How to Care for Your Handmade Jewellery?

Handcrafted jewelry is more than just an accessory; it is a delicate, artistic expression created with care and intention. Proper care ensures its beauty and value last a lifetime. Whether you're new to artisan pieces or looking to improve your care routine, this blog post will focus on caring for your accessories, helping you understand how to maintain their art-like form. 

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Why Handmade Jewellery Needs Special Care

Every piece of handmade jewelry is unique, unlike machine-made chains, bracelets, and earrings. Each handcrafted item has a laborious and dedicated origin that expresses the artist's heart through it. Although they require a bit of extra care, fewer treatments and a lot more tender handling are necessary.

1. Sensitive Nature of Materials

The artistry requires painstakingly detailed soldering, beading, and delicate wire work, which can easily break with frequent rough handling. This also makes it delicate compared to machine-made pieces. The materials it utilizes—raw and semi-precious sterling silver, copper, brass, and gemstones—are highly at risk of tarnishing, damage, and harm from moisture, chemicals, and pollution exposure.

2. Delicacy of Construction Techniques

Housings, which make intricate designs easier to perform, and settings that work without external help are all vulnerable to wear and tear. This kind of construction makes it more malleable yet susceptible to scratches.

3. Invaluable Unique Designs 

Each piece is intricately crafted by hand, meaning each has unique details. Loss or damage to such pieces can be daunting and sometimes impossible. Preserving these ornaments can require individual aid to maintain their value from damage.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Jewellery Looking New  

Following a particular routine is one of the best ways to protect your handmade jewellery from wear and tear. Adding daily tasks for protection is a proactive step towards ensuring longevity. 

1. Take Off Jewellery Before Showering or Swimming  

Chlorinated or saltwater can tarnish metals, and water exposure can loosen adhesives. Hence, it’s best to remove jewellery pieces before swimming. This precaution ensures your jewellery remains intact.

2. Avoid Contact with Lotions and Perfumes  

Lotions and perfumes contain chemicals that can damage metals and stones. If you want to keep jewelry in perfect condition, leave it for the last time to wear after using lotions and perfumes.

3. Take Off Pieces Before Bed  

Sleeping with pieces on increases the risk of snagging, bending, and pressure. To prevent putting excess strain on them, store jewels overnight.

4. Rotate Pieces to Minimize Wear  

Wearing the same shiny piece daily can cause it to wear out and lose its sparkle. Rotate among different pieces to prevent straining any individual piece. 

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Cleaning Handmade Jewellery Without Damage  

Cleaning handmade jewelry should be done with utmost care, as improper methods can cause irreversible damage, no matter how much shine is maintained.

1. Soak in a Warm Soapy Bath

A soft, non-abrasive soap mixed in lukewarm water will clean your jewellery. Soak the item and wipe the top with a soft cloth. Do not soak porous gemstones such as turquoise or opals.

2. Soft Brushes for Intricate Areas

For fine details or parts underneath the settings, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be gentle to avoid scratches on softer pieces and the loss of stones.

3. Dry Thoroughly Before Storing

When cleaning, gently pat your handmade jewelry dry with a lint-free cloth. Be sure all moisture has evaporated before storing it to avoid tarnishing or mold.

Tips on Avoiding Tarnishing and Scratching  

Storage is the essence of keeping the shape and look of handmade jewelry. This is a guide on what you should do to keep your collection in a good state.

1. Proper Storage Boxes

Put each jewel in a soft pouch or box so that you cannot only keep it in order and not see the scratches, especially when it is placed next to other jewelry, but also easily find it. Fabric containers are perfect for protecting the surfaces of things that are more prone to damage.

2. Usage of Anti-Tarnish Materials

In your storage, use anti-tarnish strips that become saturated with moisture, and chemicals that oxidize metal jewellery.

3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place 

Keep handmade jewellery away from direct light and humidity. Drawers and cupboards are usually much safer than bathroom sills and windows. 

4. Avoid Plastic Bags 

Although plastic bags may seem helpful, they can trap moisture and release tarnishing chemicals. For long-term storage, avoiding them and using breathable materials is best. 

5. Hang Necklaces To Prevent Tangles

Fasten hooks to hold handmade necklaces to avoid knots. This is especially helpful for delicate pieces with thin chains or beading and those prone to tangling. 

Some Key Mistakes When Caring for Artisan Products 

Every piece of jewelry can become a family heirloom, but even with the best intentions, some actions can be extremely careless. Avoid these mistakes to keep each piece in pristine condition: 

1. Over-Cleaning or Using Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals and extreme cleaning can break soft stones, corrode metals, or damage the softest stone finishes. A gentler approach is more effective. Clean only when needed. 

2. Not Addressing the Early Signs of Wear 

Ignoring loose clasps or overtly discolored metal will lead to small problems worsening. When left unattended, these minor issues will render a piece unusable.

3. Wearing During Physical Activity

Exercising, gardening, and even house chores can expose your jewelry to dirt, sweat, or impacts. Always take off artisan pieces before participating in any such activities.

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Conclusion

Caring for your handmade jewelry is something different and requires a special and continuous effort. Not only the way you wear your jewelry, but also your storage habits, all contribute to saving the beauty and life of good artisanal pieces. Good care ensures that the jewelry will be kept in your collection for years and will look good.