Artisan Made Jewellery Requires Special Care

Handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces may be destined to become heirlooms, but only if they receive proper care. Beautifully crafted artisan made jewellery, set with beads, gemstones and pearls, is the perfect accessory for your own unique style. These tips will help you keep your silver chains, gemstone pendants, artisan-crafted earrings, bracelets, gemstone rings and other artisan jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you first put it on.

Handcrafted artisan made jewellery is generally more delicate than store-bought pieces, so don’t treat it like you do cheap pieces of costume jewelry. Keep in mind that soft metals and gemstones can be damaged by being banged against hard surfaces or being gouged by other hard items. That doesn’t mean you have to tiptoe around when you’re wearing it. It only means that you should take a few special measures to protect your artisan made jewellery both when you wear it and when you put it away. A little bit of care will ensure that your beautiful jewelry pieces will last for a lifetime.

Always put your jewelry on last, especially pieces, such as gemstone earrings and barrettes worn close to your face and hair. Apply your makeup and any hairspray or hair gel before you put on your jewelry – and let it dry before putting on your earrings or hairpieces to avoid getting harmful chemicals on the stones or metal.

Likewise, remove your jewelry before doing household tasks that might expose it to harsh cleaners or chemicals, and avoid immersing gemstone jewelry in water. Many gemstones can be softened, discolored or damaged by water or cleaning chemicals. For the same reason, don’t wear your gemstone jewelry in swimming, especially in salt water or in chlorinated pools, and take your jewelry pieces off before you shower or bathe.

Don’t wear your jewelry when you garden or do household tasks that might subject it to being banged or scratched against hard surfaces. Those knocks and bangs can gouge the metal or chip the stones.

When you remove your jewelry at the end of the day, wipe each piece gently with a cotton cloth to remove skin oils, make up and any stray dirt that might damage or discolor the stones and the finish of the metal. Wrap delicate pieces in soft cotton or acid-free paper before putting it away in a jewelry box away from the light, which can tarnish and discolor it.

Avoid storing artisan made jewellery in places where they will be subjected to extremes of heat or cold. Don’t put your jewelry box on a window sill, next to a heating vent or leave it in your car. Temperature extremes can cause gemstones to crack.

When storing necklaces of beads strung on silk, always store them flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching or knots from coming loose. Prevent tangles by wrapping chains and beads around a folded paper before tucking them into separate jewelry pouches or individual compartments in your jewelry box.

If you take the few extra minutes to care for your artisan made jewellery, you’ll be rewarded with years of compliments on its beauty when you wear it.