Lilian & Phoebe

Caring for your
jewellery

Each piece is made to be worn, not kept away. With a little attention, it will stay beautiful for years to come.

Our gold-plated pieces are finished with a layer of 18ct gold over a brass base, giving them the warm lustre of solid gold at a fraction of the weight. The plating is durable with everyday wear, but does require a little care to keep it looking its best.

What to do

  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue.
  • Store in the pouch or box provided, away from other pieces that could scratch the surface.
  • Put your jewellery on last — after perfume, skincare, and hairspray have fully settled.
  • Remove before sleeping to reduce friction and extend the life of the plating.

What to avoid

  • Water — remove before showering, swimming, or washing up. Prolonged exposure accelerates wear.
  • Perfume, lotions, and oils directly on the piece — these are the most common causes of tarnishing.
  • Abrasive cloths or jewellery cleaning solutions not designed for plated metal.
  • Ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip the plating.
Gold plating naturally wears over time, especially on points of contact like ring shanks and bracelet clasps. This is not a fault — it is the nature of the material. With consistent care, most pieces retain their finish for one to three years of regular wear.

Freshwater pearls are organic gems — formed by living creatures — which makes them both remarkable and delicate. They have a natural lustre that no synthetic material can quite replicate, and they respond beautifully to being worn regularly against the skin.

What to do

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after every wear — the natural acids in skin perspiration can dull the surface over time.
  • Store flat, or hang loosely. Avoid letting knotted pearl strands coil tightly, which can weaken the silk thread.
  • Wear them often — pearls benefit from contact with skin moisture and tend to lose their lustre in long storage.
  • Have knotted strands re-strung every few years if worn frequently, to prevent breakage.

What to avoid

  • Perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics — apply these before putting on pearl jewellery, never after.
  • Immersing in water, which weakens the silk thread on knotted strands and can loosen settings.
  • Storing in airtight containers or plastic bags, which can dry out the nacre and cause cracking over time.
  • Cleaning with vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic solution — these dissolve the nacre.
The old rule still holds: put your pearls on last, take them off first. A few seconds of mindfulness each time you dress is all it takes to keep them glowing for a lifetime.

Our collection features sapphires, rubies, and moissanites — each chosen for their depth of colour and exceptional brilliance. These stones are among the hardest naturally occurring materials and are highly resistant to everyday wear, but their settings deserve care.

Sapphire & Ruby

Corundum stones (sapphire and ruby) rank 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. They are extremely durable and can be cleaned safely with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid steam cleaning if the stone is set in gold-plated metal.

Moissanite

Moissanite (silicon carbide) ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale and has even greater fire and brilliance than diamond. It is exceptionally resistant to scratching and thermal shock, making it one of the most practical stones for everyday wear. Clean in the same way as sapphire and ruby.

General stone care

  • Clean with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Check settings every few months — if a stone feels loose, stop wearing and bring to a jeweller.
  • Store individually to prevent harder stones from scratching softer materials.
  • Avoid household cleaners containing bleach or chlorine, which can damage metal settings.
  • Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on pieces with gold plating, even if the stone itself can withstand it.

How you store your jewellery matters almost as much as how you wear it. Proper storage prevents tarnishing, tangling, and scratching — the three most common causes of avoidable damage.

At home

  • Keep each piece in its own pouch or compartment to prevent scratching between items.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity — a bedside drawer works well.
  • Anti-tarnish strips placed inside a jewellery box can significantly slow oxidation for gold-plated pieces.
  • Hang necklaces individually to prevent chain tangles.

Travelling

  • Use a dedicated travel roll or case with individual pockets for each piece.
  • Thread delicate necklaces through a straw before coiling to keep chains tangle-free.
  • Carry fine jewellery in your hand luggage rather than checked bags.

A summary of care guidelines by material, for quick reference.

Material Water Perfume / Lotions Cleaning
18ct Gold-Plated Brass Avoid Avoid direct contact Dry soft cloth only
Freshwater Pearl Avoid immersion Apply before wearing Damp cloth, pat dry
Sapphire & Ruby Safe (brief) Avoid on setting Soft brush, mild soap
Moissanite Safe (brief) Avoid on setting Soft brush, mild soap
If you ever have a question about a specific piece, or need advice on cleaning or repair, please reach out to us at hello@lilianandphoebe.com — we are always happy to help.