Care Instructions

Every piece leaves the atelier ready to be worn for a lifetime. A little care keeps it that way. The rule is simple: solid silver and solid gold may be worn in the shower; everything else should not. And whatever the metal, a piece set with raw gemstones stays away from water.

Sterling silver

Silver darkens slowly as it meets the air: that is its nature, not a flaw. Solid silver can be worn every day, in the shower too, though chlorine, salt water and hot springs will darken it faster. Polish it now and then with a silver cloth, dry it after it has been wet, and store it in its pouch, away from other pieces that could scratch it.

Silver patina and antique gold (brass)

These pieces are cast in brass and finished by hand: a silvered patina, or an antiqued gold tone. The finish is part of the piece and deepens with wear. Take them off before showering, swimming, exercising or washing your hands, and put them on after perfume, lotion and hairspray. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth; never use polish, dips or an ultrasonic cleaner, which strip the finish. Brass can leave a faint green trace on some skin; it is harmless and washes off with soap and water. Store dry, ideally in the pouch the piece came in.

24K gold plated

A layer of 24k gold over a brass base. The gold is real, but thin, so it lasts longest kept from water and friction. Take it off before showering, swimming, sleeping or exercising, and put it on last, after perfume and creams. Clean only with a soft, dry cloth; polishing cloths and abrasive cleaners wear through the gold.

Solid gold

Solid gold does not tarnish and can be worn every day, in the shower too. To clean it, soak briefly in warm water with a drop of mild soap, brush gently with a soft brush and dry with a soft cloth.

Raw gemstones

Raw and natural stones are often soft or porous: opal, turquoise, pearl, lapis, amber, malachite and many others drink in water and oils and can cloud, crack or lose their lustre. Keep any piece set with raw stones away from showers, baths, pools and the sea, whatever its metal. Avoid knocks and sudden heat, never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, and wipe the stone with a soft, dry cloth only.

Storing your pieces

Store each piece on its own, in its pouch or a lined box, somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight. Fasten chains so they do not tangle. A small silica sachet in the box keeps the air dry.

Repairs and restoration

If a piece is damaged, loses its finish or simply needs attention, write to us at atelier@surrealium.world. Our lifetime warranty covers repairs and restoration, carried out by hand in the atelier at Vaxholms Kastell.