The Folie à Trois Care Guide
The pieces you love most are the ones you reach for every day: on your morning coffee run, on long lunches in the sun, on evenings that stretch a little later than planned. A little care goes a long way in keeping them that way. Here's everything you need to know, material by material.
Curious about the materials themselves? Read What is 925 Sterling Silver & Stainless steel?
Stainless steel jewellery
Stainless steel is made for real life. It's naturally resistant to tarnish and water, so you can wear it every day without a second thought. Many of our pieces carry an 18k gold-plated finish; the same gentle care keeps that warm glow intact.
Everyday care. Wipe your piece with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing to remove skin oils and residue. Every now and then, give it a gentle clean with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat it completely dry. Avoid abrasive cloths, brushes or polishes, especially on gold-plated pieces.
What to avoid. Chlorine, perfume and harsh chemicals can dull the surface over time. Put your jewellery on after your perfume and lotion have settled, not before.
By piece. Rings meet the most friction, so take yours off before workouts, gardening or heavy lifting. Necklaces and bracelets are best removed before sleeping to protect the clasp and prevent tangling. Earrings benefit from a quick clean of the post or hoop after extended wear. Brooches deserve a gentle hand: open and close the pin carefully to protect both the brooch and your clothes.
Storage. Keep each piece separate in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box so they don't scratch each other.
Sterling silver 925
Sterling silver has a soft, timeless glow, and it's a living metal. Exposure to air and moisture causes gentle tarnishing over time. That's completely natural and easy to reverse.
Everyday care. After wearing, wipe your piece with a soft polishing cloth to remove oils and restore its shine. For a deeper clean, a silver polishing cloth is all you need. Avoid toothpaste or baking soda, which are too abrasive for fine silver.
What to avoid. Remove silver before showering, swimming or applying lotion and perfume. Chlorine and household chemicals speed up tarnishing.
Storage. Store silver in a soft, closed pouch, away from sunlight and humidity. The bathroom is the one place it shouldn't live. Wearing your silver often actually helps: regular wear slows tarnishing.
Hair clips & hairbands
Most of our clips are made from acetate, a plant-based material loved for its rich colours and polished finish. Our hairbands come in soft cotton and vegan leather.
Hair clips. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep clips away from direct heat such as hairdryers, straighteners and hot car dashboards, since high temperatures can warp acetate. Acetate is sturdy in your hair but can chip if dropped on hard surfaces like tiles or stone. Store clips flat in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, to keep their colours vibrant for longer.
Hairbands. To keep their shape, avoid stretching hairbands and store them flat or on a stand rather than folded. Spot-clean fabric styles with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, and wipe vegan leather with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Never soak or machine wash, and let them air dry away from direct heat.
Phone cords, straps & cases
Phone cords. Avoid pulling, twisting or overstretching the cord, and keep it away from sharp edges that could cause fraying. Wipe beads, pearls or charms with a soft, slightly damp cloth, but never soak them. Coil your cord loosely when not in use and keep it out of direct sunlight to help preserve its colour.
Phone cases. Wipe your case regularly with a soft cloth dampened with water and a drop of mild soap, and let it dry fully before putting your phone back in. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, which can cloud the material, and keep your case out of prolonged heat and direct sunlight.
Bag charms
Your bag charm travels with you, from weekday errands to weekend getaways. Its gold-tone finish is plated, so keep it away from water, perfume and cleaning products, and wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth when needed. Beads, glass and natural stones can chip on impact, so try not to let your charm knock against hard surfaces or zips. When you switch bags, store it separately in a soft pouch.
Cushions & table linen
Our cushions, napkins and placemats are made to be lived with, for long lunches, lazy afternoons and everything in between. Because fabrics and details vary from piece to piece, always follow the care label sewn into each item.
A few general tips. Blot spills quickly rather than rubbing them. Wash embroidered or scalloped pieces inside a laundry bag where the label allows, skip the tumble dryer, and dry away from direct sunlight to preserve colours. Iron on the reverse side to protect embroidery and trims.
Three golden rules
- Last on, first off. Put your jewellery on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off first at the end of the day.
- Keep it dry. Moisture is the quiet enemy of shine.
- Give every piece its own space. Separate storage prevents scratches and tangles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with stainless steel jewellery?
Stainless steel handles water well, but soaps and shampoos can leave a film that dulls the shine. For the longest-lasting finish, we recommend taking it off.
Why is my silver turning darker?
That's tarnish, a natural reaction between silver and air. A silver polishing cloth will bring back the shine within seconds.
Can I wear my jewellery at the beach or in the pool?
Salt water and chlorine are tough on every metal. Rinse your piece with fresh water afterwards and dry it well, or leave it safely in your bag.
How do I clean a hair clip with makeup or hairspray residue?
Use a soft cloth, very lightly dampened with water, then dry immediately. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners on acetate.