Cleaning & Care

A Note From Kristen

Laborde jewelry is made from a mix of vintage brass, sterling silver, gold plated pieces, and leather. All metals used are nickel-free. With a little care, these pieces are meant to be worn often and to age beautifully alongside you.

Before You Wear It
Depending on your skin's chemistry, your jewelry may brighten or develop a darker, antique patina over time, that's part of what makes silver and brass pieces feel alive rather than static. To keep your pieces looking their best for longer:

• Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, sleeping, or exercising

• Avoid direct contact with perfume, lotion, and other cosmetics

• If your piece gets wet, wipe it clean with a damp cloth, then immediately dry it with a soft cloth

Brass Care
Brass is a mix of copper and zinc, and it naturally tarnishes with exposure to air and skin oils. Some people love that worn-in look, the tarnish actually acts as a protective layer. If you'd rather keep the shine:

• Polish with a jewelry specific polishing cloth, or a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar. 

• For more tarnish, mix lemon or lime juice with baking soda and a bit of dishsoap into a paste, apply with a soft toothbrush, let sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly

• For heavily tarnished pieces, soak in vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and rinse well. This method is more aggressive and may leave the piece looking a little more raw until its patina builds back up

• To slow tarnishing, wipe your piece with a soft cloth after each wear and store it in an airtight bag

Sterling Silver Care
Sterling silver can tarnish over time with air exposure. A jewelry specific polishing cloth is the easiest way to restore its shine, gently buff in one direction rather than a circular motion for the best result. For pieces with more detail, a silver polishing solution or mild soap and water with a soft toothbrush works well, just rinse thoroughly and dry completely afterward.

Gold Plated Jewelry
Clean gently with mild soap, water, and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth. A jewelry specific polishing cloth also works well for everyday upkeep. Avoid abrasive cleaners or vigorous scrubbing, gold plating is thin, and it's best treated gently.

Leather Care
Leather pieces, like our feather earrings, ask for a gentler touch than metal. A few things to keep in mind:

• Keep leather away from water, and remove it before showering, swimming, or wet weather

• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, leather can dry out and fade over time

• Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth as needed, no soap or cleaning products

• Keep away from perfume and lotion, oils can stain or darken leather unevenly

Storage
When you're not wearing your Laborde pieces, store them in an airtight bag or a lined jewelry box, and keep pieces separated where you can to avoid scratching. This is especially helpful for anything layered with multiple chains or mixed metals. Leather pieces are best stored somewhere dry and out of direct light, rather than in a sealed bag.

If You Have an Allergy or Need a Repair
If you discover you have a sensitivity to a metal, or your piece needs a repair, reach out via our Contact Us Page. We stand behind what we make and want your Laborde pieces to last