One of the most common questions we receive is whether Milk Couture Co. breastmilk jewelry is waterproof and durable enough for everyday life. The answer is yes, our keepsake stones are waterproof and designed to last and be handed down for generations when cared for properly.
Your breastmilk, ashes, flowers, hair, and other inclusions are permanently preserved inside the stone itself. Occasional contact with water, like hand washing or getting caught in the rain, is completely fine.
However, “waterproof” does not mean indestructible.
Our keepsake stones are very similar to opals in both appearance and hardness, so we recommend treating them the same way you would treat fine opal jewelry or your grandmother’s heirloom pearls: with great love and care.
To preserve the beauty and longevity of your piece, we recommend removing your jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming, sleeping, exercising, or sunbathing. Chemicals and products such as self tanner, lotion, perfume, hairspray, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, dish soap, chlorine, and essential oils can dull or discolor the keepsake stone over time. We also recommend avoiding prolonged UV exposure, humidity, and storing your jewelry in bathrooms or direct sunlight.
Your metal choice also plays a major role in longevity. Plated pieces are best suited for occasional or special occasion wear, as the plating can naturally wear down and show the silver underneath. For frequent or everyday wear, we highly recommend solid gold or platinum, which are significantly more durable long term.
With all of that being said, I have personally done a TON of testing on our keepsake stones. I have left them submerged in water and direct UV light for over 2 years, and they still look beautiful. I have also tested them in hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, and even my husband’s bourbon (lol). You can view all of these real-life tests in my Instagram highlights here (as well as my BTS I & II highlights):
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17980516622836426/
We have also successfully tested resizing our jewelry. A jeweler who offers laser resizing can typically resize your piece safely without heating the stones or exposing them to harsh chemicals. Please note this does not apply to eternity bands, men’s bands, plated jewelry, or vermeil pieces.
If your keepsake stone ever becomes damaged or loses some of its shine over time, we do offer both resurfacing and stone replacement services to help restore your piece’s beauty.
Your keepsake jewelry carries irreplaceable meaning, and with proper care, it can remain beautiful for generations.
