Jewellery Care & Gemstone FAQs — Dubai & UAE

The Luna Dura Answer Desk · Dubai

Practical answers to jewellery questions people search in the UAE — from whether 925 sterling silver tarnishes and what hypoallergenic earrings actually mean, to ring sizing, gemstone terminology, jewellery care, symbolic jewellery and buying locally in Dubai.

Answered by Elie A, Graduate Gemologist (IGI), with jewellery-history study through Christie's Education, London. When a question requires laboratory identification rather than visual assessment, we say so. Can't find your question? Ask Luna Dura on WhatsApp →

925 Sterling Silver: Tarnish, Water & Everyday Wear

Sterling-silver tarnish is one of the clearest information needs appearing in Luna Dura's UAE search data. These are the practical answers, including the follow-up questions around water, humidity and daily wear.

Does 925 sterling silver tarnish?

Yes. Sterling silver can tarnish because it is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, commonly copper. Tarnish is a surface reaction rather than proof that the jewellery is fake or ruined. Moisture, perspiration, sulphur-containing compounds, cosmetics and other environmental exposure can affect how quickly discoloration develops. For the detailed explanation, see our 925 silver tarnish guide for Dubai.

Why did my 925 silver turn black?

Black or dark-grey discoloration is commonly tarnish. It can appear faster when sterling silver is exposed repeatedly to perspiration, perfume, cosmetics, chemicals or humid conditions. Tarnish sits at the surface and can normally be removed with appropriate cleaning. Colour alone is not a reliable test of whether a piece is genuine sterling silver.

Does 925 silver rust?

Sterling silver does not rust in the same way iron or steel does. It can tarnish, however, which may appear brown, grey or black. The distinction matters: tarnish is a surface chemical reaction and is usually reversible with suitable cleaning.

Does water make sterling silver tarnish?

Clean water touching solid sterling silver briefly does not automatically ruin it. The practical problem is repeated moisture together with substances such as chlorine, salts, soaps, cosmetics or pollutants. If sterling silver becomes wet, dry it thoroughly rather than leaving it damp.

Can I shower with 925 silver jewellery?

Occasional contact with clean water is unlikely to destroy solid sterling silver, but daily showering exposes jewellery repeatedly to moisture, shampoo, soap and body-care products. Removing it before showering generally means less cleaning and maintenance later.

Can I swim with sterling silver?

We recommend removing sterling silver jewellery before swimming. Chlorinated pools and prolonged salt-water exposure can affect silver surfaces and can be harder on plated finishes. If a piece is accidentally exposed, rinse it appropriately where suitable and dry it thoroughly.

Does Dubai's climate affect sterling silver?

Dubai's heat can increase perspiration, while periods of high humidity increase moisture exposure. Both can contribute to faster tarnishing when combined with normal wear, cosmetics and environmental contaminants. The useful UAE rule is simple: wipe jewellery after heavy perspiration and store it clean and dry when it is not being worn.

What does 925 mean on jewellery?

925 refers to sterling silver: 92.5% silver combined with 7.5% other metals to improve durability. It describes the metal standard, not a plating colour or style. If you are comparing silver with brass or plated jewellery, see our 925 sterling silver vs brass guide.

How should I store sterling silver?

Store it clean, dry and separately from pieces that can scratch it. A closed jewellery box or suitable pouch reduces unnecessary exposure to moisture and airborne contaminants. Anti-tarnish inserts can provide additional protection for pieces stored for longer periods.

Hypoallergenic Earrings & Sensitive Ears

“Hypoallergenic earrings” and “earrings for sensitive ears” are among the strongest jewellery-information clusters in Luna Dura's UAE search data. The important point is that sensitivity depends on the actual metal composition and the individual wearer — not on a marketing label alone.

What are hypoallergenic earrings?

“Hypoallergenic” generally describes earrings intended to reduce the likelihood of irritation from commonly problematic metals, but it is not a guarantee that no person will react. The useful question is what metals are present in the post, backing, base metal and plating. If you have sensitive ears, check the material specification of the particular pair rather than relying only on the category name. See our UAE sensitive-ears guide.

What earrings are good for sensitive ears?

Start with earrings whose materials are clearly disclosed and avoid assuming that every plated or silver-coloured pair has the same composition. Sterling silver, appropriate gold alloys, titanium and other materials may suit many wearers, but individual sensitivities differ. If you already know you react to a particular metal such as nickel, choose according to the documented composition of the specific earring.

Is 925 sterling silver suitable for sensitive ears?

It can be suitable for many people, but “925 sterling silver” alone does not guarantee that every wearer will tolerate every product. Sterling silver contains 7.5% alloying metal in addition to silver, and construction can vary between jewellery pieces. Check the exact product specification if metal sensitivity is important to you.

Does rhodium plating help protect silver jewellery?

Rhodium is a bright white precious metal used as a thin surface finish over jewellery. On sterling silver it can provide a brighter colour and additional resistance to tarnishing while the plating remains intact. Like any plated surface, it gradually wears depending on friction, chemicals and how the piece is used.

