Jewellery Materials Guide
Every Boho & Mala piece belongs to one of three material families. Knowing which is which tells you how to wear it, how to care for it and what our warranty covers. The product page always says which family a piece belongs to.
| Family | What it is | Wear it | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Gold plated or silver plated stainless steel | Swim, shower, sleep, sweat | 12 months on colour and coating |
| Gold plated | Brass with a tarnish-resistant gold plating | Every day; take off before water, perfume and sleep | 7 days on manufacturing faults |
| Sterling silver | 925 sterling silver | Every day; polish with a soft cloth when it dulls | 7 days on manufacturing faults |
Waterproof stainless steel
This is the range you never have to take off. Stainless steel doesn't rust or tarnish, and the gold or silver plating is bonded to it with a hard-wearing PVD coating, so the colour stays put through salt water, chlorine, sunscreen and the gym. It's also gentle on sensitive skin. If you want one pair of hoops, one chain and one bangle to live in, choose from the waterproof collection.
Care: rinse in fresh water after the ocean or the pool and pat dry. That's it.
Gold plated brass
Most of our gemstone earrings, statement rings and cuffs are gold plated brass with a tarnish-resistant finish. Brass takes a beautiful warm gold colour and lets us set genuine stones affordably. The plating is designed to last, but like all plated jewellery it wears with water, chemicals and friction, so these are pieces for daytime, dinners and everything except the shower.
Care: put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and sunscreen. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store in the pouch it came in, away from other pieces so it doesn't scratch.
Sterling silver
Our silver hoops, huggies and studs are 925 sterling silver. Silver naturally develops a soft tarnish over time, especially in humid weather, but it polishes back to bright in seconds with a silver cloth. Some silver pieces are gold plated over sterling silver: they follow the gold plated care rules above.
Care: keep dry, store in the pouch, and polish with a soft cloth when it loses its shine.
Gemstones and freshwater pearls
The stones we use are natural or semi-precious gemstones, and our pearls are genuine freshwater pearls. Because they're natural, each one varies a little in colour, shape and markings, which is why no two pieces are exactly alike. Pearls and softer stones prefer to avoid perfume, chlorine and hard knocks, so they belong in the same care routine as gold plated pieces even when set in waterproof steel.
Which should I choose?
If you'll wear it every day and forget it's there: waterproof. If you love colour and meaning and don't mind taking it off for the shower: gold plated gemstones. If you prefer cool tones and classic shapes: sterling silver. Most of us end up with a mix, and that's the point.
Still unsure? Email info@bohoandmala.com or come and see the difference in person at Westfield Booragoon. Full warranty terms are on our Returns & Warranty page.
