Product Care

All Tobe's pieces are handmade and may require different levels of care depending on the materials and finishes used.

We want you to enjoy your pieces for as long as possible, so please take a moment to follow the care instructions specific to your item.


Porcelain Jewelry

Our porcelain jewelry is handcrafted and often finished with delicate glazes or luster applications.

- Handle with clean, dry hands and store in the original soft pouch or box to prevent scratches and dust.

- Keep separate from other jewelry to avoid crushing or chipping.

- Avoid dropping, crushing, or hitting against hard surfaces.

- For pieces with luster finishes: keep away from water, perfumes, and harsh chemicals, as these can cause damage.

- Gently wipe metal components with a dry cloth to maintain their shine.


Ceramics

Includes decorative and functional pottery items.

- Avoid extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, which may cause cracking.

- Protect from hard knocks and handle with care.

- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools.

- Although generally microwave and dishwasher safe, handwashing with mild soap is recommended to preserve their appearance and functionality.


Metal Jewelry

Includes solid silver, gold-plated brass, gold-plated silver and solid gold.

Gold-Plated Jewelry — Important Care Information

Gold plating is a thin layer of gold applied to brass or silver. The gold itself does not tarnish, but the plating is a delicate finish that naturally wears with use.

Its lifespan depends on frequency of wear, friction, moisture, sweat, exposure to cosmetics and chemicals, and individual skin chemistry. With proper use and care, we generally recommend re-plating regularly worn pieces approximately once every 18 months. Jewelry exposed to more sweat, moisture or friction — such as rings and especially toe rings — may require re-plating sooner.

To preserve the plating:

  • Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, bathing, exercising, or sleeping.
  • Occasional water contact is fine, but avoid prolonged exposure and always dry both your skin and the jewelry thoroughly afterwards.
  • Do not apply lotions, creams, sunscreen, perfume, deodorant or other cosmetics directly onto the jewelry. Apply them first and allow them to dry before wearing your piece.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with soaps, detergents and other chemicals.
  • Minimise friction against skin, clothing, shoes, other jewelry and hard surfaces.
  • Store separately in the original pouch or box, away from humidity.
  • Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, abrasive products or silver polishing cloths on gold-plated jewelry, as these can remove the gold layer.

If the plating wears off:
Re-plating is the best way to restore the original finish. Tobe offers re-plating from approximately €15, depending on the piece. You can also have the piece re-plated by a trusted local jeweller.

If you continue wearing a brass piece after the plating has worn, avoid wearing it on wet or sweaty skin and dry the area regularly. Brass can react with moisture and sweat and may temporarily leave a darker or greenish mark on the skin. This is an aesthetic reaction and is not harmful.

Solid Silver

Silver naturally oxidises over time when exposed to air, humidity, moisture, sweat and chemicals. This is normal and can be easily restored with gentle cleaning.

  • Store separately in a pouch or box, away from humidity.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with water, soaps, lotions, perfumes and chemicals.
  • Dry completely after contact with water.
  • Remove before showering, swimming, exercising or using cleaning products when possible.
  • Gently polish with a soft silver polishing cloth to restore shine.

For a simple at-home clean:
Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water to make a soft paste. Gently apply with a very soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely with a soft cloth.

This method is for solid silver only. Never use baking soda, toothpaste or abrasive products on gold-plated jewelry.

Solid Gold

Solid gold does not tarnish or lose its gold colour like plated jewelry. However, gold is a relatively soft and ductile metal, so it can scratch, bend, or gradually change shape with everyday wear.

  • Avoid strong impacts and contact with hard surfaces such as rocks, stones, or other metals, which can scratch or deform the piece.
  • Rings may naturally lose a little of their original shape over time and adapt to the pressure and movement of the finger. This is a normal characteristic of a soft, ductile metal and is not necessarily a defect.
  • Store separately when not worn to help prevent scratches.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and unnecessary exposure to chlorine or cleaning products.
  • Gently clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth when needed.
  • For a deeper clean, polishing, or to restore the original shape, we recommend having the piece professionally serviced by a jeweller.

Please note:

Changes in appearance resulting from normal wear, improper use, lack of care, or exposure to water, sweat, cosmetics, chemicals or other substances are not considered manufacturing defects.

If your piece needs some care or restoration over time, we are always happy to help.  Thank you for taking care of your Tobe piece and giving it a long life. ♡