One of the reasons we make our jewelry from stainless steel is so that it can withstand everyday life. A piece of jewelry that carries your reading memories shouldn't have to be taken off as soon as life happens. But even the most durable material benefits from a little care. Here are our care instructions – and an honest review of what stainless steel actually can withstand.
Why stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy designed to resist what causes other jewelry materials to give up: moisture, sweat, and everyday wear and tear. Unlike sterling silver, it doesn't tarnish over time and doesn't need polishing to retain its color. It's also durable and recyclable – a piece of stainless steel jewelry is meant to last for decades, which suits us: according to our concept Wear While You Read, the jewelry becomes more valuable the longer you wear it. A material that ages beautifully is a prerequisite for the entire idea.
Can I shower, swim, and exercise with the jewelry?
Yes. Our jewelry is made to be used – you can swim, exercise, and sweat with it without it getting damaged. This is a deliberate part of the design: a piece of jewelry that constantly has to be taken off ends up in a drawer, and a piece of jewelry in a drawer doesn't collect any reading memories.
One simple piece of advice: if you've been in the sea or chlorinated water, rinse the jewelry in ordinary tap water afterwards and let it dry. Salt and chlorine are tough on most things, and a quick rinse is cheap insurance.
Cleaning: everything you need is in the kitchen
Stainless steel doesn't need any special products. Here's how to do it:
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Let the jewelry soak for a few minutes.
- Gently rub with your fingers or a soft cloth – a soft toothbrush works well in chain links.
- Rinse in clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Fingerprints and dullness on shiny surfaces usually disappear with just a microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive agents, steel wool, and strong cleaning products – they can scratch the surface.
Perfume, hand cream, and other everyday chemicals
Stainless steel can handle contact with perfume and skincare better than most jewelry materials, but products that leave a film can make the jewelry dull over time. The rule of thumb from the jewelry world applies here too: put the jewelry on last, take it off first. If you spray perfume – let it dry before putting on the chain.
Storage
The biggest risk for a steel piece of jewelry isn't rust – it's scratches from harder neighbors. Store the jewelry so that it doesn't rub against keys, coins, or other jewelry: a dedicated pocket in a toiletry bag, a small pouch, or a box is enough. Hang chains so they don't tangle; a tangled chain that is forcibly untwisted will be damaged in the links.
If something still happens
If a clasp breaks, a chain loses a link, or something else unexpected happens – contact us and we'll find a solution. All purchases also have a 30-day open return policy, and we cover the return shipping: if the size isn't right, we'll exchange it. Our bracelets and necklaces are available in sizes S–M and L, so that the jewelry fits as intended from the start.
The best care is to use the jewelry
It sounds like marketing, but it's true for stainless steel: the material doesn't suffer from being used. It's made for everyday life – for wrists that write, hands that wash dishes, and evenings with a book on the couch. So wear it. Read with it. Let it collect its scratches and its history. A well-worn piece of jewelry always tells a story; an unused one tells nothing.
You can find our entire range of stainless steel here – and you can read why we make jewelry for readers at all in the story of why we started Vivlios.