How to clean gold plated jewelry?

To keep your gold-plated jewelry shining, simply wipe it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth after each wear – no soap, no chemicals, no drama. This removes any product or salt build-up and keeps the gold layer looking shiny. If your piece is made with a brass base, avoid water completely – once it’s exposed to moisture, the tarnishing process begins and can’t be reversed. Treat it gently, store it dry, and your gold will stay golden.

Is stainless steel jewelry waterproof?

Totally. Stainless steel is the low-maintenance queen of the jewelry world — it doesn’t tarnish, rust, or lose its shine when it meets water. So yes, you can shower, swim, and even sweat in it. Think of it as the wear-all-day-and-never-worry kind of piece that you don’t ever need to take off.

Does brass jewelry tarnish?

Yes — brass jewelry does tarnish over time, even if it is plated with 18K gold. Brass reacts with air, moisture, and even the natural oils on your skin, which causes it to darken or lose shine. The best way to keep it bright is to avoid contact with water, perfume, or lotions, and always store it in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Once brass starts to tarnish, the process cannot be reversed — so prevention is key. If you want your jewelry to last for years without worrying about it tarnishing or losing its bright gold color, go for 18K gold plated jewelry with a stainless steel base — that is waterproof and made to last.

How to tell if pearls are real?

Real pearls aren’t perfectly smooth — they have tiny surface textures and a soft, natural glow. You can also try the “tooth test”: gently rub a pearl against your tooth — a real one feels slightly gritty, while imitation pearls feel glassy or plastic. At Cult of Sun, we never use fakes or imitations — every piece features real cultured pearls only.

What is a cultured pearl?

A cultured pearl is a real pearl — just one that’s grown with a little help from humans. Instead of forming by chance, it starts when a tiny bead or tissue is placed inside an oyster or mussel, which then naturally builds layers of nacre around it. The result? The same lustre, glow, and beauty as wild pearls — just sustainably made. All pearls at Cult of Sun are real cultured pearls, never imitation.