We believe jewellery should be lived in. Worn every day, layered into your routines, taken on adventures, accidentally slept in, and one day passed on as treasured heirlooms. Your jewellery goes where you go, after all.
But when jewellery works as hard as you do, it's only natural that your pieces start to show signs of wear. A few simple habits are all it takes to keep them looking their best for years to come.
Here is everything you need to know.
Know What You Are Working With
AR pieces are made in solid 9ct Gold or Sterling Silver, with some styles available in gold vermeil (a thick layer of gold plated over silver). Each material is beautiful and hardwearing, but they do behave a little differently over time.
Solid 9ct gold is the most durable option. It doesn't tarnish, holds its colour beautifully, and can be polished back to life whenever it needs a little love. It is also the best choice if you are a never-take-it-off kind of girl.
Sterling silver is timeless and endlessly wearable, but it does tarnish naturally when it meets air, moisture, and the oils on your skin. It is not damage, it is just your silver being silver. And the good news is that it is completely reversible with a little care.
Gold vermeil gives you the warmth and richness of gold at a more accessible price point. Over time, especially on rings and bracelets that experience harder wear, the plating will begin to fade. This is completely normal and not a fault in your piece. A quick polish and replate is all it takes to bring it back to its former glory.
The Golden Rules of Everyday Wear
A few small habits make a big difference to how your jewellery holds up over time. Think of these as your daily jewellery routine, as non-negotiable as SPF.
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Jewellery goes on last. Perfume, moisturiser, sunscreen, dry shampoo, all of it first. Then your pieces. Chemicals in everyday products are sneaky and can dull metals and affect stones over time.
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And comes off first. The moment you walk in the door, before you cook, clean, or wash your hands with a heavy soap. Make it a ritual.
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Keep it out of the water. Showers, baths, the ocean, the pool. Water, chlorine, and salt are not your jewellery's friends, especially for plated pieces and silver. The occasional rogue shower ring is not the end of the world, but it should not become a habit.
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Skip it at the gym. Sweat causes metals to oxidise, and the last thing your favourite charm needs is to get caught on a resistance band. Leave your treasures at home and let them wait for you.
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Let it rest overnight. We know, we know. But sleeping in your jewellery puts it at risk of scratches, bent settings, and stones working loose. A little ceramic dish on your bedside table is all the home it needs.
Cleaning Your Pieces at Home
Good news: you do not need anything fancy. A soft cloth and a bowl of soapy water will take you most of the way there. Give your jewels a little love and they will last a lifetime.
After every wear, give your pieces a gentle wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth. It takes seconds and removes the daily buildup of oils, sweat, and products that can dull your jewellery over time.
For a deeper clean, fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let your pieces soak for five to ten minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently coax out any dirt from crevices, settings, and detailed areas. Rinse well, pat dry with a soft cloth, and make sure everything is completely dry before putting your pieces away. Watermarks are pesky and can lead to tarnishing.
Or, for a professional shine at home, meet Glow Bright, our scientifically formulated jewellery cleaner designed to give your pieces a professional shine at home. Simply place your jewellery in the dip basket, immerse it in the solution for up to one minute, rinse in warm water, and pat dry with a soft cloth. It is safe for sterling silver, gold plated silver, solid gold, and platinum, and yes, diamonds and moissanite too.
Wonky Pearl girls, this one is for you. Pearls are gorgeous but they are also delicate and porous, which means they need a little extra gentleness. Skip the soaking entirely and instead give them a soft wipe with a barely damp cloth after each wear. Store them flat, never hanging, and keep them well away from perfumes and anything acidic. They will reward you for it.
Storing Your Jewellery Well
The bottom of your handbag is not a jewellery box. Neither is a pile on the bathroom counter. How you store your pieces between wears matters just as much as how you treat them while you have them on. A multi-compartment jewellery box is ideal, and our Emerald Green Velvet Jewellery Box was made exactly for this.
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Give each piece its own space. A soft pouch, a small compartment, even a folded tissue in a pinch. Keeping pieces separate prevents scratching and tangling. Our Getaway Box was made exactly for this.
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Find a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and somewhere with low humidity. Heat, UV light, and moisture can all affect your pieces over time, particularly your beloved coloured gems like tourmaline, topaz, and amethyst.
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Fasten your chains and necklaces before laying them flat. Future you will be grateful.
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Silver loves an airtight environment. A small zip-lock bag or an anti-tarnish cloth will slow down tarnishing significantly, because it is exposure to air that causes silver to dull.
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Charm collectors, always store your hoops and charms separately so they do not scratch or snag on each other.
When to Come See Us
Home care will take you far, but some things deserve a professional eye. We recommend bringing your pieces in at least once a year for a clean and a once-over, and sooner if you spot any of the following:
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A stone that feels loose or wobbly in its setting
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Claws that look worn, bent, or uneven
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A clasp or catch that is not sitting right
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Plating that has faded and is ready for a refresh
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A ring that has become too tight or too loose to wear comfortably
We offer replating, resizing, professional cleaning, stone replacement where possible, and full heirloom redesigns for pieces ready for their next chapter. Pop into our studio on Long Street anytime, or drop us a line at hello@annarosholt.com to book a dedicated appointment.
The Bigger Picture
We design jewellery to be worn, loved, and eventually passed on as heirloom jewels for the people who come after you. The tiny scratches and the stories they carry are part of what makes a piece yours. With a little care and attention, your AR jewellery will look as good years from now as it did the day you first put it on.
That is the whole point of slow jewellery: pieces worth keeping and pieces worth caring for.