How to Care for Your Handcrafted Jewellery: Simple Tips for Long-Lasting Shine

Handcrafted jewellery is more than just an accessory—it’s a piece of art that carries the skill, creativity, and passion of its maker. Each ring, necklace, or bracelet is carefully designed, often with intricate detailing and delicate materials. Because of this, handcrafted pieces need a little extra love and attention to maintain their original beauty and sparkle. With the right handcrafted jewellery care routine, you can ensure your favourite pieces remain timeless treasures for years to come.

Understanding Why Handcrafted Jewellery Needs Special Care

Aarunya Ruby Regal Necklace Set — A Royal Masterpiece for Your Grandest Moments

Unlike mass-produced jewellery, handcrafted pieces are made using traditional techniques and often combine unique materials such as semi-precious stones, pearls, crystals, sterling silver, or brass. These materials can be sensitive to moisture, heat, and chemicals. That’s why jewellery care tips for handcrafted items focus on gentle cleaning and safe storage. By learning how to make jewellery last longer, you can protect your investment and preserve the craftsmanship behind each design.

1. Keep Your Jewellery Away from Chemicals

Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and even natural skin oils can dull the shine of your jewellery over time. The chemicals in these products can react with metals and stones, causing tarnishing or discolouration. To prevent this:

• Always put on your jewellery after applying beauty products.

• Remove jewellery before swimming, bathing, or using cleaning agents.

• Wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it to remove any residue.

Following these simple handcrafted jewellery care steps can prevent premature damage and keep your pieces looking radiant.

2. Gentle Cleaning Is Key

Handcrafted jewellery should always be cleaned delicately. Avoid using harsh commercial cleaners or abrasive cloths, as these can scratch or damage delicate surfaces. Instead, use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean metal and stone pieces.

Steps for cleaning:

• Mix a small amount of mild soap with water.
• Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution.
• Gently clean the piece, avoiding vigorous scrubbing.
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

For silver jewellery, use a special silver polishing cloth to restore shine. Avoid soaking porous stones like turquoise or pearls, as they can absorb moisture and become dull. Regular, careful cleaning is one of the most effective jewellery care tips to keep your collection looking its best.

Regal Raga Meenakari Earrings — Hand-Painted Heritage, Modern Elegance.

3. The Best Way to Store Jewellery

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Knowing the best way to store jewellery can prevent tangling, scratching, and tarnishing.

Here’s how to store your handcrafted pieces safely:

• Use separate compartments: Store each item individually in soft pouches or lined boxes to prevent them from scratching each other.

• Keep away from sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or humidity can fade stones and damage metal finishes.

• Avoid damp areas: Moisture can lead to tarnishing or corrosion, especially in silver or brass jewellery.

• Hang delicate chains: This prevents knots and tangles, particularly for necklaces and bracelets.

If you travel frequently, invest in a travel-friendly jewellery case with padded compartments to keep everything organised and protected.

More related Blog: Festive Jewellery Care Tips: Keep Your Pieces Sparkling Season After Season

4. Regular Maintenance for Long-Lasting Shine

Routine maintenance is the secret to how to make jewellery last longer. Inspect your pieces regularly for any loose clasps, missing stones, or weakened links. If you notice any damage, take the jewellery to a professional for repair rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

Also, consider rotating your jewellery—don’t wear the same pieces every day. This reduces wear and tear and allows each item time to “rest” between uses.

Heritage Jhumka with Ear Chain — A Bridal Classic Reimagined.

5. Seasonal Jewellery Care Tips

Weather changes can also affect your jewellery. During summer, humidity and sweat can cause tarnishing, while in winter, dry air can make metals brittle. Adjust your handcrafted jewellery care routine with the seasons:

• In summer: Clean pieces more frequently and store them in cool, dry places.

• In winter: Use anti-tarnish strips in storage boxes and keep jewellery away from heaters.

By adapting your care habits, you’ll protect your jewellery from environmental damage throughout the year.

6. Avoid Wearing Jewellery During Physical Activities

Even the most durable handcrafted pieces aren’t meant for rigorous activity. Always remove your jewellery before exercising, gardening, or cooking. Physical movement can cause accidental knocks, leading to dents or scratches. Sweat can also accelerate tarnishing and affect the longevity of materials like silver or gold plating.

A good jewellery care tip is to create a habit of removing all accessories before engaging in such activities, store them in a designated safe spot to avoid misplacement.

Nayantara Kundan Pearl Ring — Heritage Craftsmanship, Modern Grace.

7. Store by Metal Type

Different metals require different storage conditions. Keeping all metals together can sometimes cause chemical reactions, especially in humid environments. For example, silver may tarnish faster when stored with other metals. To follow the best way to store jewellery, separate items based on their material:

• Silver jewellery should be kept in anti-tarnish bags.

• Gold pieces can be wrapped in soft cloth.

• Costume or fashion jewellery should be stored in airtight containers to reduce oxidation.

This simple method helps preserve the natural lustre of each metal type.

8. Polishing and Professional Cleaning

Even with regular care, jewellery can lose its sparkle over time. Professional cleaning once or twice a year can help restore brilliance, especially for intricate designs with tiny details. Jewellery experts use ultrasonic machines or gentle polishing techniques suitable for handcrafted pieces.

However, avoid over-polishing as this can thin metal plating or remove delicate finishes. Always consult the maker’s care guide if you’re unsure..

Emerald Starlight Set — Bold Emerald Beauty, Crafted to Dazzle.

9. Embrace a Routine of Care and Appreciation

The essence of handcrafted jewellery care lies in treating each piece with respect. Handcrafted items are often heirloom-quality treasures meant to be cherished. By following these easy steps—cleaning gently, storing carefully, and handling with attention—you ensure that your jewellery remains a symbol of elegance for years to come.

Kare Kraft: Your Partner in Timeless Jewellery Care

Divya Gajmukhi Heritage Set — A Divine Blend of Art, Culture & Royal Elegance.

At Kare Kraft, each handcrafted piece is designed with precision, passion, and purpose. To ensure that your jewellery remains as stunning as the day you received it, follow these handcrafted jewellery care practices regularly. Kare Kraft’s commitment to quality craftsmanship means your treasures are built to last—but a little care from you ensures they shine beautifully for generations.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my handcrafted jewellery?

Clean your jewellery every few weeks or whenever it appears dull. Wiping it after each wear also helps prevent build-up from oils or dirt.

2. Can I use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery?

It’s best to avoid toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the surface. Use a silver polishing cloth or mild soap instead.

3. What’s the best way to store jewellery at home?

The best way to store jewellery is in a dry, dark place inside individual pouches or compartments. Keep each piece separate to prevent scratches.

4. How can I stop my jewellery from tarnishing?

Keep jewellery away from moisture, chemicals, and direct sunlight. Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your storage boxes.

5. Why does my handcrafted jewellery lose shine over time?

Natural exposure to air, sweat, and oils causes metals to oxidise. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help maintain its shine.