How to Care for Vivienne Westwood Agnatha Earrings

By Kith – Homepage | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your Vivienne Westwood Agnatha earrings bright with a simple routine: gentle cleaning, smart storage, and habits that prevent silver tarnish.

Quick answer

Clean your Agnatha earrings gently with a soft cloth after each wear, store them in an airtight pouch away from moisture, and avoid harsh chemicals. Because the Vivienne Westwood Valentine's Agnatha Earrings use brass with silver-toned plating, not solid sterling silver, treat them like plated jewelry: skip abrasive polishes and ultrasonic cleaners. A consistent two-minute routine prevents most tarnish and keeps the crystals and enamel details intact.

Know what you're caring for

The Vivienne Westwood Valentine's Agnatha Earrings are made from brass with silver-toned plating. That matters because plated jewelry has a thin surface layer that can wear away if you scrub it or use strong chemicals. The design also includes an asymmetric heart motif with shimmering crystals and an enamel celestial ring, so you need to clean around those details rather than soak the whole earring. If you also own the Emanuele Bicocchi Rose Cross Earring, which is solid sterling silver, you can use slightly different methods for each pair—but the Agnatha earrings need the gentler approach.

Everyday habits that prevent tarnish

Put your earrings on last, after perfume, hairspray, and lotion have dried. Those products contain chemicals that speed up tarnish and can dull crystals. Take them off before showering, swimming, or working out—moisture and sweat are the main causes of silver-toned plating discoloration. When you're not wearing them, don't leave them on a dresser or windowsill; humidity and sunlight both accelerate tarnish. A quick wipe with a dry soft cloth after each wear removes skin oils before they set.

Step-by-step Agnatha earring care

1. Wipe after every wear: Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the earrings, especially around the heart motif and celestial ring. This removes skin oils and makeup before they harden. Common mistake: rubbing hard to remove stubborn residue—light pressure is enough and protects the plating.
2. Deep clean monthly (or as needed): Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wipe the earrings gently, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Checkpoint: never soak the earrings or use ultrasonic cleaners—moisture can seep behind crystals and enamel.
3. Store in an airtight pouch or lined box: Place each earring in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with a tarnish-resistant lining. Keep the pair separate from other metal pieces to avoid scratches. Common mistake: storing loose in a bowl with other jewelry—posts can bend and plating can scratch.
4. Handle tarnish gently if it appears: For light tarnish on silver-toned plating, use a silver polishing cloth specifically designed for plated metals. Rub softly and only on the metal, avoiding crystals and enamel. Checkpoint: if the cloth turns black, that's normal—it's removing tarnish, not plating. Stop if you see the base brass color showing through.
5. Inspect posts and backs regularly: Check that the post back closure is secure and not bent. If a back feels loose, replace it with a silicone or metal earring back of similar size. Next step: if the post is bent, do not force it—take the earrings to a jeweler for adjustment.

What the catalog tells you about these earrings

Vivienne Westwood Valentine's Agnatha Earrings - Silver: Brass with silver-toned plating Plated brass needs gentler cleaning than solid sterling silver; avoid abrasive polishes that can strip the plating.
Vivienne Westwood Valentine's Agnatha Earrings - Silver: Asymmetric heart motif with shimmering crystals and an enamel celestial ring Crystals and enamel can loosen or scratch, so clean around them with a soft cloth rather than soaking or scrubbing.
Vivienne Westwood Valentine's Agnatha Earrings - Silver: Post back closure The post and back are small parts that can bend or get lost; store them secured and check the closure regularly.