Phruity primarily (about 95% of the jewelry I make) uses sterling silver and 14k gold filled wires. These are high-quality, waterproof materials that are safe to wear in the shower, swimming, etc., unless the jewelry contains a stone that is not waterproof (like pearls).

Occasionally, a piece will have the option of silver or gold plated wire as a more affordable option, in addition to sterling or filled. The jewelry will be made exactly the same, but there are some differences in these materials, and therefore also price.

Plated Wire:

Plated wires have a very thin layer of gold or silver laid attached to the surface of a base metal using a process called electroplating. Less than .05% of the wire is pure gold, and so it tarnishes more quickly. Phruity occasionally offers plated jewelry as a more affordable option to higher quality alternatives.

✴Note: Even when plated materials are an option, the ear wire that is in constant contact with skin is NOT plated; it will be made of 14k gold filled or Sterling Silver wire, depending on the color of the jewelry. If wire material is not an option, the jewelry is not made with plated materials.✴

14k Gold Fill:

Gold filled wire still has a base metal that is not pure gold, but the gold layer on the outside of the wire is much thicker (up to 100x thicker than plated wire), and is mechanically bonded to the base metal, which is far stronger than electroplating. Filled wire is incredibly tarnish resistant and will last for decades or more. Gold filled wire is the highest quality gold wire, short of pure gold.

Sterling Silver:

Sterling silver wire is 92.5% pure silver, with a small percentage of base metal, compared to the .05% of silver on plated wire. In its purest form, silver is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase its durability. Like filled materials, it is far more tarnish-resistant and waterproof (as long as the other materials and stones are waterproof, too).

TL/DR: Gold filled and sterling silver are a higher quality, more durable and tarnish resistant material that will last for decades. Plated wires are an occasional, more affordable but faster-tarnishing option. Almost all of Phruity jewelry is made with filled or sterling wires. You will never be sent anything with plated wires unless you specifically choose that option.

Spikey Jewelry:

Jewelry with spikes is NOT waterproof, especially if the spikes are around a pearl (pearls are not waterproof either). If exposed to water, the solder that spikes are made of will dull and oxidize. Avoid allowing spikey jewelry to come into contact with water to lengthen the amount of time between polishing required.

All other jewelry:

Yes, unless you've specifically chosen to use plated materials or there are stones incorporated that are not waterproof, such as pearls Water can seep into the pearls' layers, weakening their structure, causing swelling or separation, quickly dulling their natural shine.

Jewelry should be kept in a bag for protection when not being worn, regardless of the material. Sterling and Filled jewelry is waterproof, durable, and will last for a very long time, but will still benefit from occasional polishing.

If you selected jewelry made with plated wire (this will be a specific selection you make), more frequent polishing (monthly or quarterly) and an avoidance of water, sweat, and products will ensure maximum longevity. Most Phruity products are not made with plated wire and can withstand much longer between polishing. Simply rub the jewelry gently with a polishing cloth when it looks dull.

Be careful with jewelry that is bent shapes, such as the booties. These pieces, though tough, are bendable in their final form. If an item does get accidentally bent out of shape, gently bend it back into the correct shape. Avoid using sharp materials to do this, like pliers or scissors. (You may not think this is necessary to say. You'd be surprised.)