Jewelry Care Guide
Our jewelry is made to last, and with the proper care you can keep your pieces looking great for years. All items purchased on lizziefortunato.com are covered under our 2-year warranty.
24k Gold-Plated Brass
While we’re known for our mixed-medium designs, featuring a myriad of stones and materials, the main component of our costume jewelry is 24k-gold plated brass. Avoid wearing while showering, swimming, or exercising. Exposure to humidity, perfumes, and oils may expedite tarnishing. Gently wipe clean with a soft jewelry cloth and store in a cool, dry place.
Solid 14k Gold
A little TLC can keep your 14k gold looking beautiful. Gently scrub with a toothbrush and a solution of warm water and mild dish soap to remove dirt from your gold pieces. Rinse away any residue and dry with a soft jewelry cloth to maintain a shiny surface. Store in a soft pouch in a cool, dry place.
Freshwater & Mother-of-Pearl
We only use natural pearls in our designs, resulting in beautiful variation between each of our pieces. Allow fragrances and cosmetics to dry completely before wearing your pearl pieces, as their luster may be dulled by exposure to soap, chemicals, or lotions. Gently clean with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residues. Store separately from other jewelry to prevent surface scratches and avoid storing in plastic which will cause pearls to yellow over time.
Turquoise
We use natural, untreated turquoise from a variety of mines. Natural turquoise is very porous so avoid contact with excessive heat, lotions, and cosmetics to prevent discoloration. Gently clean with a soft jewelry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Note: the natural oils of your skin will cause unstabilized turquoise to turn slightly green over time - a sign of lots of good wear!
Untreated Opal
Opals are often called a "living gem." They are soft and porous, and oils from skin, makeup, and perfume can darken or yellow their color. To maintain their luster, store your opals in a soft pouch, preferably in a dark space, and avoid prolonged contact with lotions and perfumes.
If you notice the color of your opals darkening, wash them with unscented soap and water and let them dry naturally. Do not expedite drying by placing in the sun or using a hairdryer, as sudden temperature changes may cause natural opals to crack.
Semiprecious & Precious Stones
Hard, semiprecious stones like amethyst, aquamarine, blue topaz, quartz, and sapphire can be gently cleaned with warm soapy water and a toothbrush and dried with a soft cloth. For soft, porous semiprecious stones such as pearls, opals, emeralds, amber, coral, onyx, and agate, avoid cleaning with water to prevent discoloration. Minimize contact with lotions, oils, or perfumes and avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning for all semi-precious stones, as these methods may cause damage and dull the stones.
Resin
Some of our most classic, editorial pieces are made of resin. Handle with care and be careful not to drop these, as resin is delicate and easy to break.
Flameworked Glass
When putting on or taking off your glass pieces, do so carefully over a soft surface. Glass jewelry is resilient and can handle exposure to water and both hot and cold temperatures, but is susceptible to breakage if dropped. Clean with a damp, soft cloth and dry thoroughly.