How to care for meteorite jewelry

Meteorite is the most remarkable material we work with. It formed in space over four billion years ago, and when it's cut and etched it reveals a crystal pattern (the Widmanstätten pattern) that can't be made on Earth.

It's also mostly iron, which means it can rust. Our etching process brightens the pattern and makes it last longer, and it reduces the chance of rust, but it can't remove it. How much a ring rusts varies from piece to piece; some never do. Rust isn't damage to the ring, and it buffs out, but it's on you to care for it, so here is how.

Everyday care

• Take it off before water: showers, swimming, washing up.
• Keep it away from acids and harsh chemicals.
• Don't knock it repeatedly against hard surfaces.
• Wax it regularly with a ring wax (search for Renaissance Wax). The wax repels moisture.
• If you store it, keep it in an airtight container so moisture and dust can't settle on it.

If rust appears

You'll need WD-40 (or a jewelry polishing cloth), a soft cloth, a soft-bristled toothbrush and ring wax.

1. Spray a thin layer of WD-40 onto the soft cloth, or use the polishing cloth, and wipe the ring thoroughly.
2. Gently scrub the rusted spots with the toothbrush.
3. Leave a slight residue on the ring and let it sit overnight.
4. The next day, rub a thin layer of ring wax into the meteorite. The wax coats the surface and helps keep rust from coming back.
5. Repeat if any rust remains.

Because rust is a matter of care rather than a flaw in the ring, we're not able to replace rings for rust. If you're ever unsure what you're looking at, send a photo to support@artifactdesigncompany.com and we'll tell you what to do.