Materials we use & how to care for them
At Where Watermelons Grow, we thoughtfully choose materials that are made to move with you—whether worn daily or as permanent jewelry. Below is a guide to the metals we use, along with the best ways to care for them so your pieces stay beautiful over time.
✨ Solid Gold
Solid gold is gold through and through, making it one of the most durable and long-lasting options available. Because it’s real gold all the way through, it’s highly durable and can be polished or refinished for decades, making it an heirloom-worthy option that often retains its beauty and value over time. Solid gold is also gentle on skin and ideal for those with sensitivities. It’s water-friendly, hypoallergenic, and ideal for both everyday and permanent jewelry.
Care Tips (Everyday & Permanent Jewelry):
• Showering is encouraged—use gentle soaps
• Completely dry your jewelry after showering
• Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, or oils directly onto the metal
• Gently polish with a soft cloth as needed
✨ 14k Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is a high-quality alternative to solid gold that still carries a substantial layer of 14k gold mechanically bonded to jewelers brass. This means you get a durable gold surface that wears beautifully over time without the high cost of solid gold. Gold-filled pieces resist tarnish and are generally comfortable for most people with sensitive skin because the outer layer is genuine gold. It’s a favorite for everyday wear and permanent jewelry alike, providing the look and feel of gold at a more accessible price point.
Care Tips (Everyday & Permanent Jewelry):
• Shower regularly using mild, gentle soap
• Dry thoroughly after showering
• Avoid direct contact with lotions, perfumes, and harsh chemicals
• Store in an airtight bag when not worn
✨ Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a timeless, classic metal made of 92.5% pure silver, known for its soft, luminous glow and versatility. It’s nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Over time, sterling silver may naturally develop a soft patina or tarnish due to oxidation—especially in humid environments or when not worn and left outside of an airtight bag. This is surface-level and easily refreshed with a gentle polishing cloth, helping your piece maintain its beautiful shine.
Care Tips (Everyday & Permanent Jewelry):
• Shower with gentle soap to help prevent buildup
• Dry completely after showering
• Avoid lotions, perfumes, and oils directly on the metal
• Use a soft polishing cloth to restore shine as needed
🤍 Permanent Jewelry Care: Best Practices
Permanent jewelry is designed to stay with you, but a little care goes a long way.
• Shower regularly with gentle soap
• Always dry your jewelry completely after showering
• Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, oils, or sunscreens directly onto the metal
• For ocean dips or workouts, rinse with fresh water and dry afterward when possible
These simple habits help prevent buildup and keep your jewelry looking its best.
🌿 Why Material Choice Matters
The materials we use are chosen for longevity, comfort, and real life. Whether worn daily or permanently, solid gold, gold-filled, and sterling silver allow us to create jewelry that’s meant to be lived in—not taken off and forgotten.
✨ Stretch / Elastic Jewelry
Our stretch jewelry is designed for ease and versatility—seamless, clasp-free pieces that slip on effortlessly and move with you. These styles are perfect for everyday wear, but a little care helps preserve their shape and longevity.
Care Tips:
• Remove before swimming or showering to preserve elasticity
• Avoid over-stretching when putting on or removing
• Roll gently onto the wrist rather than pulling
With mindful wear, your stretch pieces will stay comfortable and beautiful over time.
✨ Leather
Our leather elements are soft, natural, and designed to age beautifully with wear. Over time, leather will develop a lived-in feel that adds character to each piece.
Care Tips:
• Remove before swimming or showering to protect the leather
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water or moisture
• Store in a dry place when not worn
Leather will naturally soften with wear—this is part of its charm.