Materials and care guide

Lisa&Co. jewellery is made from precious metals — sterling silver, 14K gold (585‰ fineness) and 18K gold (750‰ fineness) — together with protective plating, pearls and natural or synthetic stones. Materials and finishes vary between pieces; check the product description for the exact composition.

A piece's durability and appearance depend on how it is worn, environmental conditions and the frequency of maintenance. Careful habits help you enjoy your jewellery for longer.

General wearing and storage rules

Order of application: put jewellery on last, after perfume, body creams, hairspray and other cosmetics have completely dried. Some particles and substances in these products can abrade or corrode surfaces. Do not spray directly onto jewellery.
Activities requiring removal: take pieces off before swimming, sauna, sport, household cleaning and using detergents. Chlorine and salt water can damage metals, plating and pearls. Avoid wearing jewellery during sleep, to prevent bending thin elements, opening clasps accidentally or snagging settings.
Storage: keep each piece separately in a soft fabric pouch or compartmented box, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Contact between pieces can cause fine scratches, and chains can tangle and become damaged. Pearls need a ventilated space without excessive heat; do not seal them in plastic bags.
Routine cleaning: after wearing, gently wipe jewellery with a fine, clean, soft cloth to remove perspiration and dust. Follow the pearl-specific advice below. Do not use abrasive pastes, paper tissues or hard brushes.

Gold — 14K and 18K

Pure 24K gold is ductile and malleable. To increase strength, jewellery gold is alloyed with other metals, such as silver, copper or zinc, depending on the alloy.

14K gold (585‰) contains 58.5% pure gold.
18K gold (750‰) contains 75% pure gold.

Pure gold is relatively unreactive, but some alloying metals can react with sulphur compounds and the wearing environment, forming a surface patina over time. This should not be confused with distortion or damage to a setting.

Use a specialist for professional cleaning and polishing. Ultrasound may be used only after checking all materials, stones, treatments and settings; it is not suitable for every gold piece.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for greater strength.

Natural tarnishing: silver can react with sulphur-containing substances, including hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) in the air, forming a surface layer of silver sulphide (Ag₂S). Natural darkening is a property of the metal and is not, on its own, a manufacturing defect.
Accelerating factors: moisture, pollution, bathroom storage, contact with certain substances in cosmetics or perspiration and thermal waters can speed up tarnishing.
Maintenance: use silver-specific products or cloths for unplated silver, following their instructions and only if suitable for the whole piece. Do not apply impregnated cloths or silver-cleaning products to pearls, sensitive stones or plated parts.

Plated jewellery — yellow gold and rhodium

Plating deposits a thin layer of metal onto the jewellery's surface. Our plated-silver models have a sterling-silver base; the exact material and finish are given in the product description.

Yellow-gold plating

For models described as having 1-micron gold plating, the layer provides a gold appearance and needs protection from friction. Rings and bracelets are more exposed to contact with hard surfaces. Wearing can gradually thin the layer, revealing the silver beneath.

Rhodium plating

Rhodium is a platinum-group metal with a bright, silvery-white appearance. On silver, it helps protect the surface against tarnishing; on white gold, it creates a bright white finish. This protection is not permanent: rhodium can also wear through friction or unsuitable care.

Precaution: plated jewellery is not intended for constant wear during every activity. Do not use abrasive cloths, pastes or polishing chemicals on plating: they can remove the layer. Replating may be possible, depending on the piece, at a specialist workshop. For routine maintenance or wear outside the guarantee, the procedure and cost are agreed before work begins.

Natural and cultured pearls

Pearls form in molluscs and contain calcium carbonate and organic matter. They have a low hardness of approximately 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale, and surfaces sensitive to scratching and chemicals.

Vulnerabilities: acids, alcohol in perfumes, detergents, chlorine, excessive heat and drying can damage nacre's lustre. Remove perspiration after wearing and avoid direct contact with cosmetics.
Cleaning: gently wipe with a soft cloth lightly dampened with clean water, preferably purified or distilled. Do not soak necklaces or rub aggressively. Let them dry completely flat before storing. Do not use detergents, steam or ultrasound.
Settings and thread: regularly inspect strung necklaces, including the thread, knots and clasp. Thread can stretch or wear over time. Depending on wear and condition, professional restringing may be needed to prevent accidental breakage.

Shell pearls

Shell pearls are manufactured alternatives, made by processing materials and applying a pearlescent finish. They are not natural or cultured pearls formed in living molluscs.

Construction: depending on the model, the core may be made from shell or other materials and covered with layers that provide colour and lustre. Check the product description for the piece's composition; the name “shell pearl” does not guarantee the same construction for every model.

Care: outer layers may be sensitive to alcohol, solvents, acetone, friction and mechanical impacts. Knocks can chip or peel the surface. Clean with a dry, soft cloth without aggressive rubbing; avoid soaking, cleaning products, steam and ultrasound.

Settings and stones

Avoid pressure on prongs and bezel settings. Snagging on clothing or an impact can deform the fastening elements and loosen a stone. Each stone has its own sensitivities to water, heat, light and cleaning substances.

If a stone moves or an earring or chain clasp changes, stop wearing the piece immediately. Keep the item and its parts and contact us to avoid loss or further damage.

Servicing and maintenance

For professional cleaning, polishing, checking settings or replating, email hello@lisaconcept.ro. We check which procedure is possible and explain the conditions and any cost before work begins.

Care instructions do not reduce rights for non-conforming jewellery. An unusually rapid change in appearance under normal wear should be assessed. See Warranty and the Returns and warranty guide for conditions and next steps.