Caring for your Jewellery

Choosing Your Perfect Keepsake Jewellery

Creating your breastmilk jewellery is a deeply personal experience, and with so many styles, metals and design options available, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right ring style and metal type to finding your perfect size and caring for your finished keepsake.

Every piece at Olivia Laura Jewellery is handcrafted in my Scottish Borders studio using your own precious inclusions, creating a truly one of a kind keepsake.

  • When choosing a ring, it's important to think about how often you'll wear it.

    Everyday Wear

    If you plan on wearing your ring daily, I recommend choosing a simpler design without pavé stones.

    Plain bands (with no accent stones) tend to be the most durable options and are best suited to everyday life. They are less likely to catch, are easier to clean and generally stand up better to daily wear and tear.

    Occasional Wear

    Pavé rings, which feature small stones along the band or surrounding the main setting, create a beautiful sparkle but require a little extra care.

    These delicate stones can occasionally loosen if knocked and are often not suitable for resizing. For this reason, they are generally best suited to occasional wear rather than everyday use.

  • Sterling Silver

    Sterling silver remains the most popular choice due to its beautiful bright finish and affordability and does not contain nickel, making it suitable for most people with sensitive skin.

    Like all sterling silver jewellery, it can naturally tarnish over time, but regular cleaning with a silver polishing cloth and proper storage when it isn’t in use will help keep it looking its best.

    9K Gold

    9K gold offers a timeless look and excellent durability.

    All 9K gold pieces are made to order and independently hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office, giving you complete confidence in the authenticity and quality of your jewellery.

    Stainless Steel

    Stainless steel is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, low maintenance keepsake. It is highly resistant to tarnishing, corrosion and everyday wear, making it ideal for active lifestyles.

    Unlike plated jewellery, stainless steel does not have a coating that can wear away over time. It is also a great option for many people with sensitive skin and offers a more affordable alternative to precious metals whilst still providing a beautiful, long lasting keepsake.

    Why I Don't Offer Plated Jewellery

    I only work with solid precious metals and do not offer plated jewellery.

    Gold plating is a thin layer applied over a base metal and can wear away over time, revealing the metal underneath. As keepsake jewellery is designed to last for many years, I believe solid precious metals offer the best long term value and durability.

  • A hallmark is an independent guarantee of the precious metal content of your jewellery. It confirms that the metal has been tested and meets UK legal standards.

    Under UK law, all gold jewellery weighing over 1 gram must be hallmarked. Sterling silver jewellery must be hallmarked when it weighs over 7.78 grams.

    As a result, all of my 9K gold jewellery is hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office. Many sterling silver keepsake pieces fall below the legal weight threshold and therefore do not legally require hallmarking, although they are still crafted using genuine 925 sterling silver.

    Hallmarking provides peace of mind that your jewellery contains the precious metal stated and has been independently verified by a UK Assay Office.

  • Choosing the correct ring size is incredibly important, as breastmilk jewellery cannot usually be resized once completed.

    A complimentary ring sizer is available with ring orders to help you find the most accurate fit.

    For the most accurate measurement:

    • Measure at room temperature

    • Avoid measuring when your hands are cold or swollen

    • Measure several times throughout the day over the course of a few days

    Half Sizes

    All 9K gold rings are available in half sizes, allowing for a more precise fit.

    Sterling silver rings are only available in whole sizes, so if you find yourself between sizes, I would generally recommend choosing the larger size for comfort.

    If you're unsure about your size, please get in touch before ordering. It's always easier to confirm the correct size beforehand than to alter a finished keepsake.

  • Your keepsake jewellery is designed to be treasured for years to come, but like all fine jewellery, it benefits from proper care.

    Last On, First Off

    To help protect your jewellery, put it on after applying perfume, makeup, hairspray and skincare products. Remove your jewellery before housework, gardening, exercising or any manual tasks where it may be knocked or scratched.

    Water & Hand Sanitiser

    Although the resin used is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. Remove your jewellery before showering, bathing, swimming or using hot tubs.

    Avoid getting hand sanitiser on the inclusion area, as repeated exposure may cause clouding or yellowing over time.

    Heat, UV & Smoke Exposure

    Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, UV lamps and sunbeds, as UV light may affect the appearance of the resin over time.

    Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke can also contribute to yellowing, particularly in lighter coloured stones.

    Scratches & Everyday Wear

    Light surface scratches are a normal part of wearing jewellery. To minimise scratching, avoid bumping or scraping the inclusion area against hard surfaces during daily activities.

    Children & Babies

    Be mindful of little hands pulling on chains, bracelets or rings. Safety chains are recommended where available, helping to protect your keepsake from accidental loss or damage.

    Cleaning

    Use a soft polishing cloth suitable for your metal type.

    When polishing, only polish the metal itself and avoid polishing the resin inclusion area. Sterling silver can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush before drying thoroughly.

    Storage

    Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight. Airtight jewellery boxes or pouches are ideal for slowing tarnish and keeping your piece looking its best.

  • Over time, even well cared for jewellery may benefit from a little maintenance.

    I offer cleaning, polishing, recoating and repair services where possible to help keep your keepsake looking beautiful for years to come. If your piece becomes scratched, dull or damaged, please get in touch and I'll be happy to advise on the most suitable repair option.

    For full details on the services available, please visit the Repairs & Restoration page here.