Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about our water-resistant jewelry in 316L stainless steel with PVD plating — regarding showering and bathing, nickel and sensitive skin, sizes, shipping, and returns. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please feel free to contact us at info@aloraavenue.com.
Water, Showering, and Care
Can you shower with Alora Avenue's jewelry?
Yes. All our jewelry is made of 316L stainless steel with 18K gold PVD plating, which can withstand showering, hand washing, and sweat without discoloring. You don't need to take them off — they are made to stay on.
Can I bathe and swim with the jewelry?
Yes, in both the sea and the pool. 316L is the same steel used in marine environments and tolerates saltwater excellently. Chlorine is the toughest environment a piece of jewelry encounters — rinse with clean water after the pool to keep the surface in the best possible condition. This is a recommendation, not a requirement.
Can I exercise, use a sauna, and sleep with the jewelry?
Yes. Sweat, heat, and friction against sheets do not affect the PVD surface. Please remove rings during heavy lifting with barbells or dumbbells — it's mechanical wear, not water, that shows on a piece of jewelry.
Will the color fade or wear off?
No, not with normal use. PVD plating is bonded at a molecular level to the steel and is significantly more durable than traditional galvanic plating, which often loses color within a few months. We provide a 1-year color guarantee on our jewelry. Read more about PVD plating.
How do I clean my jewelry?
Lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft cloth. Dry thoroughly afterwards. Avoid silver polish, ultrasonic baths, and alcohol-based cleaners — they are made for silver and are not needed for PVD-plated steel.
How do I best store my jewelry?
Dry and preferably separately, so they don't rub against each other. The silk pouch that comes with your order works perfectly. A little tip: spray perfume and hairspray before putting on your jewelry, not after.
Material, Allergy, and Quality
What is 316L stainless steel?
316L is the steel quality used in higher-quality jewelry, and the same material as in surgical instruments and medical implants. It is resistant to corrosion, tolerates water and salt, and maintains its shape and surface over time. Read more about our materials.
Are stainless steel and surgical steel the same thing?
In practice, yes. "Surgical steel" is not a protected term but a common name for implant-grade stainless steel alloys — and 316L is the most common of them. What you buy from us is therefore often sold as surgical steel.
Does the jewelry contain nickel?
Yes, 316L stainless steel contains nickel as part of the alloy. The steel is hypoallergenic and works for most people with sensitive skin. If you have a known, severe nickel allergy, we recommend trying a piece of jewelry for a short period first.
Are the jewelry pieces suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The combination of 316L stainless steel and PVD plating is one of the gentlest options available for jewelry you wear every day, and the same materials are often recommended for new piercings. We do not use cheap alloys beneath the surface.
What does PVD plating mean?
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. The gold is vaporized in a vacuum and bonded at a molecular level to the steel instead of being applied as a surface layer. The result is a surface that resists scratches and discoloration significantly better than regular plating — the same technique is used in medical technology and the aerospace industry. Learn more about PVD plating.
Is the jewelry real gold?
No. The jewelry is made of 316L stainless steel with an 18K gold plating. You get the look of gold and a durability that solid gold doesn't provide in everyday wear — at a fraction of the price. We do not sell solid gold.
Will the jewelry turn my skin green?
No. Green skin comes from copper and brass in cheaper alloys that oxidize against the skin. 316L stainless steel and PVD gold do not react in that way.
Size and fit
Which ring size should I choose?
Our rings are available in sizes 6, 7, 8, and 9. Measure the inside of a ring that already fits, or the circumference of your finger with a string: size 6 = 16.5 mm in diameter (52 mm circumference), size 7 = 17.3 mm (54.5 mm), size 8 = 18.1 mm (57 mm), and size 9 = 18.9 mm (59.5 mm). See the full size guide.
My Swedish ring size is 17 — what size is that with you?
Swedish ring size is usually given as the finger's diameter in millimeters. Size 17 then corresponds to our size 7, and 18 corresponds to our size 8. If the size is given as circumference instead, 52 = size 6 and 54.5 = size 7. If you are between two sizes, or looking at a wider ring, choose the larger one. See the full size guide.
Which necklace length should I choose?
Our necklaces range between 40 and 50 cm, and the exact length is stated on each product page. 40 cm sits close to the neck, 45 cm rests just below the collarbone and is the length that suits most, and 50 cm falls further down towards the chest. If you want to wear multiple necklaces, combine different lengths.
What do I do if the size doesn't fit?
Contact us at info@aloraavenue.com with your order number and we will help you. You have 30 days for returns on unused jewelry in original packaging, and returns are always free within Sweden. If you order from another country, you pay for the return shipping to Sweden yourself. Read our return policy.
Order and delivery
How long is the delivery time?
We ship your order within 1–2 business days. Within Sweden, delivery time is then normally 1–3 business days. International deliveries can take up to 10 business days depending on the country. Read our shipping policy.
What does shipping cost?
Free shipping within Sweden for purchases of at least 399 kr. Below that, shipping is calculated at checkout based on the delivery address and chosen delivery method. For international orders, any customs duties and import taxes will be added, which are paid by you as the customer. Read our shipping policy.
Do you deliver outside Sweden?
Yes, we deliver to several countries. Shipping cost and delivery time are shown at checkout and vary depending on the destination.
Can I track my package?
Yes. As soon as your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information so you can follow your package all the way home.
What payment methods can I use?
Visa, Mastercard, Klarna (invoice and partial payment), Swish, and Apple Pay.
What is the return policy?
We offer 30 days returns, and returns are always free within Sweden. If you order from another country, you pay for the return shipping to Sweden yourself. The jewelry must be unused and returned in its original packaging. Email info@aloraavenue.com from the same address you ordered with and state your order number, and we will send instructions. After we have received the return, it will be processed within 2–5 business days and the money will be refunded to the same payment method. Read our full return policy.