How to Care for Your Meteorite Ring

Meteorite rings are a stunning choice for those looking to wear a piece of the universe on their finger. However, due to their iron content, these unique rings can rust. To ensure your meteorite ring maintains its beauty for years to come, it's essential to understand how to care for it properly.

Why Meteorite Rusts; and How to Prevent It

Meteorite is primarily composed of iron, which is highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to moisture. This means that wearing your ring while washing dishes, swimming, or engaging in activities where it may come into contact with water can accelerate the rusting process. To prevent rust, it's crucial to keep your meteorite ring dry and away from humid environments.

Be Cautious with Lotions

While it's essential to keep your skin moisturized, certain lotions and skincare products can actually speed up the rusting of your meteorite ring. Some lotions contain oils or acids that can react with the iron in the meteorite, causing it to rust more quickly. To protect your ring, make sure to apply lotions and skincare products before putting on your meteorite ring and allow them to fully absorb into your skin.

Utilize Your Body's Natural Oils

Interestingly, your body's natural oils can actually help protect your meteorite ring from rusting. The natural oils produced by your skin create a thin, protective barrier on the surface of the ring, slowing down the oxidation process. By wearing your ring regularly, you can take advantage of this natural protection and help maintain its original beauty.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy your meteorite ring for years to come while preserving its unique and celestial charm. Remember to keep your ring dry, be cautious with lotions, and embrace the natural protective properties of your skin's oils to prevent rust and maintain the allure of your meteorite jewelry.

The Great Alternative: Stardust Collection

If rusting concerns you, the Stardust collection offers a beautifully effective solution. Instead of solid meteorite, these pieces feature authentic Gibeon meteorite shavings embedded in enamel. This clever design preserves the cosmic beauty of meteorite while significantly reducing the risk of rusting.

Why Meteorite Rusts—and What Helps Prevent It

• Iron & Moisture React: Meteorite’s iron content makes it vulnerable to oxidation. Exposure to water, humidity, and certain chemicals accelerates this process.

• Lotions Can Speed Rust: Some lotions contain oils or acids that can promote oxidation when they linger on the meteorite.

• Natural Skin Oils Can Help: Your body’s natural oils provide a thin, protective layer that can slow rusting—but it’s not a long-term solution.

• Coatings Don’t Last: Attempting to seal meteorite with coatings like plastic or resin often fails. Coatings chip over time, and when moisture gets trapped beneath, rusting can worsen. This is why Jewelry By Johan does not recommend plastic or polymer coatings—only metal-friendly options, like the ones in your SRV08 kit, are suitable

• Constant Moisture from Hands: If your skin stays moist (from sweat, for example), that constant exposure may accelerate rust.

Best Practices for Everyday Care

• Limit Lotion Contact: Apply lotions before wearing your ring and allow them to fully absorb.

• Dry Thoroughly: After any contact with water, clean it with your care kit and dry your ring completely.

• Avoid Coatings That Trap Moisture: Do not use plastic or polymer layers—moisture trapped underneath can do more harm than good

• Use the Appropriate Care Kit: The Meteorite Care Kit (SRV08), which includes de-corroder and wax polish, is ideal—it’s formulated for iron-based meteorites and helps repel moisture.

• Use Gunmetal Oil or Wax: After drying, apply a small amount of gunmetal oil or wax with a toothbrush, then gently buff off the excess. This creates a moisture barrier while enhancing the meteorite’s natural pattern 

• Re-Etching Option: If your meteorite ring develops stubborn rust or discoloration, we can re-etch the meteorite. This process removes the surface oxidation and re-highlights the Widmanstätten pattern, essentially “resetting” the appearance of your meteorite.

• Store in Dry Places: Keep your ring in a dry, cool environment—an airtight pouch or box works well.