How to Care for Jewelry Made from Natural Materials: Tips for Preservation and Longevity

Written By Ievgeniia Badamshyna

Jewelry made from natural materials like crystals, semi-precious stones, wood, bone, and glass beads is not only beautiful but also carries a sense of connection to nature. Whether you’ve purchased or created a piece, caring for it properly ensures that it retains its beauty and longevity. Here’s a guide on how to care for your handmade jewelry and preserve the special energy it holds.

1. Store Your Jewelry Properly

  • Keep it in a safe place: Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving it in areas that could cause physical damage, like a bathroom or by the window.

  • Use a jewelry box or pouch: For delicate pieces, such as those made from crystals or glass, store them in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to avoid scratches or impacts. For wooden pieces, ensure they are not stored where they could warp or crack from moisture.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Water

  • Keep jewelry away from cleaning products: Harsh chemicals like household cleaners, perfumes, and lotions can damage the natural materials in your jewelry. Always apply makeup or perfume before putting on your pieces, and let the products fully absorb into your skin before wearing jewelry.

  • Avoid wearing it in water: Natural materials like wood and bone are especially vulnerable to water. Excessive moisture can weaken the structure or cause discoloration. When swimming, showering, or washing hands, remove your jewelry to prevent water damage.

3. Clean Your Jewelry Regularly

  • Light cleaning with a soft cloth: Gently wipe your jewelry after each wear to remove dust, dirt, and oils from your skin. Use a microfiber or soft cloth to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.

  • Special cleaning methods: Different materials require different care methods:

    • Crystals and semi-precious stones: Clean with warm water and a mild soap solution, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh abrasives or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage delicate stones.

    • Wooden pieces: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean, and avoid soaking them. If your wood jewelry appears dry, you can occasionally rub it with a natural oil (like olive or coconut oil) to keep it moisturized and prevent cracking.

    • Glass beads: Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid soaking or using abrasive cleaners, as this can scratch the glass or weaken the glue if used in beadwork.

4. Be Mindful of Impact

  • Avoid heavy impacts: Natural materials can be more prone to chipping or cracking than synthetic ones. Try to avoid situations where your jewelry may get bumped or dropped, such as while exercising or engaging in rough activities.

  • Store your jewelry separately: When storing multiple pieces together, make sure they don’t rub against each other. This is particularly important for pieces with soft stones or beads, which could be scratched by harder materials.

5. Recharging and Energizing Crystals

  • If your jewelry features crystals, you may want to periodically cleanse and recharge the energy of the stones. There are a few methods to do this:

    • Moonlight: Place your jewelry under the moon, particularly during a full moon, to refresh its energy.

    • Smudging: Use sage, palo santo, or incense to cleanse the energy of the stones.

    • Salt: Place the jewelry in a bowl of dry salt for a few hours to absorb negative energies (be sure the salt doesn’t touch the stone directly).

6. Repairs and Maintenance

  • Fixing broken pieces: Natural material jewelry may break over time due to regular wear. If a piece breaks, consider taking it to a professional jeweler who specializes in repairs for natural materials. Many materials, such as crystals and wood, can be easily repaired or re-strung, so don’t hesitate to seek help.

  • Be cautious with aging: Over time, certain materials, like wood and bone, may naturally age and change in appearance. While this is part of the beauty and uniqueness of these materials, if you want to preserve the original look, be mindful of exposure to elements like sunlight and water.

7. Personal Connection

  • Wear with intention: One of the most beautiful aspects of jewelry made from natural materials is the personal connection it creates. Wear your jewelry with intention, and remember that each piece is not just an accessory but an embodiment of natural beauty and energy. Treat it with respect, and it will continue to carry the energy of the earth.

Final Thoughts

Jewelry crafted from natural materials is not only a statement of beauty but a meaningful reminder of the Earth’s gifts. By taking a little extra care, you can ensure that your unique creations last for years to come, staying as stunning and powerful as when you first wore them. Always remember that your jewelry’s beauty lies in its authenticity and connection to nature, and by caring for it properly, you’ll help preserve that bond.

Ievgeniia Badamshyna