Stainless Steel
18K Gold PVD over 316L stainless steel is designed to provide a durable, tarnish-resistant finish. For routine care, gently wipe or polish your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth to restore its shine.
Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface, and store your jewelry carefully when it isn't being worn.
Lab-Created Opal
For routine care, gently wipe lab-created opal jewelry with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and abrasive cloths that could damage the jewelry or its finish.
Because lab-created opal can vary in composition and construction, avoid aggressive cleaning methods unless specifically recommended for your particular piece.
Swarovski Crystal
Keep Swarovski crystal jewelry looking its best by gently polishing it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Protect the crystals from scratches and impacts, and avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, lotions, soap, and other beauty products.
Remove Swarovski crystal jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or other activities involving water or chemicals.
Portuguese Cork Jewelry
Cork is naturally water- and stain-resistant and can be gently cleaned when needed. Wipe the cork with a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap, then allow it to air dry naturally.
If your cork jewelry includes sterling silver components, polish the silver separately with an appropriate silver polishing cloth. Avoid getting silver polish or harsh cleaning products on the cork.
Fashion Jewelry & Sea Glass Pieces
For fashion jewelry and sea glass pieces, gently wipe the jewelry with a soft, dry microfiber or lint-free cloth after wear. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and soaking the jewelry in water.
Because these pieces may combine glass with plated metals and other components, gentle dry cleaning is the safest choice for routine care.
A Few Simple Habits Make a Difference
When in doubt, gentle care is always best. Store jewelry clean and dry, keep individual pieces separated when possible to help prevent scratching, and follow the care instructions for the most delicate material in a piece made with multiple materials.
If you're unsure how to care for a particular Crabby Mermaid piece, contact us before using a cleaner or cleaning method you're uncertain about.