5 tips to care for your artisan jewelry

Artisan jewelry can be a beautiful sight to behold when you first buy or acquire the handmade jewelry pieces. However, that shine and eye-catching quality may fade over time. Without the proper care, you
may be wondering what to do with it, whether you can even sell it or just put it away for good. Well rest
assured, you can keep your jewels looking like new with these proper care tips.

Cleaning

Depending on the material, most artisan jewelry can be cleaned with mild soap and lukewarm water. The key is to rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials like rough sponges or coarse cloths such as paper towels. Also, keep in mind that soft stones may degrade over time if soaked, so be sure to just polish them clean without the use of any harsh chemical cleaners.

Storing

You may wear your handmade jewelry every day and take it off only momentarily (such as when sleeping), or you may have a few key pieces you only wear for special events. Either way, the way jewelry is stored can affect its longevity. Take care to lay pieces separately, so that you’re not scratching any soft surfaces by piling. Jewelry stored for a long period should be placed in a container away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Wearing

Worn pieces, from earrings to necklaces and everything in between, can be functional everyday items. However, practices you deem ordinary and inconsequential may degrade your handmade artisan jewelry quickly. Avoid washing your hands or applying lotions while wearing your jewels. Make sure any body surfaces it touches are clean and dry before donning. After all, your skin’s natural oils are enough for these baubles to endure.

Displaying

You may want to display your beautiful broaches or exquisite bracelets. Keep in mind that these stagnant pieces can be affected by the elements. While your hand-crafted sets may sparkle and shine in the sun, direct sunlight over long periods of time can weaken the materials and dull the colors. A display case out of the sun is your best bet to keep dust and other debris from collecting and aging your trinkets.

Maintaining

Any artisan jewelry that is kept over time will display some signs of diminished quality. Here is where maintenance is important. Aside from regular cleaning, other natural cleaners can be used every few months. This will keep corrosion or tarnish from building up. After your maintenance cleaning you can polish your metal or stones with a dry clean lint-free cloth.

Now that you know how to clean your handmade artisan jewelry, you can wear it, display it and even acquire more without worry. Adding a little extra care and appreciation can keep your jewels looking like the day they were crafted. We’re here to help you properly care for your artisan jewelry to enjoy for years to come!