A piece you wear every day gathers the days with you. The good news: gemstone jewelry doesn't need much. A few simple habits are enough to keep it looking the way it did when you first put it on.
The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off
Put your jewelry on after perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and hairspray have dried. Take it off before anything messy. That one habit prevents most wear.
Take your pieces off before:
- Swimming, showering, or bathing
- Working out or heavy sweating
- Cleaning with household chemicals
- Gardening, cooking, or anything with knocks and scrapes
- Going to sleep
Care by Stone
Jade — tough and easygoing
Jade is one of the toughest natural materials used in jewelry. Wipe it with a soft cloth, slightly damp if needed, and dry it well. Avoid hard knocks against stone counters or metal. Many wearers find jade takes on a softer glow over years of wear.
Red Agate — hard and durable
Agate handles daily life well. Clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it. Keep it away from high heat, and don't leave it in strong direct sunlight for long periods.
Amber — light, warm, and soft
Amber is fossilized resin and much softer than stone, so it scratches more easily. Wipe it with a dry, soft cloth only. Keep it away from heat, long sun exposure, perfume, alcohol, and hand sanitizer, which can dull its surface.
Pearl — the most delicate
Pearls are sensitive to chemicals and acids, including those in sweat and cosmetics. After wearing, give them a gentle wipe with a soft cloth. Store them in a breathable pouch rather than a sealed plastic bag, and keep them away from harder stones that could scratch them.
Never Use
- Ultrasonic or steam jewelry cleaners
- Jewelry dips, bleach, or harsh detergents
- Abrasive cloths, brushes, or toothpaste
- Soaking — especially for amber, pearl, and anything strung on cord
Storage & Travel
- Give each piece its own soft pouch so harder stones (jade, agate) don't scratch softer ones (amber, pearl)
- Store bracelets flat or loosely coiled, not hanging, so the cord doesn't stretch
- Keep pieces out of direct sunlight and away from heaters
- When traveling, pack jewelry in its pouch inside a small case — never loose in a bag
Beaded Bracelets: A Note on Cord
If your bracelet is strung on stretch cord, roll it over your hand instead of pulling it wide. Over time, any cord naturally loosens. If you notice gaps between beads or the bracelet feels slack, it's time to have it restrung — it will feel like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with my jade bracelet?
Jade itself won't be harmed by water, but soap and hot water are hard on the cord and any metal parts. It's best to take it off.
Can I wear amber in the sun?
Everyday wear outdoors is fine. Just avoid leaving amber in strong direct sun or heat for long periods, like on a car dashboard or a sunny windowsill.
How often should I clean my pearls?
A quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear is ideal. It removes traces of skin oils and cosmetics before they build up.
How do I know if my bracelet needs restringing?
Look for visible gaps between beads, a cord that looks fuzzy or thin, or a bracelet that no longer sits snugly. Those are signs the cord is ready to be replaced.
New to these materials? Read Know Your Stones.