Storage is key in keeping your jewellery in pristine condition. We recommend storing your jewellery in a dry, clean, and secure location, such as the original box that came with the item. Colliers and chains should be stored in a flat position, and hung or wrought around a soft element to avoid tangling. Our silver jewellery should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and ideally somewhere with low humidity to avoid tarnishing the silver. Also, be aware that different gemstones have different hardnesses and can easily scratch if stored together.

We recommend that you put all jewellery on after applying makeup and perfume, and getting dressed in the morning, and that you take it off before going to bed. Physically demanding activities may cause unnecessary wear and damage to a piece of jewellery – so always make sure you take off your jewellery, especially rings, before engaging in housework, gardening, cooking, or carrying heavy objects. Always avoid contact with hard and rough surfaces such as door knobs, banisters, and heavy tools. Also, remove it before swimming, bathing, or engaging in sports activities. Please do not try to alter the size of open ring designs by squeezing or expanding them, as the precious metal can become fragile and may break. Handle earrings with care and avoid rough handling, which can bend the hook out of shape and destroy the built-in safety mechanism. Also, make sure to listen for a tiny ”click” when putting on earrings to ensure that the hook passes through the eye of the earring properly. If the lock does not make an audible click, bring it to a Maria Nilsdotter store for examination.

Gently clean your jewellery occasionally to remove any oils, dust, or contamination. A soft-bristled brush can be used to softly clean any jewellery with delicate surfaces, such as items with set gemstones or pearls. Be sure to use a brush with very soft bristles to avoid scratching the surface of your jewellery. For most types of jewellery, cleaning with mild soap, a soft toothbrush, and water is enough to clean away dirt and grime. For our sterling silver jewellery, you can also use a traditional silver polishing cloth to gently buff away tarnishing and restore the shine. Please note that silver-dip cleaners should only be used to clean silver jewellery without gems, and pieces must be rinsed and dried thoroughly afterward.

Keep your jewellery away from any type of water and chemical agents to avoid discolouration and tarnishing. Many hygiene products, cosmetics, perfumes, and cooking grease can dull and/or cause damage, and should be avoided. Long-term exposure to natural skin oils can also dull pieces, especially silver, gems, and pearls. If your jewels do come into contact with any chemicals, use a dry soft tissue or towel to gently pat them dry.

Sterling silver, with its undeniable charm and elegance, is a well-loved choice for jewellery making. It is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The reason for this is that pure silver is too malleable for use in jewellery, and the addition of copper not only enhances its durability, but also makes it more resistant to tarnishing. However, as with any precious metal, sterling silver requires proper care to retain its beauty and radiance. Over time, exposure to air, humidity, and chemicals can cause sterling silver to lose its lustre and to tarnish. Therefore, it is essential to store your sterling silver jewellery in a dry and airtight container and to clean it regularly using a soft cloth or specialised silver cleaning cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch and damage the silver.

Oxidation is a process that transforms the surface of precious metal, resulting in a subdued, greyish-black hue for silver. When you wear oxidised silver jewellery often, it becomes shinier in areas that rub against your skin. Grooves or dents will usually remain oxidised while the smooth parts gradually lose their darkened look. It is important to avoid using jewellery detergents on oxidised silver jewellery, as they can strip away the delicate surface treatment. Instead, cleaning should be restricted to tepid water only, to ensure the longevity of the oxidised finish.

Our gold-plated jewellery is created by layering 3-4 thin coats of 18K yellow gold over a base of sterling silver, also known as microns µm. Gold-plated jewellery is an excellent option for those seeking an affordable and high-quality alternative to solid gold. With sterling silver as its base, it is hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. We do suggest extra care for your gold-plated items. A chemical reaction can occur between the sulphur in the air and the thick layer of gold on the plating, which can cause tarnishing. Factors such as humidity, sweat, and pollution can contribute to the acceleration of gold-plating tarnishing. It is furthermore crucial to avoid exposing your gold-plated jewellery to any type of water, as the protective layer of gold plating may start to wear off.

Maria Nilsdotter treasures the beauty and delicacy of genuine, organic-shaped pearls, a product of nature's wonder. Due to their fragility, pearls should be handled with extra care, and any impact with hard surfaces should be avoided to prevent damage. To maintain a pearl's natural shine and appearance, it should not be exposed to oils, lotions, perfumes, detergents, or prolonged sunlight or heat.

All our pearls are threaded with natural silk. The silk thread, being a natural material, can weaken over time, gradually stretching and risking breakage. For jewellery worn frequently, we recommend having it restrung once a year to keep your pearl necklace in top condition; infrequent wear may not require yearly maintenance. Inspect the silk thread for signs of stretching—this indicates it’s time for a restring. Regular upkeep is essential to preserve both the quality and value of your pearl necklace.

Coloured gemstones and pearls are not as durable as diamonds, and are more prone to wear, especially in rings. To avoid fractures, scratches, bruises, or chips in precious stones and pearls, it is important to avoid knocking them against hard surfaces or objects. Additionally, precious stones can lose their shine when exposed to oils, lotions, perfumes, detergents, and other chemicals.

We believe that all jewellery benefits from being cleaned and inspected professionally at least once a year. Dirt, marks, blemishes, or scratches acquired through age or everyday wear can easily be removed to return a treasured piece to its former glory. Please visit one of our stores or our website for more information about our jewellery services for personalisation, maintenance, and repair.