Materials and care

At Feliz Domingo, we believe that with the right care, your jewelry can last a very long time. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that the materials used will not fade or varnish. This way you can keep wearing them for years.

Our collections are made of a creative mix of materials, each carefully chosen for their specific look and feel. All of these materials have their own properties, which we are happy to tell you a bit more about…

18k gold plated

All of our earstuds, closures and other metal/brass elements are finished with a thin layer of 18k gold. This means they look exactly like pure gold (24k), but for a much more affordable price. An 18k gold plating exists of 75% gold, mixed with other metals to increase strength. This makes 18k gold stronger and more durable than pure gold (24K). However, since only a thin layer is applied, it may wear off over time when exposed to liquids or chemicals. This is why it’s important to take proper care of your 18k gold plated jewelry.

18K gold plated brass

Most of our metal elements are made of 18K gold plated brass. Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. It has a warm, golden hue that looks a lot like gold. This makes it an affordable alternative to gold jewelry and especially ideal as a base for 18k gold plated jewelry. This is because even when the gold plating gets thinner after years of wearing the piece, the color will still be golden. Brass is known for its durability and strength, and is hypoallergenic (nickel free). This makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies. However, if you have a specific allergy to brass alloys, this material is not for you.

Care instructions for 18K gold plated jewelry

To make the gold plating on your piece of jewelry last for a long time, it’s important to keep it away from liquids and chemicals, such as water, lotions, perfume and even sweat. Following these guidelines will maintain the shine of the plating and significally slow down the process of wearing off.

• Take off your jewelry before showering or swimming and dry your skin well before you put them back on. Since gold plating is sensitive to water, keeping the piece dry will prevent it from fading and wearing off.
• Keep your gold plated jewelry away from chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, creams and lotions. The best thing is always to apply beforehand and wait until it’s completely dry or absorbed.
• Don’t wear your gold plated jewelry when sweating. Sweat may also damage the plating, which is something you should try to avoid. So are you planning on exersising or sweating a lot on a hot day? Know that this may affect the gold plating over time.
• Always clean gold plated jewelry with a soft cloth, so you won’t scratch the surface while rubbing it.
• When not in use, keep your gold plated pieces in a dry place (hint: not the bathroom!). The best thing would be to store them in a separate jewelry box or pouch to prevent tarnishing and discoloration.

Natural freshwater pearls

The timeless elegance of freshwater pearls makes them a popular component of jewelry in all kinds of styles. They are formed in freshwater mussles, primarily in rivers, lakes and ponds. The pearls are created when a foreign object enters the mollusk (shell) and triggers the production of nacre. This iridescent substance forms several layers, which slowly results in the pearl shape as we know it. Due to this natural process, freshwater pearls come in many different shapes, sizes and even colors, making each pearl unique.

Care instructions for natural freswater pearls

To ensure that your natural freshwater pearls retain their beauty for generations (which is very much possible!), it’s important to follow these care tips:

• Avoid exposing your pearls to harsh chemicals as perfumes, lotions and hair products, as they can damage the delicate surface of the pearls.
• Remove your pearls before exersising, swimming or showering, to avoid exposing them to excessive sweat, shampoos and/or chemicals present in water.
• Avoid exposing your pearls to excessive heat or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can cause pearls to become dull or lose their luster.
• Store your pearls separately from other jewellery in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent them from getting scratched.

Glass beads

In many of our pieces we use Japanese Miyuki glass beads. These beads are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, broad range of colors and finishes, and precise shapes. To keep your Japanese glass bead jewelry looking its best, avoid exposing it to excessive moisture and store it in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratching.

Cellulose acetate

Cellulose acetate is particularly used in our ear studs and pendants. It is known for its lightweight feel, beautiful patterns and eco-friendly nature. To protect its quality, avoid exposing your cellulose acetate pieces to excessive heat or harsh chemicals. Clean them gently with a soft, damp cloth, and store them separately to prevent scratching.

Enamel pendants

Enamel is a material that is created by fusing powdered glass onto metal surfaces. At Feliz Domingo we are in love with the vibrant colors and expressive ways in which to use enamel in our designs. The material doesn’t need a lot of care to keep looking its best, since it’s highly durable and resistant to scratching and fading. Simply avoid exposing your enamel piece to harsh chemicals is enough to make it last a long time.