How to Care for Handmade Jewelry

Table of Contents

How to Care for Handmade Jewelry

Preserve the craftsmanship—simple rituals that make beauty last

Handmade jewelry is a conversation between material and maker. Each Luméa piece passes through many expert hands—designers, metalsmiths, setters, and finishers—before it reaches yours. Caring for it well is not complicated; it’s consistent. With a few thoughtful habits, you’ll protect your investment and keep your pieces luminous for years.

Wear with intention

Jewelry is made to be worn, not worried over—but context matters. Remove rings before weightlifting, gardening, or abrasive household tasks. Take off bracelets and watches at the keyboard to avoid micro-scratches. Lotions, sunscreen, and perfume can leave films that dull gems; apply beauty products first, allow them to set, then put on your jewelry as a final polish to your look.

Cleaning: gentle and regular

For most diamonds, sapphires, and rubies set in solid gold or platinum, a weekly warm-water soak with a drop of mild dish soap is sufficient. Use a soft, clean brush to reach under stone seats, rinse thoroughly, then pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic machines for softer stones (emerald, opal, turquoise), pearls, or enamel—leave those to professionals.

Storage: protect from friction, humidity, and tangles

Store pieces individually in soft pouches or lined compartments. Chains should be clasped to prevent knots; pearls prefer a breathable pouch (never sealed plastic). Keep silver in an anti-tarnish environment and wipe after wear; gold resists tarnish but appreciates an occasional polish cloth to maintain sheen.

Metal-specific notes

  • Gold & Platinum: Durable, ideal for daily wear. Hairline scratches are normal and can be professionally re-finished.
  • Sterling Silver: Beautiful but reactive; minimize exposure to sulfur (rubber bands, some papers). Wear it often—use keeps tarnish at bay.
  • Gold Vermeil: Thick gold over sterling; treat gently, avoid abrasives, and remove before swimming or showering.

Gem-specific care

  • Emeralds: Often oil-treated; avoid harsh cleaners and ultrasonic machines.
  • Opals & Moonstones: Sensitive to rapid temperature shifts; store softly and avoid prolonged dry heat.
  • Pearls: Organic and porous; wipe with a damp cloth after wear and restring periodically if worn often.
  • Porous stones (turquoise, lapis): Keep away from oils and chemicals.

Professional checkups

Annual inspections safeguard settings and clasps. At Luméa, our care service includes prong tightening, stone security checks, ultrasonic or steam cleaning (where appropriate), and a finish refresh. We also offer pearl restringing and bracelet/necklace adjustment to ensure perfect drape.

Travel smart

Carry jewelry in your personal item, not checked luggage. Use a compact organizer with separate compartments. For hotel stays, use the room safe; when in transit, resist wearing multiple rings stacked—your hands swell and contract, and stacks are easier to snag.

Build a care ritual

Create a simple ritual by your mirror: a soft tray, a polishing cloth, and a lidded dish for delicate studs. When you treat your pieces with the same artistry with which they were made, they remain vivid.

Table of Contents

We’d love to hear from you!

Related Post

Simple but essential care tips to keep your jewelry shining for years to come.
Simple but essential care tips to keep your jewelry shining for years to come.
Simple but essential care tips to keep your jewelry shining for years to come.

Need Help?

Hire Us

Mail Us

Let’s Talk