Materials & Jewelry Care
PEARLS
Sensitive Skin Friendly / Shine / Durable / Longlasting /Need More Care
Lake Biwa freshwater pearls are born unique and should be protected from impacts and stored in a safe place where they do not knock into each other to prevent damage. They have inherent variations in color and shape, which are part of their unique beauty and character.
To preserve the luster of pearls, it is important to avoid contact with cosmetics, sunblock, perfume, hairspray, body oils, and perspiration, making sure to put your pearls on at least 30 minutes after applying any personal care products. Remove pearls before swimming, bath, and bedtime. To maintain the pristine condition of your pearls, remember to gently wipe them with a damp, soft cloth after each use to prevent harmful build-up that could damage the nacre, store them separately from hard metal to avoid scratches, and keep them in a soft cloth pouch or soft-lined jewelry box. Avoid storing pearls in air-free environments like zip lock bags, which may cause them to become brittle and compromise their luster due to their organic nature and trace water content.
OJIME BEAD
Sensitive Skin Friendly / Shine / Durable / Longlasting
BIWAKO signature Ojime beads are made with high quality basswood with natural cinnabar lacquered on the surface.
Ojime is made to last and it can stay stunning under careful maintenance. Avoid harsh chemicals and hard metal contact. Prevent the beads from direct contact with water, as prolonged exposure may cause the lacquer to degrade or peel.
18K SOLID GOLD
Sensitive Skin Friendly / Shine / Durable / Longlasting /Fadeless
18K solid gold is a kind of high-quality material that's made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals (which is yellower and softer than 14K solid gold). By using 18K solid gold, we ensure that all pieces are crafted with premium materials, providing longevity and timeless elegance.
The solid gold never tarnishes and is safe from moisture. However, most of our solid gold pieces come along with lovely pearls. So, we recommend taking care of them as caring pearls.
24K GOLD VERMEIL
Sensitive Skin Friendly / Shine / Durable / Longlasting /Affordable
24K gold vermeil is a combination of sterling silver and a thick layer of 24K gold. BIWAKO’s Vermeil jewelry is made by coating a layer of 24k solid gold over sterling silver. It is a more affordable option to get the same stunning pieces at a lovely price. However, vermeil jewelry can naturally tarnish over time due to factors such as air pollution, moisture, and exposure to sulfur-containing items.
To maintain the shine of your vermeil jewelry, it's important to store it in a dry and safe place. Regular cleaning is also crucial to prevent tarnish from setting in. Simply wipe your jewelry gently with a soft and damp cloth. If you need to remove tarnish, use a polishing cloth to buff the jewelry gently. Most of our vermeil pieces come along with lovely pearls. So, we recommend taking care of them as caring pearls.
STERLING SILVER/BLACK SILVER
Sensitive Skin Friendly / Shine / Durable / Longlasting / Affordable / Need More Care
Sterling silver/ black silver is known as 925 Silver. It's made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. A piece of blackened or oxidized silver is true sterling silver, but its surface has been intentionally darkened through by introducing it to a chemical process.
To take care of it, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to moisture. Sterling silver jewelry can naturally tarnish/oxidize over time when exposed to air and moisture. To prevent tarnishing, store your jewelry in a dry place and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals. Regularly clean your sterling silver jewelry by gently wiping it with a soft cloth. You can also use a silver polishing cloth or silver cleaning solution to remove stubborn tarnish. With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry can maintain its shine and beauty for many years. Most of our sterling silver pieces come along with lovely pearls. So, we recommend taking care of them as caring pearls.