All Gold Rush, No Bone Crush
At Starlight & Sage Co., we create jewelry that’s meant to stick around — kind of like that one tour sweatshirt you can't stop wearing (pssst... here's your reminder to throw it in the wash this week). Each product page lists the type of metal used, so refer back to that if you're not sure how your sparkly piece identifies.
Keeping your jewelry as shiny as the first time you wore it requires a little TLC. Here’s your ultimate guide to jewelry care, Starlight & Sage style.
Solid Gold: The ATWTMV of Metals
The universally iconic queen.
Solid gold is the top tier—the real deal. It’s an alloy of gold mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc for added durability.
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Why It’s Great: Hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and timeless.
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Why It’s Pricey: You’re paying for an FTC-regulated quality metal that should last lifetimes.
Care Tips:
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Give your gold a little spa day by soaking it in warm, soapy water, then gently cleaning with a soft toothbrush. Rinse, pat dry, then stand back and watch it shine.
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Best Practices: Keep it away from chlorine and store it in a soft pouch to avoid scratches.
Gold Filled: Solid Gold's Twin Flame
For when you want the vibe without the splurge.
Gold-filled jewelry isn’t actually “filled” with gold — it’s bonded. A thick layer of gold is fused to a brass core, creating a durable and tarnish-resistant piece that should last decades.
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Why It’s Great: Hypoallergenic and the closest you’ll get to solid gold without breaking the bank. It’s FTC-regulated and legally must be at least 5% gold.
Care Tips:
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Clean it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. No abrasive sponges, please — scrubbing can wear down the gold layer. Gold-filled jewelry is generally water and tarnish resistant, but we advise minimizing contact with moisture to keep its shine.
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Best Practices: Store it in a cool, dry place and avoid water, lotions, and perfumes to keep it looking golden forevermore.
Gold Plated: The Charming Starlet
Living for the spotlight, but needs a little extra care.
Gold-plated jewelry is all about layers of real gold applied to a base material. It can be a hit or miss depending on the quality, so brand transparency is imperative. At Starlight & Sage, we keep it luxe with precious metal cores and the thickest 18k gold plating.
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Gold Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may"): Depending on the quality of the core metal, this is usually the VIP of plating with 2.5 microns of gold layered over sterling silver. Fancy, huh?
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Gold PVD: A high-tech process that deposits gold on stainless steel for longer-lasting, thicker plating. Luxury brands like Rolex use it — so you know it’s good. Tarnish-resistant, water-resistant, and affordable. Does it get better than this?
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Heavy Gold Plated: Twice as thick as standard plating over 925 sterling silver, for that affordable bejeweled feeling.
- Pro Tip: Be very careful of where you purchase gold-plated jewelry, as it's only as good as the core metal used. Starlight & Sage Co. only uses the highest quality core metal - 316L surgical-grade stainless steel (see the section below for more details).
Care Tips:
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Avoid harsh chemicals, and after each wear, wipe your treasures down with a soft cloth to remove oils and dirt.
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Best Practices: As much as we love what humidity does to Taylor's hair, keep your gold-plated jewelry away from prolonged moisture. When not wearing, keep it in a soft pouch to minimize tarnishing and scratching.
Stainless Steel: The Loyal BFF
Always there for you, even in the pool.
Is Dr. Meredith Grey in the house? 316L surgical-grade stainless steel is durable, hypoallergenic, and won’t tarnish. Wear it to the gym, the beach, or anywhere life takes you. Bonus: It’s a wallet-friendly alternative to sterling silver.
Care Tips:
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Rinse it with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. For tricky spots, use a soft toothbrush because even stainless steel appreciates a little finesse.
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Best Practices: Store separately to avoid scratches, and let it live its best life — it’s practically invincible.
Argentium Silver: Sterling’s Glow-Up
For when you want sterling, but better.
This bright white silver is mixed with germanium for extra tarnish resistance, antibacterial properties, and a little extra sparkle. Plus, it’s sourced from recycled materials, which is always a win.
Care Tips:
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Polish it regularly with a silver buffing cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution and make sure it’s completely dry afterward.
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Best Practices: Store it in anti-tarnish pouches, and wear it often—your skin’s natural oils actually help keep it shining bright!
General Jewelry Care Tips
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Wipe Regularly: Use a soft, lint-free polishing cloth to remove dust and oils.
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Avoid Chemicals: Keep hairspray, perfume, and cleaning products far away.
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Store Separately: Always store pieces in a clean, dry place and separately to prevent scratches.
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Combat Tarnish: Tarnishing is normal for sterling silver, gold, and plated jewelry over time. Use a soft polishing cloth to gently buff away tarnish. For tougher cases, reach out to us - we've got your back.
Your jewelry deserves care as thoughtful as the craftsmanship behind it. Following these tips will keep your jewelry glowing for every era to come. Because a timeless sparkle? That’s *ding* gorgeous.