MATERIALS & CARE

At Anne Vaughan Designs, we pride ourselves in the quality of gemstones, metals and other natural materials we use. Because we source natural materials, often in person, the gemstones and other natural materials used in our collections can vary at times in color, clarity, shape and size. All metals used in our pieces are lead and nickel free.

Below is a list of the primary materials and metals we use, and proper care instructions.

We use semi-precious and natural stones. While often these stones can vary in shape and size, we cull most unacceptable samples prior to the making process, and do our best to utilize stones that fit the overall size, scale and quality of the finished design.  Our gemstones are natural, and should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the stone.

Our crystals are a high quality manufactured and faceted glass that has been colored specifically for our designs.  Each crystal typically has a transparent front and an opaque back.  Because they are glass, they should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the crystal.

Our Czech glass components are high quality beads and componenets manufactured in the Czech Republic, which has been known for hundreds of years for its quality of glass designs.  Because they are glass, they should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the bead.

General Cleaning and Care Guidelines

• We suggest you keep your jewelry in airtight jewelry boxes or zip-top plastic bags if possible to decrease oxidation of metals.
• Please keep in a cool, dry place. Do not wear your jewelry in water.
• Due to the many different stones in our jewelry, we do not recommend using harsh cleaners on your jewelry or 'dipping' your jewelry in a solution.
• We suggest you use a polishing cloth to polish your sterling silver items. You should not use polishing cloths on the matte brass items as this could cause the plated external layer to eventual wear off.