Care Instructions

AERA projects affordable elegant accessories such as jewelry and genuine leather. Whether it’s the timeless luster of a handcrafted necklace or the rugged elegance of a well-worn leather bag, your favorite pieces are designed to tell a story. To ensure they age beautifully and remain a staple of your wardrobe for years to come, a little specialized care goes a long way. From preserving the delicate shine of precious metals to maintaining the rich, supple texture of genuine leather, this guide provides the essential tips and tricks you need to protect your investment and keep your collection looking brand new.

Jewelry Care Instructions

Jewelry is made with care from Sterling Silver, 18k or 14k Gold-plated, Stainless Steel, Cubic Zirconias materials. Jewelry is not just an accessory; it's an investment in beauty and sentimentality. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your jewelry remains radiant and retains its value over time. Whether you have precious heirlooms or trendy fashion pieces, this comprehensive guide will help you keep your jewelry looking its best.

General Care

  • Take off your jewelry while showering or bathing, especially when you're at the beach, in the sea, ocean, lake, or in chlorinated water.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry during physical activities like housekeeping, gardening, or exercise.
  • Always refrain from subjecting your jewelry to household cleaning products, especially those containing bleach and highly reactive solutions.
  • Avoid spraying perfume, hairspray on the gemstones or pearls as it can compromise and jeopardise the integrity of the material
  • Remove jewellery when applying make-up, creams to avoid the residue getting into the texture or gemstone setting. Any residue dulls the shine of your ring
  • Keep away from extreme temperatures and humidity
  • If you notice any gemstones moving, please have that repaired immediately to avoid any further damage or loss of stones

Cleaning

  • Gentle Cleaning: Regularly clean your jewelry to remove dirt, oils, and sweat. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. Do not use tissue paper or paper towels to clean metal as they can cause scratching.
  • Jewelry Polishing Products: We highly recommend jewelry polish products for cleaning. However, for most jewelry types, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then use a soft brush (a toothbrush works well) to clean hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth. Home cleaning products do not replace professional cleaning.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaners: Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for many jewelry types. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and use them sparingly to avoid potential damage.

  • Gemstone-Specific Cleaning:

    • Diamonds: Clean diamonds with a mixture of water and ammonia (or a store-bought diamond cleaner).
    • Pearls: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe pearls. Avoid submerging them in water.
    • Opals: Avoid exposing opals to water or extreme temperatures. Wipe them with a damp cloth.
    • Silver: Silver jewelry can tarnish; use a silver-polishing cloth or silver cleaner to restore shine.

Storing

  • Store Separately: Store each piece of jewelry separately to prevent scratches and tangles. Use jewelry boxes, pouches, or individual compartments within a jewelry organizer.
  • Use Correct Equipment: There are different type of storing equipments for different accessories and aims. Anti-tarnish strips, airtight containers, necklace hooks, earring holders, drawer dividers, bracelet stands are helpful for long term well maintained jewelries.
  • Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Avoid storing jewelry in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause gemstones to fade or become damaged.

Leather Care Instructions

Genuine leather is a living material. When cared for properly, it develops a rich patina and lasts decades. These instructions apply to full-grain and top-grain handmade leather goods.

General Care

  • Conditioning: Apply a natural leather conditioner (beeswax or lanolin-based) every 3–6 months. This keeps the fibres supple and prevents cracking.
  • Patina & aging: Darkening and surface marks are natural and desirable. Full-grain leather grows more beautiful with age, embrace it.
  • Sun & heat: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and heat sources. UV and heat dry out fibres, causing fading and premature cracking.
  • Water exposure: If caught in rain, blot gently, never rub. Let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators or fans.

Cleaning

  • Routine dust: Use a soft, dry cloth or a horsehair brush to remove surface dust and debris before it works into the grain.
  • Light soiling: Dampen a clean lint-free cloth lightly with water. Wipe in gentle circular motions. Never saturate. Let air-dry fully before use.
  • Stains: Act quickly. Blot, don't rub, with a dry cloth. For persistent marks, use a dedicated leather cleaner and test on an inconspicuous area first.
  • After cleaning: Always follow any cleaning with a light application of conditioner to restore moisture lost during the process.
  • Never use: household cleaners, baby wipes, alcohol, acetone, saddle soap (for smooth leathers), or abrasive cloths. These strip natural oils and damage the surface permanently.

Storing

  • Breathable storage only. Always store in a cotton dust bag or pillowcase. Never use plastic bags or airtight containers, leather needs airflow to stay supple.
  • Maintain shape. Stuff bags and larger pieces with acid-free tissue paper to hold their form. Avoid newspaper, the ink transfers.
  • Cool, dry, dark environment. A wardrobe shelf is ideal. Avoid basements, attics, or anywhere prone to humidity fluctuations.
  • Hang straps naturally. Store pieces flat or hanging, never folded under pressure, which creates permanent creases in the grain.
  • Condition before long storage. If storing for a season or longer, apply a thin coat of conditioner beforehand to prevent the leather from drying out.
  • Keep away from other leathers. Different dye lots can transfer onto one another when stored in contact over time.

✨ Embrace Your Shine ✨
 AERA