Caring for Handmade Pieces: A Simple Guide
Simple, low-effort habits that keep handmade jewellery in good condition for years.
Handmade jewellery is built to be worn, but a few small habits extend its life considerably. The principles are the same across materials: keep pieces dry, keep them out of chemicals, and store them with a little care. None of it takes more than seconds a day.
Cords and braids dislike prolonged soaking. Take woven bracelets off before swimming, bathing, or washing dishes; occasional rain does no harm, but chlorine and hot soapy water gradually stiffen and fade the fibres. If a cord piece gets wet, let it dry naturally away from direct heat — radiators and hair dryers make fibres brittle. Light surface dirt lifts with a barely damp cloth.
Silver darkens naturally as it reacts with sulphur in the air. This tarnish is surface-level and comes off with a silver polishing cloth in a minute or two. Some people prefer the darkened look, especially in recessed carving where it adds depth — there is no rule that silver must stay bright. Perfume, sunscreen, and sweat all speed tarnish, so jewellery goes on last, after cosmetics.
Stones ask mainly for gentleness. Turquoise in particular is porous: it absorbs oils and can shift colour over years of contact with skin — many owners consider this deepening part of the stone's character, but keep it away from solvents and perfume. Store pieces separately so harder stones do not scratch softer ones; a small pouch per piece is enough. Cared for this way, a handmade piece does not merely survive daily wear — it improves under it.
