Materials + Care

Mountainside jewelry is thoughtfully handcrafted using high-quality metals and natural stones, designed to be worn and loved for years to come. We strive to maintain environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout every stage of the process: from sourcing raw materials to final packaging. Our metals are nickel and lead free sourced from US-based suppliers.

metals

14 Karat Gold: an enduring, timeless precious metal valued for its warmth, durability, and resistance to tarnish and corrosion, making it one of the most resilient materials for everyday jewelry.

Gold Vermeil: a premium, heavy layer of genuine gold electroplated over a solid sterling silver core. Vermeil offers the weight, depth, and richness of solid gold at a more approachable price point.

14k Gold Finish: a thick coating of genuine 14k gold layered over a durable base metal core (such as brass). This option yields a brilliant, high-purity golden aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity and affordability.

Sterling Silver: high-quality .925 sterling silver containing 92.5% pure silver. It is inherently durable and made to last. Silver naturally oxidizes over time, developing a soft, moody patina that can easily be polished back to a bright luster.

Brass: a warm, golden-toned alloy of copper and zinc that serves as a beautiful, structural alternative to solid gold. Polished to a brilliant shine, raw brass naturally reacts to its environment, developing a deep, vintage-antique character. Its original high-polish reflection can be fully restored at any time with a gentle polishing compound.

Jewelry Care

The appearance of handmade jewelry evolves over time. Gold finishes may soften, sterling silver and brass will develop a rich patina, and natural gemstones may subtly shift in color. These changes are a normal part of wear and are true characteristics of authentic materials as they age. Just as leather softens, linen wrinkles, wool develops texture, and wood finish transforms ~ precious metals and stones naturally adapt with exposure to various environments.

These changes are part of the story of a handmade piece and are often a result of using natural materials rather than synthetic alternatives. While pure gold is one of the few metals that resists tarnishing and corrosion, its rarity is also what makes it such a precious and valuable material. Other metals each have their own unique qualities and may require occasional upkeep to maintain their original finish.

Natural gemstones feature organic textures, inclusions, and varying levels of hardness, which are part of their inherent beauty. To protect them, avoid dropping or striking gemstone pieces against hard surfaces. Delicate stones, such as opals and turquoise, are especially sensitive to chemicals, salt water, and prolonged moisture exposure.

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your jewelry:

Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and oils.
Store pieces separately in a safe dry place to prevent scratching and unnecessary wear.
Apply skincare, sunscreen, and fragrances before putting on jewelry.

With mindful wear and proper care, your jewelry can preserve its beauty while developing the unique character that comes from being worn and loved over time.

Repairs & Maintenance

Repairs related to confirmed production defects will be completed at no cost. Repairs resulting from normal wear, accidental damage, improper care, or impact will require a service fee. Repair costs and turnaround times vary depending on the piece and the work required. We will always evaluate your jewelry and confirm pricing before beginning any service. Return shipping fees apply.

To request a repair or restoration, please visit our repair listings below or contact us directly with details about your piece.

Repair and refinishing services are only available for Mountainside jewelry. We reserve the right to decline repairs that are beyond reasonable restoration or cannot be safely repaired.

𓍯Jewelry Repair

⊹ ࣪ 14k Gold Refinish

Need Assistance? We’re here to help! Please contact us at shop@mountainsidemade.com

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Eco Friendly Packaging

All online orders are packaged with sustainability in mind. We use minimal, paper-based materials in place of plastic wherever possible.

Packaging materials include:

Paper-based alternatives to bubble wrap
Boxes and padded mailers made from 100% recycled content
Plant-derived, biodegradable carton sealing tape instead of plastic tape

Our paper packing tape features solvent-free adhesive and is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The kraft backing is made from renewable resources, and the tape core is recyclable with mixed paper.

We encourage you to reuse, repurpose, or regift your jewelry boxes and packaging whenever possible!