illi pieces are crafted in 14-karat gold or higher. At this level of purity and above, gold is stable and resistant to tarnishing, meaning your piece will not discolor or lose its warmth over time. You will never need polishing chemicals, anti-tarnish sprays, or any specialist treatment. Your piece will look the same in twenty years as it does today.

To learn more about why we choose this gold standard, visit our Materials page.

Gentle cleaning (optional)

Your illi gold pieces do not require routine cleaning. If you would like to refresh them occasionally, the process is straightforward:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Place your pieces in the bowl and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush any detailed areas or settings.
4. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
5. Pat dry with a soft cotton cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.

Never use abrasive cloths, harsh chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners on your pieces without first confirming they are safe for your specific stone settings.

What to avoid

Remove your pieces before swimming, using a hot tub, or doing household cleaning. Chlorine, found in pool water and many cleaning products, can degrade the alloys blended into gold over time. Apply perfume and skincare before putting on your jewelry, not after. Chemicals in fragrance and lotion can dull a piece's surface with repeated contact.

illi diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the hardest material on earth. They are exceptionally durable in everyday wear and will not cloud, scratch, or lose their brilliance over time.

Diamonds do attract oils and grease naturally, which can dim their sparkle. To keep your piece looking its best, we recommend:

• The "Last On, First Off" Rule: Apply perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions before putting on your jewelry to prevent residue buildup.
• Mindful Wear: Remove your jewelry before high-impact activities, swimming in chlorinated pools, or using harsh household chemicals, which can affect the integrity of the metal setting.
• Safe Storage: Store your pieces individually in a soft-lined pouch or jewelry box. Because diamonds are so hard, they can easily scratch other gemstones or the metal of your other jewelry.

What is the best way to clean my jewelry at home?

Maintaining your diamond’s fire is simple and can be done with items you likely already have:

1. Soak: Place your jewelry in a small bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap for 15–20 minutes.
2. Brush: Gently scrub the stone and the setting—especially the underside—with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove trapped oils.
3. Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly under warm running water (ensure the drain is closed!) and pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

Should I have my jewelry professionally serviced?
Yes. To ensure the longevity of your piece, we recommend a professional inspection once a year. A jeweler can verify that the prongs are secure and provide a deep ultrasonic or steam cleaning to restore the diamond to its original showroom brilliance

illi's gemstone collections feature precious and semi-precious stones, each with their own character and care needs. While specific guidance will vary by stone, the following principles apply across all gemstone pieces: Gemstones vary significantly in hardness and sensitivity. Softer stones such as opals, turquoise, and pearls (covered separately below) require gentler handling than harder stones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Most gemstones benefit from the same mild soap and warm water method, but should never be soaked for extended periods as prolonged water exposure can loosen settings or affect certain stones.

Avoid exposing gemstone pieces to direct sunlight for extended periods, as some stones, particularly amethyst and rose quartz, can fade with prolonged UV exposure. Remove gemstone pieces before physical activity, swimming, and sleeping to protect both the stone and its setting.

If you have any questions about your jewelry care, reach out to us at hello@illi-collection.com.

Pearls are organic gems and among the most delicate materials in fine jewelry. They require a little more attention than gold or diamonds, but the routine is simple.

Wipe your pearls gently with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear. This removes any contact with skin oils, perfume, or perspiration that can dull their surface over time. Never submerge pearls in water or expose them to soap, as this can damage their nacre and weaken the silk thread if strung.

Pearls should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Perfume, hairspray, and skincare products are particularly damaging to their surface. Store pearl pieces flat, separately from other jewelry, in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratching. Pearls also benefit from being worn regularly, as the natural oils of your skin help maintain their luster.