Materials & Care
Whether recycled or sourced from suppliers with high ethical standards, our gold, sterling silver and precious and semi-precious gems are made into pieces you can wear and never take off. Get to know our materials, where they come from, and how to keep your pieces looking their best.
Not made to sit in a jewelry box. Made to be worn, mixed, stacked, and lived in. Knowing what goes into your jewelry is part of knowing how to care for it.
Precious Metals
Gold
Our jewelry is crafted in 10K and 14K recycled gold, alloyed for strength and durability and made to live your life with you. We produce to European standards, with each piece hallmarked for purity as 10K / 417 or 14K / 585.
All gold used by Loren Stewart is recycled and sourced through RJC-certified refiners in the USA and Italy.
Care
Made to be worn often. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse and allow to dry completely. Avoid prolonged contact with chlorine, bleach and harsh chemicals.
Sterling Silver
Our sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy, traditionally copper, which gives it the strength and durability needed for jewelry. Its bright, reflective finish can be polished and renewed throughout its life.
All silver used by Loren Stewart is recycled and sourced through RJC-certified refiners, including Metalor in the USA and Chimet S.p.A. in Italy.
Care
The best thing you can do for sterling silver is wear it often. Sterling silver naturally reacts with elements in the air and can darken over time. This is normal tarnish, not damage, and the original brightness can be restored with gentle polishing.
When not wearing, store your jewelry in the provided Intercept® anti-tarnish bag. Clean with a soft cloth or silver-polishing cloth as needed. Avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals.
14K Gold Plated & Vermeil
Our vermeil (pronounced ver-may) features approximately 2.5 microns of 14K gold plated over sterling silver. Each piece is plated in Italy, offering the warmth of gold with the substantial feel of sterling silver.
As with all plated jewelry, the gold finish will naturally wear over time, particularly in areas exposed to frequent friction, such as rings, bracelets, and edges. Each piece is stamped 925 to identify its sterling silver base.
Care
Vermeil requires more care than solid gold. Remove it before bathing, swimming, exercising or sleeping, and avoid direct contact with perfume, lotions, oils, sunscreen and cosmetics.
After wearing, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store in the provided Intercept® anti-tarnish bag. Avoid silver polish, abrasive cloths, polishing compounds and ultrasonic cleaners, which can wear through the gold layer.
Precious Stones
Gemstones
We believe knowing where our materials come from matters. Our genuine precious and semi-precious gemstones are sourced through a family-owned lapidary in Jaipur, India, and a downtown Los Angeles supplier affiliated with the American Gem Trade Association. We work closely with our suppliers to understand and document gemstone origins and cutting locations to the best of our knowledge, without making assumptions when information cannot be verified.
From emeralds and rubies to sapphires, opals, turquoise, onyx, and topaz, we select stones for their individual color, character, and natural beauty. Variations in color, pattern, and inclusions are inherent to natural gemstones and part of what makes each one unique.
Care
For most gemstones, gently clean with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap, then wipe clean and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged exposure to heat. Remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising. Some gemstones require special care. Check the product page for any additional instructions.
Natural Diamonds
We select natural diamonds for their quality, character, and individual beauty. Recycled or sourced through established, licensed suppliers, we work closely with our partners to understand and document where our diamonds are mined, cut, and polished whenever this information can be verified.
Our sourcing follows the Kimberley Process framework, established to help prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate rough diamond supply chain. We work with our suppliers to maintain appropriate documentation and assurances throughout the sourcing process.
Unless otherwise noted on the product page, our natural diamonds are generally SI1–SI2 clarity and G–H color.
Care
Diamonds are made to shine and durable enough for everyday wear. Gently clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and hard impacts. While diamonds are exceptionally durable, they can still chip, particularly at corners and pointed edges.
Cultured Diamonds
Our cultured, or lab-grown, diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. They have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds—the difference is their origin.
We select our cultured diamonds for their quality, beauty and brilliance. Unless otherwise noted on the product page, our lab-grown diamonds are generally VVS–VS clarity and E–F color.
Natural Stones
Our natural stone objects are sourced globally through trusted partners and selected for their individual color, character, and beauty. Each piece is carefully shaped and polished to highlight the unique qualities of the stone. Natural variations in color, veining, and texture make every object one of a kind.
Care
Gently clean natural stone objects with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged exposure to water or direct sunlight, which may cause discoloration or damage. Handle with care to prevent chips and scratches, and use coasters or protective pads beneath objects to protect delicate surfaces.