Browse our sensitive-ear and hypoallergenic earring selection, checking the material information on the individual product page.

Jewellery Care, Cleaning & Plated Finishes

The safest jewellery-care advice is rarely the most dramatic. Start gently, know what the piece is made from, and avoid aggressive cleaning when the stone, treatment or plating is uncertain.

How do I clean sterling silver jewellery?

For routine care, begin with a soft jewellery cloth. Where appropriate for the piece, mild soap and lukewarm water can be used, followed by thorough drying. Avoid aggressive abrasives. Jewellery containing gemstones, pearls, enamel, oxidation or plating may require a different method, so check before treating every item the same way. See our full jewellery care guide.

How do I clean tarnished 925 silver?

A silver polishing cloth can remove light surface tarnish from suitable plain sterling silver. Work gently rather than scrubbing. If the jewellery contains gemstones, intentional oxidation, plating or delicate settings, confirm the appropriate method before using polishing compounds or chemical dips.

Can I clean silver with toothpaste or baking soda?

We do not recommend abrasive household cleaning methods as a default. Toothpaste and abrasive powders can scratch polished surfaces and may affect plated or intentionally finished jewellery. Use a method appropriate to the actual construction of the piece.

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on jewellery?

Only when you know the gemstone, treatment and setting are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Some stones, organic materials, treated gemstones and fragile settings should not be cleaned ultrasonically. If you are unsure what your piece contains, use a conservative cleaning method or ask first.

How should I care for gold-plated jewellery?

Treat plating as a surface finish. Avoid unnecessary friction and prolonged exposure to perfume, cosmetics, chlorine, salt water and heavy perspiration. Wipe the jewellery gently after wear and store it dry and separately. The finish naturally becomes thinner with use, particularly on rings and bracelets. See our plated jewellery care guide.

Can gold-plated jewellery tarnish or fade?

Plated jewellery can change appearance as the surface coating wears. Once more of the underlying metal is exposed, discoloration or tarnishing may become visible depending on the base material. How quickly this happens depends on plating thickness, friction, chemicals, wear pattern and care.

Can rhodium or gold plating be renewed?

Many plated jewellery pieces can be re-plated when the finish has worn, provided the underlying item is suitable. Contact us with the piece first so we can confirm whether re-plating is appropriate.

Earring Closures

Earring-closure terminology is a smaller search topic, but Luna Dura already has strong UAE visibility for it. Knowing the closure matters for comfort, security and ease of wear.

What are the different types of earring closures?

Common closures include push backs or butterfly backs, screw backs, lever backs, hinged hoops, hooks and latch-style closures. The best type depends on the earring design and how secure or easy to operate you want it to be.

What is a push-back or butterfly-back earring?

A push back — often called a butterfly back — slides onto a straight earring post and holds the earring against the lobe. It is one of the most common closures used for studs and lightweight earrings.

Which earring closure is most secure?

There is no single closure that is automatically best for every earring. Screw backs and well-made locking or hinged mechanisms can provide additional security, while a properly fitted push back is practical for many everyday studs. The condition and fit of the closure matter as much as its name.

Ring Sizing & Buying Jewellery as a Gift

Ring-size queries are another area where Luna Dura already appears strongly in UAE search. You can measure remotely or use the physical Dubai boutique when you would rather remove the guesswork.

How do I find my ring size?

Use our ring size guide to measure at home, or visit Luna Dura on Sheikh Zayed Road for an in-person measurement. Ring sizing systems vary internationally, so use the conversion chart rather than assuming a European, US or UK number means the same thing.

Do fingers change size in Dubai's heat?

Finger circumference can vary temporarily with heat, exercise and other normal daily factors. For a representative measurement, measure when your hands are comfortable and at a normal temperature rather than immediately after strenuous activity or prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

I want to buy a gift but do not know her ring size. What should I choose?

If you cannot determine the ring size discreetly, earrings and necklaces remove the sizing problem. If you specifically want a ring, use our size guide or contact us before ordering so we can discuss the safest option.

Can I get my ring size checked in Dubai?

Yes. Luna Dura is a physical jewellery boutique on Sheikh Zayed Road, so you can visit and have your ring size checked in person rather than relying entirely on an online measurement.

Gemstones: Natural, Lab-Grown, Treated & Identified

Gemstone terminology can become confusing quickly. Our approach is simple: distinguish what can be answered from known product information from what actually requires gemological testing.

Is a laboratory-grown gemstone real?

A laboratory-grown gemstone is manufactured rather than mined. When it is the laboratory-grown counterpart of a mineral, it can share essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as the natural material. It is different from a simulant such as glass or cubic zirconia imitating another gemstone. Disclosure is the important part: the buyer should know whether the material is natural, laboratory-grown or a simulant.

How can I tell whether a gemstone is natural, laboratory-grown or a simulant?

