There’s nothing quite like the shimmer of your favourite ocean-inspired pendant catching the light. Whether it’s your trusty turtle necklace, a pair of shimmering starfish earrings, or that octopus ring that reminds you of summer dives, a little care goes a long way to keeping your jewelry looking as beautiful as the day you fell in love with it.
Here’s how to keep your Big Blue by Roland St John pieces shining bright: no fuss, no fancy equipment, just a few easy habits that make all the difference.
1. Let Your Jewelry Rest After Its Adventures
Your jewelry loves a good beach day, but it also appreciates a little recovery time. After a day in the sun or sea, give your pieces a quick rinse in fresh water to remove salt, sunscreen, and sand. All of which can dull their sparkle over time. Gently pat dry with a soft cloth before storing them somewhere cool and dry.
Think of it as your jewelry’s version of a post-dive rinse!
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals (Including the Ones in Your Bathroom)
Lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and cleaning products can all leave a residue on your jewelry, especially sterling silver and bronze. To keep the finish looking bright, pop your jewelry on after you’ve finished getting ready, not before.
If you like to clean your pieces regularly, skip the harsh stuff and stick with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush. Simple, gentle, and ocean-friendly.
3. A Quick Polish Does Wonders
Even the best-quality jewelry develops a bit of tarnish over time — it’s completely normal. A quick buff with a jewelry polishing cloth (the kind made for silver or bronze) will restore the shine instantly. If you wear your pieces often, doing this once every few weeks keeps them looking fresh and bright.
Many of our products come with a Blue Sunshine Soft Polishing Cloth, specially designed to safely clean sterling silver, bronze, and pewter pieces. It’s non-abrasive, reusable, and works like magic for bringing back that just-dipped-in-the-ocean gleam.
If you wear your pieces often, give them a quick polish every few weeks to keep them looking fresh. And here’s a handy tip: keep a cloth in your travel bag or dive kit so your ocean treasures stay photo-ready wherever your adventures take you.
4. Store It Like a Pro
When your jewelry’s not out exploring the world with you, store it somewhere safe and dry, ideally in a soft pouch or lined box. Keeping pieces separate stops them from rubbing together, especially if you mix metals.
Avoid leaving jewelry in humid bathrooms or near open windows where moisture can speed up tarnishing.
If you love displaying your pieces, go for a closed jewelry box or case that still lets you enjoy the view.
5. Embrace the Beauty of Time
Part of what makes handcrafted jewelry special is the way it ages. Over time, bronze deepens into a warm, rich tone; pewter develops a soft patina that enhances the details of Roland’s sculpted designs. These subtle changes are a sign of authenticity, each piece taking on a story of its own.
So don’t be afraid to let your jewelry live a little. Each scratch, polish, and adventure adds character, just like every wave shapes the shore.
A Little Love Goes a Long Way
When you buy from Big Blue by Roland St John, you’re choosing jewelry made to last — designed by an ocean artist who knows what it means to live and play near the water. With just a bit of care, your favourite sea creatures will stay bright, beautiful, and ready for every new adventure.