Material

What your jewelry is made of

All Madéyu jewelry is made of stainless steel, possibly with a PVD coating. These are two terms you'll see more often, so here's what they mean.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel does not rust or tarnish, even with daily wear. We use two types of stainless steel:

  • The bases — bracelets, necklaces, and earrings — are made of 316 stainless steel. This is the higher quality, with more resistance to salt and sweat. This makes sense, as these are the pieces you wear for the longest periods and that are most in contact with your skin.
  • Most charms are made of 304 stainless steel. This has a slightly lighter composition and is perfectly suitable for a component you might switch out.

PVD Coating

The gold and sometimes silver color comes from a PVD coating: a thin, hard layer applied to the steel under vacuum. This is different from gold plating. A PVD layer is harder and adheres better, and with normal wear, it lasts for years.

What *does* damage the coating: perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, chlorine, salt water, and abrasives. Not all at once, but a little bit each time.

Nickel

Stainless steel 304 and 316 both contain nickel. Therefore, we do not call our jewelry nickel-free. However, the steel complies with the European nickel standard for jewelry that has prolonged skin contact (EN 1811, REACH Annex XVII). This standard limits how much nickel can be released. For almost everyone who is sensitive to inexpensive jewelry, this steel is therefore not a problem — but if you have a diagnosed nickel allergy, please consult your doctor before wearing anything that will be on your skin all day.

Waterproof — what that means in practice

Your jewelry will not rust. That is what waterproof means.

It does not mean the coating will last forever. Washing hands, rain, an occasional shower: no problem. What we advise against:

  • Swimming pool. Chlorine is the fastest to cause damage.
  • Sea. Salt damages the coating, especially in combination with sun and sand.
  • Sauna and hot shower. Heat plus soap residue accelerates wear.
  • Exercising. Sweat is salty. Occasionally is fine, every day is not.

Care in five rules

  1. Spray perfume, deodorant, and hairspray on before putting on your jewelry.
  2. Take it off before swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
  3. Wipe it with a dry, soft cloth after wearing.
  4. Got dirty? Lukewarm water, a drop of dish soap, soft cloth. No abrasive cleaners, no silver polish, no ultrasonic bath.
  5. Store it dry and separately — e.g., in the box/pouch it came in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it tarnish?
Not with normal wear. The PVD layer retains its color. What you might eventually see is wear in places that rub a lot, such as the bottom of a bracelet clasp.

Can I wear it daily?
Yes. That's what it's made for.

I have sensitive skin — can I wear this?
Probably yes; see the paragraph about nickel above.

Why is the bracelet made of different steel than the charm?
Because they serve slightly different purposes. You wear the base for the longest time and closest to your skin, so it's 316. You switch out the charms.

Can I attach a charm from another brand?
If the ring fits the link, it will fit. However, we cannot promise it will look good or that the ring will be as strong — and we only attach our own charms for you.