Jewelry Materials

The material of a piece of jewelry affects how it looks, how it feels in everyday wear and how it should be cared for. AuraGleam jewelry includes stainless steel, gold-plated stainless steel, silver, plated copper, freshwater pearls, imitation pearls, natural gemstones, crystals and cubic zirconia.

These materials do not react in the same way to water, sweat, cosmetics or friction. This guide helps you compare their properties, water resistance and care requirements. Always check the material and care information on the individual product page before wearing a piece in water.

Jewelry materials at a glance

Stainless steel: durable and practical

Stainless steel is a durable, stable and easy-care jewelry material. It is comparatively resistant to moisture and works well for pieces designed for frequent everyday wear.

Silver-toned stainless steel shows the natural color of the metal, while gold-toned designs have an additional surface coating. A stainless steel base does not automatically mean that every coating, gemstone or decorative element is suitable for regular water contact.

Only wear a piece while showering, exercising or swimming when its product page clearly identifies it as waterproof. After contact with chlorine, salt water, sweat or cosmetics, rinse suitable pieces with fresh water and dry them thoroughly.

18K gold-plated stainless steel and PVD coating

With 18K gold-plated stainless steel, stainless steel forms the stable base while a gold coating creates the warm color of the surface. The durability of this finish depends on the coating method, coating thickness and how the piece is worn and cared for.

PVD is a technical process used to apply a colored surface layer to a base material. It can create a durable finish, but not every gold-plated AuraGleam product necessarily uses PVD. This description applies only when PVD is specifically stated on the individual product page.

Perfume, lotions, cleaning products, chlorine, salt water and continuous friction can gradually affect any plated surface. Follow the product-specific care instructions and store plated pieces separately when they are not being worn.

925, 990 and 999 silver

The numbers 925, 990 and 999 describe the purity of the silver. Sterling silver, or 925 silver, contains 92.5 percent silver and other metals that improve its stability. 990 silver contains 99 percent silver, while 999 silver is almost pure silver.

Silver with a higher purity can be softer. This is one reason why 925 silver is widely used for delicate pieces that still need suitable stability for everyday wear.

Silver may tarnish when it reacts with air, moisture, sweat or chemical substances. This is a natural material reaction and does not automatically indicate poor quality. Remove silver jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping, and store it in a dry place.

Learn more in our guide to the differences between 925, 990 and 999 silver.

Gold-plated and silver-plated copper

Copper can be shaped into intricate, playful and highly detailed designs. Gold or silver plating creates the visible color and initially protects the underlying metal.

Plated copper is generally more sensitive to water, sweat, perfume, lotions and friction than stainless steel. Remove it before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping. Store each piece in a dry place and separately from other jewelry to help protect its surface.

Freshwater pearls: naturally individual

Freshwater pearls form inside mollusks and naturally vary in shape, color, size and surface. These subtle differences make each pearl individual and are not considered defects.

Pearls are sensitive to perfume, hairspray, lotions, sweat, soap and cleaning products. Apply cosmetics before putting on pearl jewelry, and remove it before showering, bathing or swimming.

After wearing freshwater pearls, wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth. Store them away from harder jewelry that could scratch their surface.

Imitation pearls

Imitation pearls are manufactured to create a smooth and consistent pearl-like appearance. Unlike freshwater pearls, they do not form naturally inside a mollusk. They may consist of different core materials with a pearlescent outer coating.

Water, cosmetics and friction can affect this coating. Remove imitation pearl jewelry before showering, swimming or exercising, and wipe it gently after wear.

Natural gemstones and crystals

Natural gemstones and crystals vary in color, pattern, transparency and internal structure. Small inclusions and differences in color are part of their natural character and help make each piece distinctive.

A stone’s reaction to water, heat or cleaning products depends on its mineral type, surface structure and any treatment it may have received. There is therefore no single cleaning method that is suitable for every gemstone.

When in doubt, use only a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, ultrasonic devices and prolonged soaking unless these methods are specifically recommended for the stone.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is a laboratory-created jewelry stone with strong light reflection and a bright, clear sparkle. It is frequently used in earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets.

Whether jewelry containing cubic zirconia is waterproof does not depend on the stone alone. The base material, plating and setting are equally important. A piece should only be treated as waterproof when its product page clearly says so.

Oil, lotions and soap residue can temporarily reduce its sparkle. Clean cubic zirconia carefully with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners or hard brushes.

Which jewelry materials are waterproof?

At AuraGleam, only products specifically identified as waterproof on their product pages should be treated as suitable for regular contact with water. Many waterproof designs use a stainless steel base, but stainless steel alone does not guarantee that every coating, stone or decorative detail is suitable for prolonged water exposure.

• Marked as waterproof: suitable for normal contact with water and sweat; rinse and dry after exposure to chlorine or salt water.
• Limited water resistance: occasional splashes may be acceptable, but prolonged contact with water should be avoided.
• Water contact not recommended: silver, plated copper, freshwater pearls, imitation pearls and sensitive gemstones should generally be removed before showering or swimming.

Explore pieces specifically selected for our waterproof jewelry collection.

Which jewelry material is right for me?

For practical everyday jewelry

Stainless steel is a suitable choice if you want durable and easy-care jewelry. If regular water contact is important to you, choose only products that are explicitly identified as waterproof.

For classic genuine silver jewelry

Silver provides a timeless shine and works well for elegant and delicate designs. It requires regular care and should generally be kept away from prolonged moisture.

For natural and individual details

Freshwater pearls, natural gemstones and crystals offer individual colors, surfaces and patterns. They are suitable if you value natural character and do not mind giving your jewelry more careful treatment.

For intricate decorative designs

Plated copper makes detailed shapes and fine decorative elements possible. It is a good choice when design is your priority and you are prepared to protect the piece from water and cosmetics.

How to care for jewelry by material

• Check the material and care information on the product page first.
• Store different pieces separately whenever possible.
• Remove sensitive materials before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping.
• Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting on your jewelry.
• Dry waterproof jewelry thoroughly after significant water exposure.
• Use a suitable silver polishing cloth for silver jewelry.
• Clean pearls and sensitive gemstones especially gently.
• Avoid toothpaste, abrasive products and unsuitable ultrasonic cleaning.

Shop jewelry by material

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