Jewellery Care

Jewellery Care Guide

Proper care will keep your Created By Lau pieces looking beautiful for years. Below you'll find care instructions for every material we use — from gold filled chains to handmade polymer clay and resin earrings.

14K Gold Filled Jewellery

What is Gold Filled?

Gold filled jewellery — also known as rolled gold or gold bonded — has a real layer of gold permanently bonded to a base metal (usually brass) using high heat and pressure. This outer gold layer must be at least 1/20 of the total metal weight, making it far more durable than standard gold plating. Gold filled is 100x stronger than plated jewellery and will not rub off or change colour with normal wear.

How to Care for Gold Filled Jewellery

  • Keep away from hard surfaces to prevent scratching.
  • Polish gently with a jewellery polishing cloth to restore shine.
  • Avoid getting wet where possible, as Created By Lau pieces combine gold filled findings with other materials that can be affected by water.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Benefits of Gold Filled Jewellery

Gold filled offers the look and feel of solid gold at a more accessible price point. With proper care, it can last for many years without tarnishing or losing its colour.

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Care Instructions

Sterling silver is one of the most durable metals we use. You can wear your sterling silver pieces daily — in fact, wearing them regularly helps prevent tarnishing.

How to Clean Sterling Silver

  • Use a silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaning dip to remove any tarnish.
  • Your body's natural oils help keep sterling silver bright, so wear it often!
  • When storing, place in an airtight zip-lock bag away from direct sunlight to prevent oxidation.

Gold & Silver Plated Jewellery

Some Created By Lau charms and components are gold, rose gold, or silver plated. Each product listing details the exact materials used under "Item Details". Plated finishes are not permanent and will eventually wear with use — follow these tips to extend the life of your piece.

Care Instructions for Plated Jewellery

  • Avoid contact with water, sweat, perfume, and lotion.
  • Keep away from hard surfaces to prevent scratching.
  • After wearing, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and dirt.
  • Store in an airtight zip-lock bag away from direct sunlight.
  • Do not use jewellery polishing cloths on plated pieces — this will remove the plating.

What is Vermeil?

Vermeil pieces have a .925 sterling silver base with gold or rose gold plating on top, offering a higher quality plated finish than standard base metals.

Resin Jewellery

How to Care for Resin Earrings and Pendants

Resin is a lightweight, durable material used in many Created By Lau earrings and pendants. To keep your resin pieces in the best condition:

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration over time.
  • Keep away from extreme heat (e.g. leaving in a hot car).
  • Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth — do not submerge in water.
  • Store flat or in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.

Polymer Clay Jewellery

How to Care for Polymer Clay Earrings

Polymer clay is hand-formed and oven-baked, making each piece unique. It is lightweight and strong, but benefits from a little care:

  • Avoid bending or applying pressure to the clay, as it can crack if forced.
  • Keep away from water where possible — wipe dry immediately if wet.
  • Do not leave in direct sunlight for extended periods, as colours can fade.
  • Store flat in a jewellery box or pouch to protect the shape.

Permanent Welded Jewellery

How to Care for Your Welded Bond

Your permanent jewellery is designed to be worn 24/7 — that's the whole point! For specific aftercare advice for your welded bracelet, necklace, or anklet, see our Welded Bonds Permanent Jewellery page.

General Jewellery Care Tips

  • Put your jewellery on after applying perfume, hairspray, and lotions.
  • Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising where possible.
  • Store pieces individually to prevent tangling and scratching.
  • Clean regularly with the appropriate method for each material.