At Megan Goldner Designs, every piece is handcrafted with care and intention. Because each item is made by hand, slight variations in colour, finish, and texture may occur. These natural differences are part of what makes your keepsake unique and personal.
With proper care and maintenance, your jewellery and keepsakes can last a lifetime. We truly hope your final piece will be cherished for many years to come.
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air. Over time, this reaction can cause certain metals, especially sterling silver, to darken or lose some of their original shine. This is commonly referred to as tarnishing.
Oxidation does not mean your jewellery is faulty, damaged, or poor quality. It is a normal characteristic of precious metals.
Why does oxidation happen?
Oxidation can happen for a number of everyday reasons, including, but not limited to:
Exposure to air and humidity
Natural oils, sweat, and skin pH
Perfumes, lotions, soaps, and cleaning products
Environmental factors such as coastal air or higher moisture levels
Jewellery being stored for long periods without wear
Interestingly, jewellery that is worn regularly often tarnishes less, as gentle movement and contact help prevent build-up on the surface.
Is oxidation permanent?
No. Oxidation is surface-level only and can usually be removed easily with gentle cleaning and polishing. Once cleaned, the metal’s original shine is restored.
Regular care and light maintenance will help keep your jewellery looking its best and significantly extend the life of your piece.
A note on different metals
Sterling silver is more prone to oxidation than gold, which is why silver jewellery may require more frequent cleaning. Gold and gold alloys can still dull over time but are generally less affected.
Oxidation is a natural property of real metals and is often seen as a sign of authenticity.
In short
Oxidation is:
Natural
Normal
Expected with precious metals
Easy to manage with routine care
With proper care, your MGD jewellery will continue to be worn and enjoyed for many years.
Skin discolouration
In some cases, sterling silver may leave a temporary green, grey, or black mark on the skin. This is a natural reaction between the metal and individual body chemistry, moisture, or products on the skin. This is normal and does not indicate a fault in the metal or quality of the jewellery.
How to Clean Tarnished or Oxidised Metal
To clean flat metal surfaces or jewellery with fine detail such as stampings or engravings, gently buff the piece using a jewellery polishing cloth, a microfibre cloth, or your MGD Magic Polishing Pads.
You may be surprised how quickly a light buff restores shine. A product such as Brasso may also be used gently on metal only.
For a deeper clean in hard to reach areas, you can create a mild cleaning paste using lemon juice, baking powder, and water. Apply a small amount and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. This helps remove residue from small crevices.
Use this mixture on metal only. Avoid contact with resin or stones.
It is a good habit to regularly inspect and clean your jewellery. Routine care will greatly extend the life of your MGD piece.
Resin Composite Jewellery
Every resin item is crafted with care and is precious and sentimental. In most cases, these pieces contain irreplaceable inclusions. Because resin is technically classified as a plastic, it is slightly porous and therefore susceptible to absorbing chemicals.
For this reason, resin jewellery requires extra care to prevent discolouration, softening, or surface damage.
Cleaning Resin Jewellery
Using the correct tools and products is essential to prevent damage and maintain the appearance of your resin jewellery.
You will need:
A soft, lint free cloth
A soft bristle toothbrush
Mild dishwashing liquid
Lukewarm water (never hot)
A small bowl or container
A drying cloth or drying rack
Step by step cleaning process:
Prepare a clean, well lit workspace.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water in a bowl. Do not use hot water.
Dip your soft cloth into the solution and wring out excess water.
Gently wipe the jewellery to remove fingerprints and surface dirt.
For stubborn areas, lightly brush using a soft toothbrush.
Rinse gently under a light stream of lukewarm water. Do not soak or submerge your jewellery.
Pat dry with a lint free cloth and allow to air dry fully before wearing or storing.
If required, gently buff with a soft polishing cloth once fully dry.
Regular gentle cleaning will keep your resin jewellery looking beautiful for years.
Resin Composite Jewellery - What to avoid
Most hand sanitisers contain alcohol. Alcohol is harsh on resin and can cause surface dullness, softening, or discolouration. Avoid contact between resin jewellery and sanitiser at all times.
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos, soaps, cleaning products, acetone (nail polish remover), and alcohol based products can damage resin. Always apply these products before putting on your jewellery.
While our resin is UV resistant, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat may cause yellowing over time. Avoid storing your jewellery in direct sunlight. Also remove resin jewellery when using UV nail lamps.
Avoid wearing resin jewellery in hot showers, baths, saunas, or steam rooms. Heat may soften or distort the resin.
Resin can scratch. Avoid contact with sharp surfaces, rough fabrics, or abrasive materials.
If your piece is in regular contact with smoke it heightens the risk of yellowing the resin. However, some of our smoking resin jewellery clients have worn their pieces for years without discolouration.
Damaged resin
Damaged resin jewellery may require:
Re-polishing
Re-surfacing
Or in severe cases, a full remake
Repairs carry a financial cost and return shipping will be quoted separately after assessment.
Wearing Your Jewellery
Jewellery is worn daily by millions of people, yet very few truly consider how everyday activities affect their pieces. With a little awareness and care, you can significantly extend the life of your jewellery.
Basic wearing guidelines:
Remove jewellery before sleeping
Avoid wearing during exercise
Remove before swimming, bathing, or cleaning
Store separately to prevent scratching
