How to Care for Your Handcrafted Jewellery (and Keep It Looking Beautiful)

There's something truly special about wearing a piece of jewellery that was made by hand — each bead placed with intention, each wire wrap shaped with care. Handcrafted jewellery deserves a little extra love to keep it looking its best, and the good news is that caring for it is simpler than you might think.

Whether you're new to natural gemstones or you've been collecting freshwater pearl pieces for years, this guide covers everything you need to know about handcrafted jewellery care.

General Handcrafted Jewellery Care Rules

Before we dive into material-specific tips, here are the golden rules that apply to all handcrafted pieces:

• Remove before water exposure. Showering, swimming, washing dishes — water is the enemy of most handcrafted jewellery. Moisture can weaken wire wraps, dull gemstones, and cause metal components to tarnish.
• Apply perfume and lotions first. Chemicals in beauty products can damage delicate materials. Always put your jewellery on last.
• Store pieces individually. Tangling and scratching are the most common causes of damage. Use a jewellery box with separate compartments, or wrap pieces in soft cloth pouches.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Prolonged UV exposure can fade gemstone colours and dry out natural materials like pearls.

How to Care for Glass Bead Jewellery

Millefiori and other glass bead jewellery is surprisingly resilient, but it still needs a little attention.

Cleaning: Wipe glass beads gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking or submerging — water can seep into the stringing material and weaken it over time.

Storage: Store flat or hanging to prevent beads from pressing against each other. A padded jewellery roll works beautifully for necklaces and bracelets.

What to avoid: Harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive cloths. These can scratch the surface or damage the intricate patterns that make Millefiori glass so distinctive.

How to Care for Gemstone Jewellery (Onyx, Agate & Peridot)

Natural gemstones like onyx, agate, and peridot each have their own personality — and their own care needs.

Onyx is a relatively hard stone, but it can still scratch and chip. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove oils and dust. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can cause the deep black colour to fade over time.

Agate is porous and can absorb chemicals, so keep it away from perfumes, hairspray, and cleaning products. Clean with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately.

Peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and acidic substances. Never use steam cleaners or harsh chemicals. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is all it needs.

General gemstone tip: When in doubt, a dry or barely damp soft cloth is always the safest option for how to care for gemstone jewellery.

How to Care for Freshwater Pearl Jewellery

Pearls are organic gems — they're formed by living creatures — which makes them uniquely beautiful and uniquely delicate.

• Wipe after every wear. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove skin oils and perspiration. This single habit will dramatically extend the life of your pearls.
• Never submerge in water. Water weakens the silk thread used in pearl stringing and can cause the nacre (the lustrous outer layer) to deteriorate.
• Store flat. Unlike other jewellery, pearl necklaces should be stored lying flat rather than hanging, to prevent the thread from stretching.
• Let them breathe. Pearls need a little humidity to stay lustrous — avoid storing them in airtight plastic bags for long periods.
• Restring periodically. If you wear your pearl pieces regularly, have them restrung every year or two to prevent breakage.

How to Care for Wire-Wrapped Jewellery

Wire-wrapped pieces are one of the most intricate forms of handcrafted jewellery — and one of the most rewarding to wear. Here's how to keep them in top shape:

Handle with care. The wraps can be bent or distorted if snagged on clothing or pulled. Put on wire-wrapped rings and pendants gently, and remove them carefully.

Avoid moisture. Water accelerates tarnishing on copper and silver wire. Remove wire-wrapped pieces before washing hands, swimming, or exercising.

Polishing: Use a jewellery polishing cloth to restore shine to tarnished wire. For intricate wraps, a soft toothbrush with a tiny amount of mild soap can reach into crevices — just rinse quickly and dry thoroughly.

Storage: Keep wire-wrapped pieces in individual zip-lock bags or soft pouches to prevent scratching and tangling with other jewellery.

Storing Your Sassy Pieces the Right Way

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. For more detailed guidance tailored specifically to your Sassy by Sharmin Aziz pieces, visit our Caring for Your Sassy Pieces page — it covers everything from travel storage tips to long-term care for your favourite designs.

A few quick storage wins:

• Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box to slow oxidation
• Keep silica gel packets in your storage area to control humidity
• Avoid storing jewellery in bathrooms where steam and moisture are constant

When to Give Your Jewellery a Rest

Even the most durable handcrafted pieces benefit from a break. Take your jewellery off before:

• Exercise or sport
• Sleeping (especially wire-wrapped and beaded pieces)
• Household cleaning
• Swimming or bathing
• Applying skincare, makeup, or hairspray

Shop Handcrafted Jewellery Made to Last

At Sassy by Sharmin Aziz, every piece is handcrafted with care using natural gemstones, freshwater pearls, Millefiori glass beads, and wire-wrapped designs. When you invest in handcrafted jewellery, you're not just buying an accessory — you're wearing a piece of art.

Explore the Sassy Collection →

With the right care, your Sassy pieces will stay beautiful for years to come — and maybe even become heirlooms worth passing on.