Five rules cover ninety percent of jewelry care, whatever the material. The per-material guides below handle the rest.
The Five Rules
- No soaking. Water is the enemy of cord, elastic, wood, bone, clay, and pearl alike: a damp cloth for cleaning, always dried after.
- No chemicals. Perfume, lotion, household cleaners, and ultrasonic machines are where most pieces meet their end. Jewelry goes on last, comes off first.
- Off for shower, gym, and sleep. Ten seconds either way is the cheapest care there is. Cords and elastic especially live years longer for it.
- Pouch, not pile. Pieces stored touching each other scratch. Hard scratches soft. One pouch per piece (see Storing Jewelry).
- Patina is history. Darkening, warming, softening: most of what looks like "wear" in this catalog is the piece becoming yours. Don't polish it away chasing factory-new (see Caring for Amber for the philosophy in one line).
By Material
- Amber & pearls: Caring for Amber · Pearl (care section): no heat, no chemicals, patina is good.
- Agar wood & sandalwood: Caring for Agar Wood: Scent revival, moisture balance, never bottled oil on sandalwood.
- Bone, wood & seeds: Caring for Bone & Wood: Hand oils are the maintenance program.
- Stone, glass & ceramic: the toughest family. Still no knocks, no chemicals. jade and Caring for Bone & Wood sections carry the specifics.
- Iron: Tibetan Iron Beads: The rust rule.
- Metal findings: Sensitive Skin & Metals: Tarnish is normal, oxidation marks wash off.
When Something Goes Wrong
Cord loosening, inlay lifting, a bead chipped in a fall: contact us before improvising. Restringing, re-seating, and repair questions are routine, and the right fix first beats the wrong fix fast. (And please, no superglue. Ever. We can tell.)
Related: Storing Jewelry · Bracelets · Our Materials Sourcing