Keeping It Wearable
Handmade jewellery doesn't need looking after so much as it needs not being mistreated — and the things that damage thread and beadwork aren't the things that damage metal.
Eight habits, none of them difficult. Together they're the difference between a piece you wear for a season and one you're still wearing in ten years.
The eight habits
- Put it on last, take it off first — perfume before jewellery, never after.
- Keep macrame away from prolonged water, and never wring or hang it wet.
- Store beadwork flat rather than hanging — hanging stretches the thread.
- One pouch per piece. Most damage happens in a shared box.
- Clean rarely and dry. A soft brush for macrame, a dry cloth for beads.
- Travel with it flat, in hand baggage, never folded in half.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight — bright colours fade first.
- If something goes wrong, send me a photo. Most of it I can repair.
Never use jewellery cleaner, silver polish, soap or an ultrasonic cleaner on any of it. Those are made for metal and they will strip colour from thread and loosen stone settings.
Open the full care guide
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Own something of mine and not sure how to handle it? Send me a photo. There's no time limit on repairs.