Care of Pieces
Couvillion jewelry is crafted to last a lifetime.
The passage of time is a common thread in the concept of my work, but it carries through to the aging of the pieces and the richness of the patina.
I believe everything I make should look better with age and wear. The natural oxidation process will add depth and character to the piece, as the patina of time is an anticipated and desired effect in the design. I celebrate the unique interaction between the wearer and the piece resulting in surface changes.
Cross section of 14k goldfilled metal.
Personal body chemistry and wear determine how rich and distinct a piece will become as it becomes your own. Wear will subtly reveal shifts in the metal’s surface, further connecting the piece to the wearer. The texture of the etching is as much a protective and decorative part of the patina and it accentuates design imagery. However, exposure to the elements will accelerate the process and exposure to chemicals (such as in cosmetics, sunscreen, pools, cleaning agents, etc.) will drastically change the patina. Gold-fill and rose-gold-fill are water-resistant.
It’s always best to remove your jewelry before showering, washing your hands, applying lotions or perfumes, etc. The rule of thumb is—first thing off, last thing on. The ingredients in the above commonly react with metal to cause skin discoloration or irritation, so it’s best to avoid it when possible. Keeping your jewelry clean from lotion or dirt buildup also helps reduce skin discoloration. Warm water, soap, and a soft toothbrush is great for all jewelry, especially if you have some dirt buildup.
As intended, the hand-painted blue patina will lighten, as well, and represent the changes in the environment’s ever-changing waterscapes.
Jewelry cleaners and polishing compounds are not advised for the etched, patinated portions of the pieces, as they will remove the patina around the etching. I personally like the yellow and/or blue Sunshine jewelry cleaning cloths.
I suggest wiping the pieces with a soft cotton cloth after each wear. A stiff jeweler-grade polishing paper can be used lightly on the top of the etching, if needed, being careful not to polish into the etching.
Contact me for polishing paper.
Materials
14k Gold-Filled and Rose Gold-filled:
14k gold-filled is a process in which a layer of 14-karat gold is mechanically bonded to a brass core. This results in a material with a substantially thicker gold layer than traditional plating, where only a thin surface coating is applied.
The brass core provides strength, while the outer layer of gold allows the piece to hold up to regular wear and develop a natural surface over time.
With proper care, gold-filled jewelry can be worn for many years. While more resistant to wear than plated metals, prolonged exposure to water and chemicals (such as pools, saltwater, and cosmetics) will gradually affect the surface.
It can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Abrasive cleaners are not recommended.
Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver balances strength and malleability, making it well-suited for everyday wear. Over time, it naturally oxidizes when exposed to air, moisture, and certain compounds such as sulfur.
This darkening is part of the metal’s character and can be reduced or removed with gentle cleaning.
Regular wear often helps slow the buildup of tarnish. When not worn, storing in a dry environment can help preserve its surface.
Copper & Brass:
Copper is a living metal that responds visibly to its environment. Its surface gradually shifts from a warm, rosy tone to deeper browns and, in some conditions, to a green verdigris patina. This evolution is an intentional part of its character.
Brass behaves similarly, developing a patina that deepens and softens its tone over time. Its composition offers a balance of durability and warmth, with a slightly more muted shift in color than copper.
Both metals reflect their interaction with the wearer and environment, creating subtle variations unique to each piece.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out at info@bcouvillion.com. I’d love to hear from you!