"How to Care for your Jewelry" (Part 1 of 3)

There is a lot of advice out there on how to care for your jewelry. In this post, I will concentrate mostly on handcrafted jewelry--obviously that is what I make. Many of these thoughts can be applied to most bridge and/or fine jewelry as well. It's up to you, as the carer, to come up with a routine that you can live with and that will keep your jewelry looking as good as the day you bought it.

"Handle with Care"

1. Don't put any jewelry with pearls in ziploc bags. Pearls need to breath, otherwise the nacre becomes dehydrated and can crack. The natural oils in your skin will help to keep them lubricated and lustrous. Wear them often--they will last much longer.

2. Put your jewelry on last. When you are getting ready for work, after you've showered, plut on lotion, applied your makeup, doused yourself in perfume, spritzed your fluffy coif, and sprayed on your deodorant...THEN put your jewelry on. There are many chemicals in our primping products that can be harsh on your jewelry's metals, gemstones, and pearls. Doing this will also make sure that you don't snag your jewelry on your favorite blouse or scarf.

3. Take off your jewelry first. After you've come home from work, from a great date, from a night out w/ the girls, take your jewelry off first. I've heard many a story when someone came home at the wee hours of the morning, and jumped right into the shower and then into bed. Earrings and necklaces can get really tangled in hair when you sleep, and even more tangled in WET hair when you sleep. Wearing your handcrafted jewelry in the shower will surely wreck them. Take care in the investment of your handcrafted accessories and they will return the favor by gracing you with years (even decades) of usage.

Please email me if you any questions or concerns about caring for your jewelry. Stay tuned for "Storing Your Jewelry" and "Cleaning and/or Polishing Your Jewelry."

Malama pono (take care)...