Jewelry care

Ensure your handmade jewelry lasts a lifetime. Here you will find tips on how to maintain the quality and shine of your unique pieces. From cleaning techniques to storage solutions, we've got you covered.

Leather Care

- Leather jewelry is durable but sensitive to water, oils, chemicals, and heat. Regular, gentle care preserves color and suppleness.
- Different leather types need slightly different treatment (real leather vs. faux/vegan leather). I’ve separated guidance below.

Cleaning and maintenance (by material)

Real leather

  •  After wear: wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove oils.
  • Light cleaning: dampen a cloth with a tiny amount of clean water and wipe gently. Do not soak the leather. Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Spot stains: use a mild leather cleaner or saddle soap on a cloth (never directly on the leather). Gently rub, then wipe away residue. Test on a hidden spot first.
  • Conditioning: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner every 3–6 months (more often if you wear it daily in dry conditions). Buff lightly with a clean cloth
  • Drying: if it gets wet, pat dry and air-dry away from heat or direct sun.


Faux/vegan leather

  • Cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth. If needed, use a tiny amount of mild soap, then wipe clean and dry.
  • Conditioning: usually not required; avoid oil-based products that can weaken the material.
  • Drying: air-dry away from heat.

 

Water, chemicals, and wear

  • Remove before swimming, bathing, showering, or using hot tubs; chlorine and saltwater can damage leather.
  • Avoid perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and oils directly on the leather; apply those products beforehand and let them absorb before wearing the jewelry.
  • Don’t use harsh solvents (acetone, bleach, strong cleaners) on leather.

 

Storage tips

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep pieces separated to avoid scratching; use a soft pouch, a fabric jewelry box, or hang on hooks.
  • If your jewelry comes with a leather strap, avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic, which can trap moisture.

 

Wearing care

  • When you’re active, remove leather jewelry to protect it from sweat and abrasion.
  • Put on leather pieces after applying cosmetics, perfume, or sunscreen to minimize chemical exposure.
  • If a piece features metal clasps or beads, gently wipe the metal parts with a clean, dry cloth to minimize tarnish or residue.

 

Quick do's and don’ts

  • Do: wipe down after wear, store properly, condition real leather periodically.
  • Don’t: soak leather, expose to sun/heat, use harsh cleaners, spray chemicals directly on the leather.

 

Troubleshooting and signs it needs attention

  • Cracking or hardening: may be time for conditioning or professional assessment; consider professional cleaning if the pattern of cracks persists.
  • Discoloration that won’t rub out: test a cleaner on a hidden area or consult a professional.
  • Loose stitching or detached components: stop wearing and get it repaired; water exposure can worsen damage.

Wood Care

Care overview

  • Wood is natural and can swell, crack, or fade if exposed to moisture, heat, or harsh chemicals. Finishes (oil, wax, varnish, lacquer) help, but you still need gentle handling.
  • Different finishes require slightly different care. I’ve grouped guidance by typical wood finishes below.

Cleaning and maintenance (by finish)

  • Unfinished or natural wood

    • After wear: wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils.
    • Light cleaning: use a barely damp cloth (water only) and wipe quickly; dry immediately with a clean cloth.
    • Stains or buildup: avoid soaking; if needed, very lightly buff with a dry microfiber cloth.
    • Conditioning: optional but helpful—apply a tiny amount of mineral oil or a beeswax-based polish every few months. Wipe off any excess and let it absorb.
    • Drying: if it gets wet, dry promptly to prevent swelling or cracking.

  • Oiled or wax-finished wood

    • Cleaning: wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners.
    • Re-oiling/refreshing: about every 3–6 months (more often in dry climates). Use a light coat of mineral oil or a dedicated food-safe wood oil; wipe off excess and let soak in.
    • Wax finishing: if you use a wax polish, buff lightly with a soft cloth to maintain luster.
    • Avoid soaking and harsh solvents.

  • Sealed, varnished, or lacquered wood

    • Cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed; dry promptly.
    • Maintenance: these finishes are more resistant to moisture but still avoid long water exposure or soaking.
    • Re-coating: if the finish looks dull or scratched, a light touch-up with the same type of sealant or a professional refinishing may be needed.
    • Avoid acetone, strong solvents, or abrasive pads that can dull the finish.

  • Painted or stained wood

    • Cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed; dry thoroughly.
    • Chipping or wear: minimal moisture is fine, but avoid scrubbing that could lift the paint or stain. Touch-ups or restoration may be needed if edges crack or peel.

Water, chemicals, and wear

  • Remove before swimming, bathing, showering, or heavy sweating to reduce moisture damage.
  • Avoid contact with perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and cleaning products that can break down finishes; apply products first and let them absorb before wearing.
  • Don’t use harsh solvents (acetone, bleach) on wood finishes.
  • Prolonged moisture or direct heat can cause warping or cracking; avoid steam or hot tubs.

