Ouvelle pieces are made to be lived in. A little care goes a long way in keeping them beautiful and meaningful over time.

Storage

Your pieces arrive in a one-of-a-kind silk kimono fabric pouch - these are ideal for day-to-day storage. Keeping pieces separated prevents scratching, and the soft fabric protects surfaces. A cool, dry environment is best for all materials over the long term.

Metals

18k Gold: Gold is the most forgiving of the metals - it doesn't tarnish and requires very little upkeep. To clean, soak briefly in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, gently work with a soft toothbrush, and rinse well. Dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners which can weaken the metal over time.

On our matte sandblast finish - the texture will slowly soften with wear, developing its own quiet patina over time. This is by design. Each mark is a trace of the life lived in it. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth to remove oils and dust. Avoid polishing cloths, which will work against the finish. If the texture ever needs refreshing, please come to us first - we can advise on re-sandblasting, and many local jewelers can do the same.

Sterling Silver: Silver develops a patina as it meets air and time. For some, this depth of tone is part of the beauty - a quiet record of wear. For others, the original brightness is preferred. Either way, a soft silver polishing cloth will restore the shine whenever you'd like it. Keep silver away from perfume, lotions, and chlorine, and store in its kimono pouch between wears to slow the process.

Brass: Brass deepens and darkens with wear — a natural shift that gives each piece its own history. We think of it as part of the beauty. If you prefer to keep the original warmth, wipe gently with a soft cloth dampened in warm soapy water and dry immediately and thoroughly, or buff with a metal polishing cloth to restore the shine. Avoid perfume, lotions, and water during wear.

Stones & Pearls

Diamonds: Diamonds are resilient, but they have a natural affinity for oils - which is part of what makes them sparkle, and also what dulls them over time. Clean regularly with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush, paying particular attention to the back of the setting where oils tend to gather. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Check your setttings from time to time to make sure stones feel secure.

Pearls: Pearls are organic, formed through time and friction, and they need a little gentleness in return. Always put them on last and take them off first - perfume, hairspray, and even perspiration can dull their surface over time. After each wear, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. If cleaning is needed, use a barely damp cloth only - never soak or submerge. Store flat, separately from other pieces, and away from anything that could scratch them.

Lapis Lazuli: Lapis is porous and sensitive to chemicals - including perfume and lotion. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not soak or submerge. Store away from other pieces to protect its surface.

Malachite: Malachite is a soft stone that scratches and chips more easily than most. Wipe with a barely damp soft cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, acids, and ultrasonic cleaners. Remove before exercise, swimming, or any activity where it could take a knock. Store individually to prevent contact with harder stones.

Labradorite: Labradorite's iridescent quality comes from its layered internal structure - beautiful, and worth protecting. Clean with a drop of mild soap in lukewarm water on a soft cloth, then rinse gently and pat dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store separately from harder stones.

Opal: Opals are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, prolonged dryness, and chemicals. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, then dry gently. Avoid soaking and never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Remove before showering, swimming, or exercise. Store in a soft pouch rather than an airtight container - opals benefit from a little ambient humidity.

Cords & Surfaces

Silk Thread: All Modern Matriarch stone pieces are strung on silk thread, which gives them their drape and movement. Water weakens silk over time, so remove your piece before showering, swimming, or exercising. Store flat or hanging rather than coiled tightly. Wipe beads gently with a barely damp cloth if needed, keeping moisture away from the thread. Check occasionally for any loosening or fraying. We offer free restringing within one year of purchase, and for a nominal fee thereafter.

Leather Cord: Leather and water don't coexist well - moisture causes stiffening, stretching, and eventually cracking. Remove leather-corded pieces before washing hands, showering, or swimming. Avoid contact with perfume and lotion. Store loosely and away from direct sunlight. Over time, leather softens and develops its own character - a natural part of wearing it.

Enamel: Enamel has a surface that can peel if exposed to prolonged moisture, so keep it dry and remove it before washing hands or showering. It is also prone to chipping if knocked against hard surfaces - treat it with the same care you would a delicate object. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth only.