Guide to Caring for Handmade Jewelry

1. General Care Tips for Handmade Jewelry

  • Avoid Moisture: Keep your jewelry dry. Water, humidity, and moisture can tarnish metals, weaken adhesives, and damage natural materials like gemstones.
  • Store Properly: Store each piece separately in a soft pouch, a lined jewelry box, or a fabric-lined tray. This prevents scratches, tarnishing, and tangling.
  • Limit Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause gemstones to fade and weaken. Store your pieces in a cool, shaded place.

2. Caring for Pendants and Gemstones

  • Gentle Cleaning: Clean pendants and gemstones using a soft, lint-free cloth. If deeper cleaning is required, use a mild soap solution and rinse immediately. Avoid soaking porous gemstones (e.g., opals, turquoise).
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Perfumes, hairspray, cleaning agents, and other chemicals can damage gemstones and their settings. Apply such products before putting on your jewelry.

3. Caring for Necklaces

  • Prevent Tangling: Hang necklaces or lay them flat when storing to prevent tangling. Use necklace holders or jewelry rolls if you travel frequently.
  • Avoid Tugging: Be mindful when wearing or removing necklaces to avoid stress on clasps and chains, which may lead to breakage.

4. Caring for Gold-Plated Glasses Chains

  • Avoid Excessive Wear: Gold-plated jewelry is more delicate than solid gold. Frequent use can cause the plating to wear off faster. Remove your glasses chains when engaging in high-activity tasks or sports.
  • Clean Gently: Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe the chain after use to remove sweat or oils. Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.
  • Limit Contact with Water: Avoid exposing gold-plated chains to water to maintain their shine. Remove them before showering, swimming, or exercising.

5. Additional Tips for All Jewelry Types

  • Regular Inspections: Periodically check clasps, settings, and connections to ensure everything is secure. Tighten any loose components or seek professional repair when necessary.
  • Polish with Care: Use a jewelry polishing cloth to keep metals and gemstones looking their best, but avoid over-polishing plated items to protect the finish.

6. When Not to Wear Jewelry

  • During Physical Activity: Remove your jewelry during exercise, heavy lifting, and outdoor activities to prevent damage.
  • At Bedtime: Take off all jewelry before sleeping to avoid accidental pulls or wear.
  • During Household Chores: Chemicals in cleaning products can discolor and damage jewelry. Wear protective gloves or remove jewelry when cleaning.