Storage tips

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep pieces separate to prevent scratches; use soft pouches, a fabric jewelry box, or a padded tray.
  • If a piece has a painted or lacquered surface, store it away from sharp edges that could chip the finish.

Wearing care

  • Put on wood jewelry after applying cosmetics, sunscreen, or perfume to minimize chemical exposure.
  • If you’re active, consider removing wood pieces during workouts or heavy activity to avoid sweat exposure and impact.
  • Wipe metal parts with a dry cloth after wear to reduce tarnish or residue.

Quick do’s and don’ts

  • Do: wipe after wear, store properly, refresh oil or wax as needed (per finish), and handle gently.
  • Don’t: soak in water, expose to prolonged moisture or heat, use harsh cleaners or solvents, or scrub the surface.

Troubleshooting and signs it needs attention

  • Warping or cracking: often due to moisture swings; consider re-oiling or re-sealing and improving storage conditions.
  • Fading color or finish wear: reapply the appropriate finish (oil, wax, or sealant) following manufacturer recommendations; if severe, professional refinishing may help.
  • Sticking or looseness in joints: stop wearing and have a professional check for loose components or structural moisture damage.

Metal care

Care overview

  • Most metals are durable, but some tarnish, scratch, or wear the finish over time. How you clean and store them depends on the metal and whether the piece is solid or plated.
  • Gentle handling, regular wiping after wear, and proper storage go a long way.

Cleaning and maintenance (by material/finish)

  • Solid gold (including 10k, 14k, 18k) and solid palladium

    • Cleaning: mild soap and warm water; rinse and dry with a soft cloth. For spots, use a soft cloth or a silver/gold polishing cloth.
    • Maintenance: not prone to tarnish, but wipe often to remove oils. Avoid abrasive cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners that can loosen settings over time.
    • Storage: Store separately to avoid scratching.

  • Sterling silver (solid, not plated) and gold-clad finishes

    • Cleaning: Use a dedicated silver polishing cloth or mild soap and water. For tarnish, a silver polish or dips can work—follow product directions.
    • Storage: anti-tarnish pouches or a lined jewelry box; keep pieces dry and away from sulfur-containing materials (some plastics or paper can cause tarnish).

  • Gold-filled and gold vermeil (gold-plated over base metal)

    • Cleaning: mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
    • Maintenance: vermeil and some gold-filled pieces can wear the gold layer over time. If the plating looks worn, re-plating may be needed.
    • Storage: store separately and avoid friction against other metals.

  • Stainless steel

    • Cleaning: soap and water or a damp microfiber cloth; dry thoroughly.
    • Maintenance: very resistant to tarnish; avoid abrasive pads that could scratch. No special care needed beyond routine cleaning.
    • Storage: standard jewelry box or pouch.

  • Brass, copper, and bronze

    • Cleaning: these metals tarnish (develop a patina). For cleaning/polishing, you can use a gentle metal polish or a home solution like lemon juice or a baking soda paste. Rinse and dry well.
    • Maintenance: you can slow tarnish by applying a clear protective coating (lacquer) or a wax-based finish; reapply as needed.
    • Storage: keep dry; moisture accelerates tarnish.

  • Plated metals (base metal with a thin metal layer)

    • Cleaning: mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners.
    • Maintenance: plating can wear with time and exposure; handle gently and store separately to reduce rubbing.
    • When plating wears, consider re-plating or replacing the piece.

Water, chemicals, and wear

  • Remove before swimming, showering, or heavy sweating to minimize water exposure and chemical contact.
  • Avoid perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and household cleaners directly on jewelry; apply products first and let them absorb before wearing.
  • Don’t use acetone, bleach, or other strong solvents on metal finishes.
  • For stones or settings, avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless you’re sure the stone and setting can handle it.

Storage tips

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep pieces separate to prevent scratching; use a jewelry box with compartments, soft pouches, or a padded tray.
  • If you have plated pieces, wrapping in soft cloth or placing in a small pouch helps protect the finish.

Wearing care

  • Put on metal jewelry after applying cosmetics, perfume, or sunscreen to minimize chemical exposure.
  • If you’re active, consider removing metal pieces during workouts or when sweating heavily.
  • Wipe metal parts with a dry cloth after wear to reduce tarnish and residue.

Quick do’s and don’ts

  • Do: wipe after wear, store properly, and clean gently when needed.
  • Don’t: soak for long periods, scrub with abrasives, expose to harsh solvents, or spray cleaners directly on jewelry.

Troubleshooting and signs it needs attention

  • Tarnish that won’t wipe off: try a dedicated metal cleaner appropriate for the metal; if persistent, professional cleaning may help.
  • Scratches, dull finish, or discoloration: for solid metals, a professional polish can restore shine; for plating, wear may have exposed the base metal—replating or replacing might be needed.
  • Loose stones or clasps: stop wearing and have a jeweler inspect for security and moisture damage.