Jewelry Care 101: How to Preserve Your Handmade Pieces

Why Jewelry Care Matters

Each piece of handmade jewelry carries stories—of artisans, materials, culture, and creativity. Unlike mass-produced pieces, handcrafted items often feature delicate natural materials, custom settings, and traditional techniques that require thoughtful maintenance. This guide helps you protect your investment and keep your Oak and Opal Mx jewelry as timeless as its design.

Cleaning Tips by Material

Gold

DIY Clean: Soak in warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10–20 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean crevices.
Avoid: Abrasive cloths, harsh chemicals, or swimming in chlorinated pools (chlorine weakens gold).
Pro Tip: Dry with a microfiber cloth and store separately.

Silver

Tarnish Treatment: Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply using a soft cloth (not on gemstones).
Storage: Use anti-tarnish strips or airtight containers to slow oxidation.

Jade

Gentle Wash: Clean with warm water and alcohol-free soap. For stubborn dirt, a small amount of ammonia (1:8 ratio) may help—avoid if the piece contains other stones.
Finish Care: Rub a tiny bit of beeswax to preserve the stone’s porous surface.

Amber

Soft Cloth Only: Wipe gently with a damp microfiber cloth. Never soak or use chemicals.
Sun Alert: Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the amber’s color over time.

Gemstones

General Rule: Mild soap and water for most. For delicate stones like pearls or opals, use only a barely damp cloth.
Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners, strong soaps, and soaking.

Common Jewelry Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Storage

Use individual pouches or fabric-lined boxes to prevent scratches and tangling.
Add silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips in storage areas.

Moisture & Humidity

Always air-dry jewelry after cleaning.
Don’t store in bathrooms—opt for dry, cool spaces with controlled humidity if possible.

Chemical Exposure

Put on jewelry after applying makeup, lotion, perfume, or hairspray.
Remove before cleaning, cooking, or gardening—common chemicals and abrasives can damage metals and stones.

Sunlight & UV Exposure

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade or weaken amber, amethyst, and dyed gemstones.
Store pieces in dark or shaded areas when not worn.

Smart Storage Solutions

Use compartmentalized jewelry boxes or soft, lined travel cases.
Hang necklaces or lay them flat to avoid stretching.
Choose acid-free materials for long-term storage to avoid unwanted chemical reactions.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Polish gently with a microfiber cloth to restore shine—avoid commercial cleaners on pieces with intentional patinas.
Inspect settings and prongs yearly, especially for rings or heirloom items.
Clean frequently worn jewelry monthly; other pieces every 2–3 months.

Special Considerations for Handmade Jewelry

Your Oak and Opal Mx pieces are lovingly handcrafted from natural and traditional materials—which means they deserve extra care.

Handle with care: Avoid pulling. Check clasps and hooks regularly.
Natural materials (like shells or wood): Rub with a drop of mineral oil if they appear dry or brittle.
Many handmade items are finished with unique surface treatments. To preserve these, avoid abrasive cloths—dust with a soft, dry cloth instead.

Quick Jewelry Care Recap

Material	Cleaning	Storage	Avoid
Gold	Warm soapy water	Separate pouch	Chlorine, lotions
Silver	Baking soda paste	Airtight container	Humidity, paper towels
Jade	Gentle soap + water	Soft cloth wrap	Harsh chemicals
Amber	Damp microfiber cloth	No sunlight	Soaking, polish
Gemstones	Mild soap, soft cloth	Fabric-lined box	Ultrasonic cleaners

Jewelry That Lasts a Lifetime

At Oak and Opal Mx, our handmade pieces are designed to last—and with the right care, they will remain just as stunning for decades to come. By adopting a few mindful habits, you’ll protect the artistry, tradition, and materials behind every design.