Caring for your Handmade Gemstone Jewellery

Handmade Gemstone jewellery is a stunning addition to any collection. Caring for these precious pieces is essential to guarantee their beauty and longevity. Whether you’re a jewellery enthusiast or a Relax n Craft subscriber, follow proper care tips. This can keep your creations looking their best for years to come. General Tips for Caring for […]

January 20, 2025

Handmade Gemstone jewellery is a stunning addition to any collection. Caring for these precious pieces is essential to guarantee their beauty and longevity. Whether you’re a jewellery enthusiast or a Relax n Craft subscriber, follow proper care tips. This can keep your creations looking their best for years to come.

General Tips for Caring for Handmade Gemstone Jewellery

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Perfumes, hairsprays, and cleaning agents can damage gemstones and metal settings. Always put your jewellery on after applying these products.

Regular Cleaning: Gently clean your jewellery with a soft cloth or a recommended cleaning product to remove dirt and oils.

Remove Before Activities: Take off your jewellery before swimming. Remove it before exercising or engaging in household chores. This helps to avoid exposure to sweat, chlorine, or abrasives.

Store Carefully: Proper storage is vital to prevent scratches and tarnish.

Caring for Specific Gemstones

Certain gemstones need extra care due to their unique properties:

  • Pearls: Soft and porous, pearls can be easily scratched. Clean them with a damp cloth and avoid submerging them in water. Always store them separately in a soft pouch or tissue paper.
  • Opals: Known for their delicate nature, opals can crack if exposed to extreme temperatures or dry environments. Store them in a slightly humid environment and away from direct sunlight.
  • Emeralds: These stones often contain natural inclusions, making them more susceptible to damage. Clean with a soft, damp cloth and avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Turquoise: Porous and sensitive to chemicals, turquoise should be kept away from perfumes and cleaning agents. Store it in a cool, dry place.
  • Amethyst: This quartz variety can fade with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Clean with warm, soapy water and store away from bright light.
  • Garnet: While generally durable, garnets can chip under impact. Use a soft cloth for cleaning and avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Topaz: Topaz can fade when exposed to prolonged heat or light. Clean with mild soap and water, and store in a padded box or bag.
  • Aquamarine: Avoid exposing aquamarine to high heat or harsh chemicals. Clean with warm water and a soft brush, and store in a cushioned pouch.
  • Citrine: Like amethyst, citrine is susceptible to fading in sunlight. Clean with a damp cloth and keep it away from prolonged exposure to UV light.
  • Ruby and Sapphire: Durable yet valuable, these stones can be cleaned with mild soapy water. Avoid harsh abrasives that might scratch the surface.
  • Spinel: Spinel is relatively hard and durable. It should still be cleaned with care using warm, soapy water. Store it separately to prevent scratching.

It’s not just the gemstones it’s the metal as well

Caring for Metal Settings

  • Plated Metals: Avoid abrasive cleaning techniques to preserve the plating. Use a gentle cleaning solution and soft cloth.
  • Precious Metals (Silver, Gold, Platinum): Use specialised cleaning products like those from Town Talk, which Relax n Craft highly recommends. These products are safe and effective for maintaining the shine of your jewellery.
  • Bare Copper: Bare copper can develop a natural patina over time. If you prefer a polished look, use a soft cloth for cleaning. Apply a copper cleaning solution. You can also use lemon juice and water. Store in an airtight bag to minimise tarnishing.

Lets not forget our beautiful jewellery made with Silks and Cords

Caring for Jewellery with Cords or Silk

Jewellery featuring cords or silk requires specific care:

  • Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure: Water can weaken or damage cords and silk. Remove such jewellery before bathing or swimming.
  • Gentle Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to wipe cords or silk components, avoiding harsh chemicals.
  • Proper Storage: Store pieces flat or gently coiled to prevent tangling or kinking of the cords. Use tissue paper or organza bags to give additional protection.

Storage Solutions for Handmade Gemstone Jewellery

Proper storage is key to preserving the condition of your jewellery. At Relax n Craft, we thoughtfully package all items in our subscription boxes. We use grip-seal bags, tissue paper, and organza bags. Here’s how you can use these items:

  • Grip-Seal Bags: Prevent tarnish and scratches by keeping your pieces in airtight bags.
  • Tissue Paper: Wrap delicate items to give an extra layer of protection.
  • Organza Bags: Perfect for gifting and adding a decorative touch while protecting your jewellery.

By reusing these items from your Relax n Craft subscription box, you can store your jewellery safely and sustainably.

Precautions When Wearing Handmade Gemstone Jewellery

To keep your pieces in top condition, consider the next precautions:

  • Avoid Water Exposure: Many gemstones, including turquoise and opals, can be damaged by water.
  • Be Mindful of Impact: Gemstones like emeralds and opals are prone to chipping, so avoid wearing them during physical activities.
  • Layering with Care: When stacking or layering jewellery, make sure the pieces don’t scratch each other.

If you are selling or gifting your handmade pieces of Gemstone Jewellery, consider adding a care card. It can be included with the item. Here is an example of what you can put on it

Handmade Gemstone Jewellery Care Instructions

Thank you for choosing this handmade gemstone jewellery! To keep it looking beautiful:

  1. Avoid exposing your jewellery to chemicals, water, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight.
  2. Clean gently using a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt.
  3. Store your jewellery individually in the provided grip-seal bag or wrapped in tissue paper to prevent scratches and tarnish.
  4. For pieces featuring cords or silk, store them flat or coiled gently to avoid tangling or damage.

We recommend Town Talk jewellery cleaning products for safe and effective care.

Enjoy your beautiful piece!

Which jewellery cleaner is best?

With so many cleaners on the market you have a choice when it comes to jewellery cleaners. Here at Relax n Craft we use Town Talk jewellery cleaning products for their reliability and effectiveness. From polishing cloths to specialised cleaners, these products are ideal for maintaining both gemstones and metal settings.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog on caring for your beautiful handmade Gemstone Jewellery, If you are looking to make more jewellery or even have a go at your first project don’t forget to check out the Jewellery making kits on the website

Don’t forget to check out the latest tutorial on YouTube as well

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