If you're a fan of beaded gemstone jewellery, you know it's more than just an accessory - it's a work of art that's lovingly crafted by hand. To make sure it stays beautiful for as long as possible, it's important to treat it with care. With a little bit of love and attention, you can keep your jewellery shiny and prevent tangles or breakage, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Caring for your beaded jewellery is essential to extend its life and maintain its value. Here are the important factors you need to know in properly caring for your beaded jewellery.
1. Understand the Nature of Natural Gemstones and Pearls
Beaded pieces of jewellery are commonly made from natural gemstones or pearls. Each jewellery item is special since it is fashioned with natural gemstones and pearls with distinct features.
Natural Gemstones
Gemstones come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Interestingly, these colours and patterns come from the crystal's imperfections, giving them character and making them unique. Some natural gemstones commonly used in creating beaded jewellery are emerald, agate, jade, obsidian, lapis lazuli, and sunstone.
Natural Pearls
One thing that sets pearls apart from other gemstones is that they are the only ones produced by living organisms. And unlike gemstone beads which are cut into shape by man, pearls naturally come in organic shapes and sizes. It is known for its timeless elegance, as it has a stunning lustre and natural beauty that stands the test of time.
Gemstones have varying levels of hardness, which determine their durability. The Moh's grade scale is a helpful tool for determining a gemstone's hardness, ranging from 1 to 10. The higher the number on the scale, the more resistant the gem is to scratches. While gems with lower ratings are more prone to scratches, they can still last a long time with proper care.
2. Check the Materials Used
Elastic or stretch cords and flexible stringing wire are the two types of strings usually used when making beaded jewellery.
Stretch Cord
A beaded jewellery made with stretch cord must be handled with care. Do not let it get caught in something that can pull it to prevent the cord from breaking and to keep its beads together. Check the stretch cord of your jewellery to know its quality. The cord must be durable to withstand wear, damage, and pressure.
Here are some of our pieces of jewellery made with durable elastic cord:
- Pink Zebra Jasper Gold Filled Beaded Bracelet
- White Moonstone Gold Filled Beaded Bracelet
- Natural Fossil Gold Filled Beaded Bracelet
Flexible Stringing Wire
The stringing wire is the other string used in creating jewellery. It is a choice for those who want a sturdier wire that will not easily break or get damaged. Even if these beaded pieces of jewellery are made with stringing wire, it is still comfortable to wear as they are flexible. It drapes attractively and moves freely and comfortably with your body.
Here are some of our pieces of jewellery made with flexible string wire:
- Emerald Gold Filled Adjustable Beaded Bracelet
- Rice-Shaped Freshwater Pearls Gold Filled Adjustable Pearl Bracelet
- Rice-Shaped Freshwater Pearls 925 Sterling Silver Toggle Bracelet
3. Know How to Wear It On and Off Properly
The proper way of wearing beaded jewellery has much to do with its quality. It must be worn on and off carefully to prevent the cord, gemstone, and other materials from detaching. When a single part of the jewellery breaks, all pieces will be affected.
Wearing It On Properly
Wear it carefully. When wearing a bracelet with a stretch cord, roll it slowly and avoid stretching it too wide, as it can snap. For jewellery that has stringing wire, handle it with care and avoid pulling or tugging on the wire or beads to prevent any damage or breakage.
Wear them regularly. To keep your jewellery in good condition, it's recommended to wear it frequently. If you leave your jewellery unused for extended periods, jewellery with elastic cords may become fragile and break, especially if you don't store it properly.
Wearing It Off Properly
Remove it carefully. Slowly remove your jewellery to prevent it from breaking or falling. Ask someone to help you remove it if you are struggling. For example, if you are wearing a beaded necklace, make sure that it will not get tangled with your hair while you are removing it.
Know when to take it off. Refrain from wearing jewellery while doing activities that can break or damage it. For example, do not wear it when sleeping, doing physical activities such as sports or household chores, and putting on makeup, lotion, or perfume.
4. How to Clean and Store Them
Knowing how to properly clean and store your jewellery is essential. It can help prevent damage, keep them in their best condition, and maintain their quality and natural property.
Cleaning the Jewellery
Clean it after you use it. Some people habitually put their jewellery in the box immediately after using it. Cleaning is essential to remove dirt and stains that it accumulates while you are wearing it.
Wash each piece individually. Each gemstone has different properties, so it is best to clean them separately to prevent reactions that can lead to discolouration and tarnishing.
Clean them gently. Wipe them gently to prevent the gemstones from getting scratched. Use a soft and clean cloth and gently wipe the jewellery to maintain its natural finish.
Wipe them with a soft, lightly damp cloth to remove stains, oils, and dirt. Do not use harsh chemicals, as they will affect the colour and lustre of gemstones. Instead, use a damp microfiber to clean the jewellery and a dry microfiber when drying your jewellery.
Storing the Jewellery
Store it with anti-tarnish paper. Store your jewellery with anti-tarnish paper to maintain its quality. It protects metals and gemstones from tarnishing by absorbing chemicals and other pollutants. These strips must be replaced every six months.
Do not mix your jewellery. There is a big possibility that the jewellery will get tangled and damaged when you put them in one storage box. Instead, put them in a box with dividers or fabric bags to prevent them from tangling and having scratches. Keep them flat and arrange them neatly.
Put jewellery in a clean, dry, and safe place. It must not be within the reach of children or pets. Moisture can cause corrosion or tarnish to the jewellery. Do not put it in an area that gets direct light and heat from sunlight.
Put it in a storage box with dividers. The storage box must have an ideal size so the jewellery has enough space to keep it from tangling. Just like jewellery, the storage box must be clean to protect the jewellery from dirt.
Final Thoughts
Beaded pieces of jewellery last longer when they are taken good care of properly. It will retain the gemstone's natural beauty, cord's flexibility, and overall quality. Taking good care of your jewellery is simple and easy; you must wear it properly, clean it after use, and store it in the right place.
