How to Make Your Sparkle Last Forever

There is a specific feeling that comes with unboxing a new piece of jewelry. The gold is rich and glowing. The diamond catches the light and shoots rainbows across the room. It feels perfect.

We believe that jewelry is meant to be worn, lived in, and loved—not hidden away in a velvet box. But like anything precious in life—your favorite silk blouse, your leather handbag, or your glowing skin—fine jewelry requires a little bit of maintenance to keep that "Day One" sparkle.

Understanding Your Materials

To care for your jewelry, you need to understand what it is.

Gold Vermeil is a layer of gold bonded to Sterling Silver. It is durable, but it is not invincible. Over time, natural oils, chemicals, and oxygen can affect the luster.

Lab Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth (a 10 on the Mohs scale), so they won't scratch easily. However, diamonds are lipophilic—which is a fancy way of saying they love grease. They act like magnets for the natural oils on your skin, fingerprints, and lotions, which can create a film that blocks the light and makes the stone look cloudy.

Rule #1: The "Last On, First Off" Ritual

If you remember only one thing from this guide, make it this rule. It is the secret to making Gold Vermeil last for years.

Last On: Put your jewelry on after you have applied your lotion, sprayed your perfume, misted your hairspray, and let your sunscreen dry. The chemicals in beauty products (especially alcohol and oils) are the number one enemy of gold plating. They can eat away at the finish over time.

First Off: At the end of the day, take your jewelry off before you wash your face or start your nighttime skincare routine. Treat this as a ritual of unwinding.

Rule #2: Water Wisdom (Pools, Oceans, and Showers)

We get asked this constantly: "Can I shower in it?"

The honest answer? Occasionally, yes. But consistently? We wouldn't recommend it.

Fresh water won't instantly ruin your OBY pieces, but the soaps and shampoos you use can leave a residue on the diamond and dull the gold. More importantly, Chlorine (in pools and hot tubs) and Salt Water (in the ocean) are harsh abrasives. They can break down the gold layer much faster than normal wear.

Think of your jewelry like your iPhone—it’s water-resistant, but you probably shouldn't take it swimming every day if you want it to last.

Rule #3: The "Spa Day" Cleaning Routine

Is your Lab Diamond looking a little milky? Don't worry—it’s not damaged, it’s just dirty. Here is how to give it a professional-grade clean at home in 5 minutes.

You will be shocked at the difference. The fire will return instantly.

Rule #4: Storage Matters

When you aren't wearing your pieces, where do they live?

Since the base of OBY jewelry is Sterling Silver, it can naturally tarnish if left out in the open air for months (due to oxidation). The best way to store your jewelry is in an airtight environment.

Keep your pieces in the OBY pouch provided, or even a small Ziploc bag if you are traveling. Store them separately to prevent your diamonds (which are incredibly hard) from scratching your gold metal (which is softer).

Fine jewelry is an investment, but it is also a joy. You don't need to be afraid to wear it.

With just a little bit of mindfulness—putting it on last, keeping it dry, and giving it a monthly "spa bath"—your OBY Gold Vermeil and Lab Diamonds will continue to look like a million bucks for a lifetime.