Care guide

Care guide

Our pieces are made to be worn. Designed to layer, built for everyday, and made to last with a little care. A few small habits will keep them looking their best for years.

What our jewellery is made of

Our range uses three materials, all chosen for their durability and finish:

  • Gold-plated stainless steel — our most hard-wearing finish. Doesn't tarnish, doesn't turn skin green, and stands up well to water and everyday wear.
  • Gold-plated eco-brass — a beautiful warm gold tone, with a slightly softer finish than stainless steel. Best kept dry and away from chemicals to preserve the plating.
  • Sterling silver — solid 925 silver, often with a gold-plated finish. May develop a natural patina over time, which polishes off easily.

The material for each piece is listed on the product page. Some of our pieces also use freshwater pearls (also noted on the product page), which need slightly different care (see below).

Everyday wear

You can wear Lara Kove daily. The habits below will keep your pieces looking new for as long as possible, regardless of which finish you have.

Jewellery last

Put on perfume, moisturiser, sunscreen, and hairspray first. Let everything dry, then add your jewellery. The chemicals in cosmetics and fragrances are the main cause of dulling on plated pieces.

When to take them off

For longest life, take pieces off before:

  • Swimming pools and hot tubs — chlorine is the single worst thing for plated jewellery, especially eco-brass
  • The sea — salt water accelerates wear on plating
  • Showering and bathing — soap residue dulls the finish over time, particularly on eco-brass pieces
  • Long gym sessions — prolonged sweat can accelerate wear
  • Sleeping — friction against the pillow can scratch the finish
  • Cleaning — bleach, dish soap, and household chemicals should be kept away

Stainless steel pieces are the most forgiving and can handle occasional water exposure. Eco-brass pieces last longest when kept dry.

Cleaning

Wipe your pieces with a soft dry cloth after wearing. That's usually all they need.

If something needs a deeper clean:

  1. Use a soft dry cloth, or a barely-damp soft cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap if needed.
  2. Rub gently to remove residue.
  3. Dry thoroughly with a clean soft cloth before storing.

Don't use jewellery polish, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive cloths on plated jewellery. They strip the plating.

Storage

Keep your pieces in the pouch they came in, or a soft-lined jewellery box with separate compartments. Stored together, pieces scratch each other and chains tangle.

If you live somewhere humid, a silica gel sachet (the kind that comes in shoe boxes) thrown into your jewellery box helps keep moisture out and is particularly helpful for eco-brass pieces.

Pearls

Freshwater pearls are more delicate than our metal pieces:

  • Always put pearls on last, after perfume and cosmetics
  • Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth after wearing
  • Never soak pearls in water or cleaning solution
  • Store flat, separately from metal pieces, to avoid scratches

With care, pearl pieces develop a softer patina over time. That's part of their character.

In every order

Every Lara Kove order includes a printed care card with the essentials. Keep it in your jewellery box as a reminder, or refer back to this page any time.

Questions

If something isn't looking right, or you're not sure how to care for a specific piece, email us at hello@larakove.com and we'll help.