Our Materials

Our Materials

Jewelry you wear every day has to do more than just look good in photos.
At Cyrene, we choose materials that are made to keep up: water-resistant, fade-resistant, and kind to sensitive skin.

This page breaks down exactly what our pieces are made of and how to care for them, in plain language.

Our Metals

Stainless steel base

Most Cyrene pieces start with a durable, medical-grade stainless steel base. We use it because it’s strong, resistant to rust, and naturally more skin-friendly than many common alloys.

  • Won’t easily bend out of shape
  • Less prone to corrosion than standard fashion metals
  • A solid base for long-wear plating

18K gold plating

Our current gold-tone styles are finished with 18K gold plating over stainless steel.

  • Rich, warm tone that layers well with fine jewelry
  • Applied to be water- and fade-resistant with normal wear
  • Designed for everyday use, not “special occasion only”

Future metals

As we introduce silver and other finishes, we’ll hold them to the same standard: durable, low-maintenance, and honest about what they’re made of.

Stones & Details

Freshwater pearls

For our pearl pieces, we use freshwater pearls with natural variation in shape and surface.

  • Each pearl is slightly unique
  • Chosen for luster and balance, not perfection
  • Expect small differences from piece to piece — that’s part of their character

Moissanite & lab-grown stones (now and coming soon)

For stone styles, we focus on moissanite and lab-grown options.

  • Bright, high-sparkle stones with excellent clarity
  • Lab-grown options allow for controlled quality and traceability
  • Designed to sit comfortably in everyday, repeat-wear settings

Specific stone details for each piece are always listed on the product page.

Water-Resistant & Fade-Resistant

“Water-resistant” and “fade-resistant” to us mean:

  • You don’t need to panic if you shower, wash your hands, or get caught in the rain.
  • The finish is engineered to hold its color and shine through normal, everyday wear.

Still, all jewelry lasts longer with a little care:

  • Rinse and dry after salt water, chlorine, or heavy sweat.
  • Wipe with a soft cloth if you notice sunscreen, oils, or lotion on the surface.

Hypoallergenic

Sensitive skin was part of the brief from day one.

  • We avoid nickel, lead, and cadmium in our pieces.
  • We use hypoallergenic bases and platings designed for most skin types.

If you have a known sensitivity and are unsure, you can always reach out before ordering with the name of the piece you’re considering.

Care Guide

A simple routine keeps your pieces looking new:

  • Daily: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth when you take them off.
  • Weekly (or as needed): Clean with warm water and a mild, detergent-free soap. Dry fully with a microfiber cloth.
  • Storage: Keep in a dry place, ideally in the Cyrene box or a soft pouch, away from other sharp pieces.

Avoid long exposure to:

  • Harsh chemicals (cleaning products, strong perfumes directly on the metal)
  • Abrasive surfaces that can scratch any finish over time

Questions?

If you ever have a question about what a specific piece is made of or how it will wear, email us before or after you purchase. We’d rather you have clear expectations and jewelry you feel good in every day.