Jewelry Care & Storage

Preserving the beauty and structure of your handcrafted piece

Each Monica Fiorella Jewelry piece is individually handcrafted in sterling silver, fine silver, gold, or mixed metals. With simple, consistent care, your jewelry will retain its beauty, detail, and structural integrity for many years.

Everyday Care

A few easy habits make the biggest difference.

After wearing

  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry cotton or microfiber cloth.

  • Remove any skin oils, lotion, or moisture.

  • Allow jewelry to fully dry before storing.

Occasional cleaning

  • Use lukewarm water with 1–2 drops of mild dish soap.

  • Gently clean with your fingers or a very soft toothbrush.

  • Rinse thoroughly.

  • Pat completely dry with a soft towel.

Do not soak for extended periods. Gentle and brief cleaning is best.

What Not to Do

To prevent damage, distortion, or surface deterioration, remove jewelry before:

  • Swimming (chlorine pools, salt water, hot tubs)

  • Showering or bathing

  • Using household cleaners (bleach, ammonia, vinegar, etc.)

  • Gardening or yard work

  • Exercising or heavy physical activity

  • Applying perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, or lotion

Chlorine, salt, chemicals, and abrasion can permanently affect metal surfaces and delicate structures.

Follow the simple rule:
Last on, first off.

Apply cosmetics first. Remove jewelry before washing hands, cooking, or cleaning.

Short-Term Storage (Daily Use)

For pieces worn regularly:

  • Store individually in a soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box.

  • Keep in a cool, dry location.

  • Avoid bathrooms or humid environments.

  • Do not store pieces touching each other.

Keeping jewelry dry and separated prevents scratching and slows tarnish.

Long-Term Storage (Extended Periods)

If storing jewelry for weeks or months:

  • Place the piece in a small sealed plastic bag.

  • Remove excess air before sealing.

  • Store the sealed bag inside a jewelry box.

  • Adding an anti-tarnish strip inside the storage box can further reduce exposure to airborne sulfur.

This method significantly slows natural tarnish and is recommended for archival or seasonal storage.

Tarnish: What Is Normal

Sterling silver naturally reacts with air and environmental elements over time. This may cause darkening or tarnish. Tarnish is normal and does not indicate damage or defect.

Regular wear and proper storage significantly slow tarnish.

Cleaning Tarnish

For light tarnish:

  • Use a soft polishing cloth only.

  • Gentle hand polishing is sufficient.

Avoid:

  • Silver dips

  • Abrasive polishing cloths

  • Chemical tarnish removers

  • Boiling water or heat-based tarnish removal methods

Aggressive cleaning can soften fine detail and affect surface finish, particularly on sculptural or filigree pieces.

Special Care for Sculptural Filigree & Dimensional Work

Sculptural and openwork filigree pieces are durable for regular wear but should be handled thoughtfully.

  • Avoid bending, squeezing, or reshaping.

  • Do not sleep in jewelry.

  • Avoid stacking with other jewelry.

  • Handle by solid structural areas when putting on or removing.

These pieces are wearable art and should be treated accordingly.

Professional Evaluation

If heavy tarnish, distortion, or damage occurs, contact Monica Fiorella Jewelry before attempting corrective measures.

Improper cleaning methods may permanently alter surface finish or structural integrity.

Terms & Conditions Reference

Care instructions form part of our Terms & Conditions. As stated in our policies:

  • Natural tarnish is not considered a defect.

  • Damage resulting from improper care, chemical exposure, or physical force is not covered.

  • Customers are responsible for following the provided care guidelines.

Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for complete details regarding product care, limitations of liability, and warranty exclusions.

Final Philosophy

Simple, gentle care preserves craftsmanship.

When in doubt:
Dry, separate, minimal handling.