Care & Fit Guide

Last updated: [Month DD, 2026]

Everything you need to know about our materials, how to care for your jewelry, and how to choose the right fit.

Materials & Care

Our materials

Base metal: every piece is made of solid 925 sterling silver.
Gold color: 18K gold plated over 925 sterling silver.
Silver color: rhodium plated over 925 sterling silver.
Stones: cubic zirconia (CZ). Color names such as emerald, turquoise, onyx or sapphire describe the color of the stone, not a natural gemstone.
Pearls: pearl type is listed on each product page (for example, cultured freshwater pearl).
Hypoallergenic: our earrings are hypoallergenic and nickel-free. If you have a known metal allergy, check with your doctor before wearing any new jewelry.

Caring for plated jewelry

Plating is a thin layer of precious metal, so it can gradually wear with friction and time. To keep your jewelry looking its best:

Put your jewelry on after lotion, perfume and hairspray.
Take it off before swimming, bathing, exercising or cleaning.
Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Do not use abrasive polishing cloths, toothpaste or jewelry dips on plated pieces.
Store each piece separately in its pouch or box, away from moisture, so pieces do not scratch each other.

Caring for pearls and stones

Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth and let them dry flat. Keep pearls away from perfume and cosmetics. Clean CZ stones with a soft brush and mild soapy water, then dry them well.

Piercing, Fit & Replacement Parts

Healed piercings only

Our jewelry ships unsterilized and is designed for healed piercings. For a new or healing piercing, please visit a professional piercer.

Gauge and post length

Gauge describes the thickness of the post, and length describes the part that sits inside your piercing. Most of our flat back earrings use an 18G (1.0 mm) post in 5 mm Short, 6 mm Standard or 8 mm lengths; huggie hoops list their post gauge and inner diameter on each product page. Measurements can vary slightly between brands, so check the size on the product page before ordering.

Threadless and threaded flat backs

Threadless (push pin) earrings have a decorative top with a slightly bent pin that presses into the post and holds by tension. Threaded earrings screw into the post. Each product page shows which closure the earring uses.

Head Only options

Some earrings offer a "Head Only No Backing" option. This option includes only the decorative top; it does not include a post or back. It is intended for customers who already own a compatible Marafine post.

Compatibility

Our tops and posts are designed to work with each other. We cannot guarantee that they fit posts, tops or backs from other brands, including titanium or stainless steel parts.