Jewelry Care
What Materials Do We Use?
At Still Missing Piece, we primarily work with 14K Gold Filled, 925 Sterling Silver, and Gold Vermeil, thoughtfully selected for their beauty and quality.
Certain charms, decorative components, and exclusive designs may also incorporate stainless steel, brass, or other materials. Please refer to each product's details for its specific composition.
Our Materials at a Glance
Material Comparison
| Material | Base | Care |
|---|---|---|
| 14K Gold Filled | Typically brass | Gentle care |
| 925 Sterling Silver | 92.5% silver alloy | Occasional polishing |
| Gold Vermeil | Sterling silver | Extra gentle care |
Care needs vary depending on wear, environment, and the specific construction of each piece.
What Is 14K Gold Filled?
14K Gold Filled jewelry features a substantial layer of 14K gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically brass.
Unlike standard gold-plated jewelry, Gold Filled contains significantly more gold and generally offers better resistance to wear with proper care.
It is a beautiful option for everyday jewelry, although it is not solid gold and may still develop signs of wear over time.
What Is Gold Vermeil?
Gold Vermeil is a type of gold-plated jewelry made with a sterling silver base and a relatively thick layer of gold.
It offers the beauty of gold with the foundation of sterling silver. Like other gold-finished jewelry, its appearance can gradually change with frequent wear, friction, or exposure to moisture and chemicals.
What Is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 Sterling Silver contains 92.5% pure silver, blended with other metals for added strength and durability.
Sterling silver may naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and environmental conditions. This is a normal characteristic of silver and can often be restored with appropriate cleaning and care.
Can I Wear My Jewelry in Water?
We recommend keeping all Still Missing Piece jewelry away from water whenever possible.
Remove your pieces before showering, swimming, exercising, or entering hot tubs.
Water, chlorine, salt, sweat, and chemical exposure may accelerate tarnishing, affect gold finishes, or damage delicate components, especially natural pearls.
How Should I Care for My Pearls?
Our natural freshwater pearls are delicate organic gems that deserve gentle care.
Follow a simple rule: Last On, First Off.
Apply perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and hairspray before putting on your pearl jewelry. Always remove your pearls before showering, swimming, sleeping, or exercising.
After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, dry cloth to remove skin oils and residue.
Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive polishing cloths.
Store your pearls separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to protect their surfaces from scratches.
Why Do My Pearls Look Different from the Photos?
Each natural freshwater pearl is uniquely formed, with its own shape, size, color, surface texture, and luster.
Slight variations and natural irregularities are part of their organic beauty, not imperfections.
Because no two pearls are exactly alike, your piece may differ slightly from the product photographs.
These natural differences make every Still Missing Piece creation uniquely yours.
How Should I Clean My Jewelry?
After each wear, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove skin oils and everyday residue.
Avoid harsh cleaning solutions, alcohol, abrasive materials, and ultrasonic cleaners, particularly on gold-finished jewelry and pieces containing pearls.
For sterling silver, use a polishing cloth specifically designed for silver, taking care to avoid pearls and other delicate components.
How Should I Store My Jewelry?
Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
We recommend keeping each piece separately in its provided pouch or a soft-lined jewelry box to minimize scratches and tangling.
Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms or other humid environments.
Will My Jewelry Tarnish or Change Color?
Even quality jewelry can change in appearance over time depending on wear, skin chemistry, environmental exposure, and care.
Sterling silver may naturally tarnish, while gold-finished jewelry may gradually show signs of wear.
To help preserve your pieces, avoid prolonged contact with water, sweat, perfumes, lotions, and household chemicals.
With thoughtful care, your jewelry can retain its beauty for years to come.
Can I Wear Your Jewelry If I Have Sensitive Skin?
Skin sensitivity varies from person to person, and reactions can occur even with quality metals.
Our jewelry uses a variety of materials, including 14K Gold Filled, Sterling Silver, Gold Vermeil, and occasionally stainless steel or brass components.
If you have known metal allergies or sensitivities, please review the materials listed in each product description before purchasing.
We cannot guarantee that every piece is hypoallergenic or suitable for all skin types.