So you have looked all over the world, internet, craft fair, festival, and scoured different boutiques and flea markets and found the perfect pieces of handmade jewelry to wear.
These are perfect for your wardrobe because of color, length, or maybe it just goes with one particular outfit perfectly. In any case, you want to make sure that it stays looking like the first day you got it, and last for many years to come.
If you want to keep your handmade treasures looking like new, then here are a few tips and tricks that will help you to do so.
Because the gemstones you purchased can be damaged by rough use, it is recommended that care is taken so that the life and the quality of the stones be maintained. Proper care, storing and cleaning will prolong their life and beauty.
Storing your jewelry:
Keep necklaces from being tangled by hanging them in a jewelry box or on a jewelry organizer or even on a hook.
Earrings can be hung on an earring stand or even the edge of a cute cup, mug or another makeshift earring stand that will prevent them from being scratched, tangled or otherwise ruined.
Rings should be in a jewelry box or drawer not in a bowl or baskets don’t throw them in the top of a drawer or in a basket to get tangled. This will scratch, ding and even tangle them.
Silver jewelry must be kept sealed when not worn in a box or sealed container even a plastic ziplock bag (with all the air pushed out) would do. This prevents it from receiving air and moisture which induces tarnishing.
Cleaning your Handmade Baubles:
Always use a cleaner meant for the item you are cleaning, this is a great rule to go by. Gold cleaners for gold silver for silver, and so on. Gemstones and beads are a bit different, and harsh cleaners that are used for metal can damage them and they will lose their luster or shine. A cleaning/polishing cloth in its dry state is usually enough to clean and polish your jewelry. We recommend doing this when you remove your jewelry to keep it clean. DO NOT! Steam, boil or place your handmade jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. DO! Use a damp (never wet) or dry soft, clean, lint-free cloth, Chamois or Microfiber cloth to clean and polish.
Be careful not to get oils or silver polish on them.
Protecting your Handmade Jewelry:
Before your jewelry gets damaged or dirty, here is how you make sure it has a longer life. Don’t wear handmade jewelry while swimming, sunbathing, or while doing something that is going to have you sweating very much. Don’t wear your handmade items while cleaning with harsh chemicals. Put your make up and perfume on before putting on your jewelry!
Remove your Jewelry before doing any heavy lifting bracelets can get snagged handmade wire rings can get bent. If you are unsure take it off so you don’t have a broken piece of jewelry.
If you would like to know more about the gemstones and items we use in making our handmade items and jewelry, please take a look at Gemstone Description page.
