Jewelry is more than just an accessory; it is a reflection of personal style, creativity, and often, sentiment. At From Pepper Parham Closet, each piece of jewelry is crafted with passion, care, and a love for intricate details. Whether you’re the proud owner of a unique handmade creation or a designer piece from my personal collection, proper care ensures longevity and keeps your treasures shining bright for years to come. Here are some valuable tips on how to take care of your handmade jewelry to keep it looking as stunning as the day you received it.
1. Keep Your Jewelry Clean and Dry
One of the simplest and most effective ways to preserve the life of your handmade jewelry is to keep it clean and dry. Moisture, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your jewelry, dulling its shine over time. Always remove your jewelry before washing your hands, swimming, or exercising. Water, chemicals, and salt can all cause harm to delicate metals and gemstones.
For regular cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or oils that may have built up. If necessary, you can gently clean your jewelry with mild soap and water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before wearing it again.
2. Store Jewelry Properly
The way you store your handmade jewelry can significantly impact its longevity. Over time, jewelry can become scratched, tarnished, or damaged if it’s stored carelessly. To keep your pieces safe:
- Store each piece of jewelry separately, especially if you own a variety of delicate items. This will prevent them from tangling or scratching against each other.
- Use soft pouches, lined boxes, or jewelry rolls to keep your pieces safe from dust and damage. I personally love using soft cloth bags that prevent scratches while providing gentle protection.
- For pieces made from precious metals like sterling silver, consider using anti-tarnish pouches or cloths to help maintain their shine.
3. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Jewelry is best kept away from strong chemicals like perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and household cleaners. These substances can cause discoloration, tarnishing, and weakening of the metal. When applying makeup, hair products, or lotion, be sure to wait until they’ve fully absorbed before putting on your jewelry.
Even natural substances like oils from your skin can build up over time. That’s why regular cleaning and proper care are essential to preserve the sparkle of your jewelry.
4. Take Extra Care with Gemstones
Handmade jewelry often features gemstones, which can be quite delicate. While stones like diamonds are known for their durability, softer stones like opals, pearls, and turquoise require extra care. Here’s how to protect your gemstones:
- Avoid wearing jewelry with gemstones when doing activities that may expose them to heavy impact, such as exercising or working with your hands.
- Clean gemstone jewelry with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. If your stones are set in delicate settings, be cautious when cleaning to prevent loosening or damaging the stone.
- For jewelry with pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils and dirt. Avoid using harsh cleaners or chemicals on pearls.
5. Be Mindful of Wearing Jewelry During Certain Activities
When it comes to protecting your jewelry, common sense plays a big role. While it’s tempting to wear your favorite pieces everywhere, certain activities can lead to unintentional damage. Here are a few things to consider:
- Sleeping: Avoid sleeping with your jewelry on, especially if it features delicate stones or intricate settings. The constant movement can cause wear and tear.
- Sports & Workouts: Take your jewelry off before engaging in physical activities, as sweat, friction, and impact can damage it. Jewelry may also get caught in gym equipment, posing a risk to both your piece and your safety.
- Gardening or Cleaning: Always remove jewelry before working with dirt, soil, or cleaning agents. Chemicals and physical activity can lead to scratches, tarnishing, or loosening stones.
6. Polish Your Jewelry Regularly
If you’ve purchased unique jewelry & accessories from From Pepper Parham Closet, you’ll want to keep them looking polished. Regular polishing will help maintain the brilliance of your jewelry and prevent it from losing its shine.
For metal jewelry, a polishing cloth designed for the specific type of metal can make a noticeable difference. For sterling silver, gold, or brass, use a special jewelry cloth to restore its natural luster. Avoid using rough materials like paper towels, as they can scratch the surface.
7. Have Your Jewelry Professionally Inspected
If you’re wearing a piece of handmade jewelry frequently, it’s a good idea to have it professionally inspected on occasion. A jeweler can check the settings, clasps, and other important areas to ensure everything is secure. This can prevent any potential damage from going unnoticed, such as loose stones or weakened clasps.
This is especially important for rings, necklaces, and bracelets that are worn daily. Regular checkups help ensure that your jewelry remains in good condition and that you’ll be able to continue enjoying it for years to come.
8. Be Gentle with Your Jewelry
One of the most important aspects of caring for your handmade jewelry is to be gentle with it. Avoid dropping or forcing your jewelry into tight spaces. Handmade pieces, especially those with intricate designs, can be more delicate than mass-produced jewelry, and rough handling can result in damage.
Treat each piece with the same care you would treat any precious item, and always handle it with clean, dry hands to prevent oils or dirt from transferring to the jewelry.
9. Restring or Repair When Necessary
If your handmade jewelry includes beads, chains, or other elements that can wear down over time, make sure to restring or repair them when necessary. A broken chain or loose bead can easily be fixed by a professional, and timely repairs can ensure your favorite pieces are safe to wear for years to come.
At From Pepper Parham Closet, I pride myself on the quality and craftsmanship of each piece, but sometimes repairs are needed, especially after long-term wear. Always take care to get repairs done before the problem worsens.
Conclusion
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but taking the time to care for it will ensure that it lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s a unique piece you’ve picked out from From Pepper Parham Closet or a precious item passed down through generations, proper care makes all the difference.
By following these tips on cleaning, storing, and maintaining your jewelry, you’ll be able to keep your pieces looking as stunning as the day you first got them. Remember, jewelry isn’t just about fashion—it’s about preserving memories, and with the right care, your jewelry can continue telling your story for many years to come.
Feel free to reach out if you need more advice or help with any repairs or cleaning tips for your unique jewelry & accessories!
