About Our Materials
In our jewelry, we use 14k gold filled, sterling silver, and solid brass as well as vintage components that have stood the test of time! These antique components are of high quality and have lasted for many decades - many even centuries! You can trust that if it still looks good today, it will stand the test of time as a part of your wardrobe too!
Our antique components have stood the test of time and have lasted for many decades - many even centuries! Before they land in our studio, our goldsmith ensures they are in perfect modern condition. Every mounting has been inspected, every stone has been secured and every prong has been perfectly fitted so that these antique pieces of art are strong for everyday modern wear.
Gold Filled Jewelry Care
Yes! Gold filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal and is designed for daily wear. It can last for decades with proper care and won't flake or peel like gold plated jewelry.
Yes, you can shower with gold filled jewelry. The thick gold layer can handle water exposure. However, avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach, which can damage any metal over time.
Simply wipe your gold filled pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils and maintain shine. For deeper cleaning, use warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Care
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air - this is completely normal! The good news is that the more you wear your silver jewelry, the less it will tarnish. Regular wear actually helps keep it shiny.
Polish with a silver polishing cloth when tarnish appears. For heavier tarnish, use the mild soap and water method. Avoid harsh silver dips or chemicals that can damage the metal's surface.
Store sterling silver in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not wearing. Adding anti-tarnish strips to your jewelry box also helps prevent tarnishing. Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching.
It's best to remove sterling silver before swimming, showering, or using cleaning products. Water exposure can accelerate tarnishing, especially if the water contains chemicals.
Brass Jewelry Care
When brass gets wet, it may leave a harmless green mark on your skin due to the copper content. This is completely normal and washes off easily with soap and water. Keeping brass jewelry dry prevents this reaction.
Brass develops a natural patina over time, which many people love for its vintage appeal. To maintain shine, polish gently with a soft cloth. Avoid water and moisture to prevent accelerated tarnishing, and store in a dry place.
While brass will naturally patina over time, you can slow the process by keeping it dry, storing it properly, and wiping it clean after each wear. Some people apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to areas that touch skin, though this isn't necessary.
General Jewelry Care
For most pieces, follow these steps:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water
- Soak jewelry briefly (skip soaking for vintage pieces or soft stones)
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove dirt
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
Never use:
- Ultrasonic cleaners (especially for vintage pieces - they can loosen old settings)
- Harsh chemicals or jewelry dips
- Toothpaste or baking soda (too abrasive)
- Paper towels (can scratch soft metals)
Always remove jewelry before:
- Swimming in pools or hot tubs (chlorine damages all metals)
- Applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products
- Exercising or doing strenuous activities
- Cleaning with household chemicals
- Sleeping (to prevent damage and tangling)
- Gardening or working with your hands
- Store each piece separately in soft pouches or individual compartments
- Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Fasten chains and necklaces to prevent tangling
- Keep fine jewelry in the boxes they came in for best protection
Transformed & Vintage Pieces
Transformed pieces should be treated with the same care as fine jewelry. Since they often combine different metals and stones, follow the care instructions for the most delicate component. We recommend annual inspections to ensure all settings remain secure.
Vintage components have already proven their durability, but they deserve gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Have these pieces professionally inspected annually to ensure settings remain secure, especially for frequently worn items.
Professional Services
Yes! We recommend having your jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned periodically, especially for transformed heirloom pieces and high-value items. Contact us at sales@doramaejewelry.com to schedule a cleaning or inspection at our Orlando studio.
For pieces over $5000, we offer independent appraisals so you can be confident of the authenticity of your purchase as well as the retail replacement value for insurance purposes!
Contact us immediately at sales@doramaejewelry.com if you notice any loose stones, damaged clasps, or other issues. We can assess the repair needs and provide options for restoring your piece.
Still have a question?
If you have specific questions about caring for your Dora Mae jewelry, please don't hesitate to reach out:
Email: sales@doramaejewelry.com
Phone: 407-615-0186