Appearance alone is not always enough. Gemologists use combinations of observations and tests depending on the material, potentially including magnification, refractive index, optical properties and advanced laboratory instrumentation. For significant gemstones or difficult questions, independent laboratory analysis is the appropriate route.

Does gemstone treatment mean a stone is fake?

No. Heat, irradiation, fracture filling and other treatments are used with different gemstones for different purposes. A treated natural gemstone remains a natural gemstone, but the treatment can affect value, durability, care requirements and disclosure. The important issue is knowing what you are buying.

Can a gemstone certificate tell me whether a stone was treated?

Depending on the gemstone and report service, an independent gemological laboratory may identify the material, state whether it is natural or laboratory-grown, and disclose treatments detected during examination. Some laboratories and report types can also provide geographic-origin opinions for eligible stones. A laboratory report should not automatically be treated as a valuation or investment guarantee.

Can Luna Dura arrange gemstone testing or sourcing?

Yes. For suitable gemstones we can discuss independent laboratory testing and sourcing options. The appropriate laboratory, report type, eligibility, cost and turnaround depend on the stone and the question being investigated, so we confirm those details case by case rather than promising one universal process.

Can you identify my gemstone from a photograph?

A photograph can sometimes suggest possibilities, but it cannot reliably establish gemstone identity, treatment status or geographic origin. For meaningful identification the stone normally needs direct examination, and some questions require laboratory testing.

Explore our gemstone jewellery or our birthstone and loose-gemstone guide.

Evil Eye, Hamsa & Ouroboros Meaning

Symbolic jewellery is another proven UAE search cluster. Here we describe the cultural and historical associations without presenting folklore as a guarantee.

What does the Evil Eye symbol mean?

The Evil Eye or nazar is widely associated with protection from envy or ill intention across parts of the Middle East, Mediterranean and surrounding cultures. Jewellery using the symbol draws on that cultural tradition; it should be understood as symbolism and belief rather than a proven protective effect. Read our Evil Eye meaning guide.

What does the Hamsa mean?

The Hamsa is an open-hand symbol found across several Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions and is commonly associated with protection, blessing and good fortune. It is also known in different traditions by names including the Hand of Fatima and Hand of Miriam.

What is the difference between the Hamsa and Evil Eye?

The Hamsa is the hand-shaped symbol; the Evil Eye is the eye-shaped protective motif. They are often combined in jewellery, which is why the two can appear to be the same symbol at first glance.

What does the Ouroboros mean?

The Ouroboros is the ancient image of a serpent or dragon consuming its own tail. Across different historical traditions it has been associated with cycles, renewal, eternity and continual return. See our Ouroboros meaning guide.

Birthstones

Birthstone queries are well suited to a short FAQ answer, while the full month-by-month history, alternatives and gemstone details belong in our dedicated birthstone guide.

What is my birthstone?

The commonly used modern list includes January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl or alexandrite, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal or tourmaline, November topaz or citrine, and December turquoise, zircon or tanzanite. Different historical and cultural lists exist, so see our complete birthstone guide if you want the alternatives as well.

Can you help me source a particular birthstone?

Yes. Tell us the gemstone, preferred colour, approximate size or carat range, budget and whether an independent laboratory report is important to you. We can then discuss available or sourceable options.

Buying Jewellery Locally in Dubai

Some jewellery questions are not really about gemology — they are about reducing uncertainty before spending money. Luna Dura combines online browsing with a physical Sheikh Zayed Road boutique, so customers can move between both.

Can I see Luna Dura jewellery in person before buying?

Yes. You can browse products and prices online and visit our Sheikh Zayed Road boutique to see available pieces in person. This is useful when you want to judge scale, finish, colour or fit before making the final decision.

Are prices visible before I visit the store?

Yes. Products listed online show their prices, so you can compare options and establish a budget before ordering or visiting. For pieces or fashion accessories available only in-store, contact us to ask what is currently available.

Do you sell only 925 sterling silver?

No. The website has a strong 925 sterling silver selection, while Luna Dura also carries selected fashion jewellery and plated accessories in-store. Materials vary by piece, so check the individual product description or ask us rather than assuming every item has the same construction.

Can someone help me choose jewellery before I buy?

Yes. Tell us what you are looking for, your approximate budget and any useful preferences. For a gift, that might include the recipient, occasion, usual jewellery style and preferred metal colour. For gemstones, tell us the material or colour you are considering. We can narrow the options before you order or visit.

Do you offer jewellery delivery in Dubai and the UAE?

Yes. Delivery options vary by location, timing and current courier availability. Rather than duplicating changing operational terms here, use our UAE jewellery delivery page for current Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates coverage, charges and timing.

Where can I find jewellery gifts for her in Dubai?

For gift-specific questions — including budgets, last-minute gifts, choosing for a wife or girlfriend, discreet surprise delivery and shopping in-store — use our dedicated Jewellery Gifts for Her in Dubai page. That page is designed around the gift decision rather than general jewellery education.