At Oh Voilà Jewelry, every piece is handmade using traditional filigree techniques. Understanding your materials helps you enjoy your jewelry for years to come, so I want to be as transparent as possible about what you're wearing and how to care for it.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is silver coated with a thick layer of gold. It is a beautiful and accessible alternative to solid gold, but it is important to know that the gold layer will gradually wear over time, especially on high-contact areas like ring bands. This is normal and expected with all vermeil jewelry, regardless of brand or quality.
What accelerates wear:
- Soaps, hand lotions, and body creams
- Perfumes and sprays applied near the piece
- Frequent contact with water
- Storing pieces loosely where they can rub against each other
How to care for your vermeil:
- Put your jewelry on last, after applying lotions and perfume
- Remove rings before washing hands or doing dishes
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or the box it came in
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing
Re-plating service: When your vermeil piece needs refreshing, I offer a re-plating service to restore its original finish. Because gold prices fluctuate, rates are provided upon request. Please reach out to hello@ohvoilajewelry.com to get started.
950 Silver
All Oh Voilà Jewelry pieces are made with .950silver. Silver is a living metal and will naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture. Tarnish is not damage, it is chemistry, and it is completely reversible.
What accelerates tarnish:
- Humidity and moisture
- Perfumes, lotions, and chemicals
- Exposure to chlorine (pools, hot tubs)
- Saltwater
How to care for your silver:
- Store pieces in an airtight bag when not wearing them
- Polish with a soft silver cloth to restore shine
- Remove before swimming, bathing, or exercising
Solid 18k Gold
Solid 18k gold is the most durable option in the Oh Voilà collection and does not tarnish or wear through. It requires minimal maintenance and is an excellent choice for pieces you plan to wear every day for a lifetime. If you are interested in a solid 18k piece, I offer custom work and would love to talk through what is possible for you.
Jewelry Cleaning
I am passionate about helping you keep your pieces looking their best. A jewelry cleaning product suited for handmade silver and gold vermeil pieces is coming soon to the Oh Voilà shop. Stay tuned!
Questions?
Every piece I make leaves my hands with care, and I want you to feel supported long after your purchase. If you have any questions about your jewelry, please reach out at hello@ohvoilajewelry.com. I am always happy to help.