Care instructions

Stones and metals are often a bit more fragile than they look and can be prone to issues like scratches, dents and tarnishing. Always protect your jewellery from sharp blows, scratches, chemicals and extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Avoid swimming or playing sports with your jewellery on, chlorine and salt water can cause damage to all metals and can erode metals over time. Always remove rings (or wear gloves) when you’re cleaning or doing gardening.

We are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on our beautiful planet, so you may have noticed that your gift box is paper-based rather than the traditional plastic. Because paper is naturally porous it can allow jewellery to tarnish more quickly, so, as lovely as our gift boxes are, we don’t recommend storing jewellery loose in them long term.

Instead, keep your piece snug in its pouch (keep your box for storing other little bits and pieces). Also, always make sure to keep your jewellery separate from other pieces or objects that could knock or rub against it.

As soon as you receive your Ceremonial piece, it is important to have it insured. We offer a complimentary service on all Ceremonial pieces which includes a stone check, clean & polish by our jewellers. Your engagement ring is not indestructible and needs to have regular care taken. We recommend you get your ring serviced yearly to ensure the claws are still secure and it is looking its best to last you a lifetime.

Over time, stones may become loose - if you hear rattling, it is urgent to have this checked by our stone setter.

Pop into our Auckland store or contact our Customer Care to arrange for your special piece to be serviced.

Every piece of Meadowlark is made with care from precious metals and natural stones, each with its own unique properties and requirements for care.

Our jewellery is best cleaned with warm water and detergent-free soap. Thoroughly dry your jewellery after exposure to water. Our gentle foam cleaner is an easy and effective way to keep your Meadowlark pieces lively and brilliant.
Shop our foam cleaner.

Tarnishing can occur as a result of the metals in your jewellery interacting with elements like oxygen and sulphur. Jewellery naturally tarnishes over time, and while this is nothing to be alarmed over, you can minimise tarnish with proper storage and regular cleaning.

Gold Plated items are covered under warranty for 3 months from dispatch date. Our gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of 23 carat gold on top of sterling silver. This gold plating will wear off over time with general wear and tear, however exposure to nail polish removers, perfume, hairspray and harsh cleaning products can accelerate this process. We also do not recommend using a polishing cloth or strong jewellery cleaner on these pieces; instead clean them frequently in a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water.

To enjoy your gold plated jewellery for longer it’s best to treat them as “sometimes” pieces rather than everyday ones.

If your jewellery does become in need of replating please contact us for a quote.

It is not uncommon for your earring backs to loosen over time. If the backs or butterflies feel loose when you put your earrings on, please do not continue to wear them as your earring may fall out and become lost. Only wear them when it feels secure.

Read our how to tighten a butterfly on our Journal here.

Loose earring backs are not a quality or manufacturing fault and losing an earring will not result in a replacement unless claimed through insurance. To replace a single earring, contact our Customer Care team.

After each wear, wipe your pearls with a soft cloth. This will help prevent any buildup of oils or other substances that may have come into contact with your jewellery throughout the day.

Clean with a damp cloth only as needed. If your pearls are visibly stained, mix a solution of lukewarm water and a mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth and use it to gently wipe the pearls.

Do not submerge strung pearls in water, as it will weaken the silk thread.

Let strung pieces dry all the way before storing. This helps preserve the silk thread.

Wear your pearls often! Pearls do best in a moist environment so wearing them frequently keeps them from drying out.

Never wear strung items in water.

Our delicate hand made pieces are strung on silk thread, if submerged in water the thread will weaken and stretch.

Wear with love and treat this piece with extra special care.

If repair is needed, it is likely to incur a fee.

If you're in Auckland you are always so welcome to bring your Meadowlark pieces in to be professionally cleaned or repaired. We'd love to see you x