How to Clean and Care for Your Gemstone Bracelet
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A well-made gemstone bracelet, cared for properly, will last years. The same bracelet neglected for a few months starts to look tired in ways that are largely avoidable. Here is how to keep your Stone N Luxe pieces and any quality gemstone bracelet looking the way they should.
General Rules for All Gemstone Bracelets
Most gemstone care comes down to a few consistent habits:
- Put your bracelet on last and take it off first after getting dressed, after applying cologne or skincare products, before washing your hands or showering
- Avoid soaking extended contact with water weakens the elastic cord in stretch bracelets over time. Splashing water is fine; submerging regularly is not
- Keep away from chemicals chlorine (pools, hot tubs), perfume, sunscreen and cleaning products all affect gemstones and metals differently, but none of them help
- Store separately gemstones scratch each other. Keep bracelets in individual pouches or compartments, not piled together in a drawer
Cleaning Gemstone Bracelets
For most stone bracelets, a soft damp cloth is all you need. Wipe the surface of each bead, let it dry fully, and store it away from direct sunlight.
For a deeper clean:
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap
- Dip a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush into the solution
- Gently clean each bead surface
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth do not submerge the bracelet
- Pat dry with a soft cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing
Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners or harsh chemical jewellery cleaning solutions on natural stone bracelets. Many gemstones are porous and will absorb chemicals or crack under heat and vibration.
Caring for Sterling Silver Pieces
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally over time a surface reaction between the silver and sulphur in the air. This is not damage. It polishes off easily.
To clean tarnished sterling silver, use a dedicated silver polishing cloth and gentle circular motions. For pieces with gemstones, clean the silver areas only and avoid getting the polishing compound on the stones.
Prevent tarnishing by storing silver pieces in an airtight bag when not in use. Wearing your sterling silver bracelet regularly actually helps the friction of daily wear slows the tarnishing process.
Lava Stone Bracelets a Note on Essential Oils
Lava stone is naturally porous, which means it absorbs and holds fragrance. Several Stone N Luxe pieces feature lava stone including the Molten Onyx, White Forge and Forest Forge bracelets.
To use them as a diffuser bracelet: apply one or two drops of essential oil directly to the lava stone beads and allow it to absorb before wearing. The scent will last several hours.
When cleaning lava stone bracelets, use a dry or barely damp cloth only. Avoid soap on lava stone, as it can leave a residue in the pores.
When to Retire the Elastic
Stretch bracelets use an elastic cord that, over time and with daily wear, will eventually need replacing. Signs it is time:
- The bracelet has noticeably more slack than when you bought it
- You can see the cord between beads
- The cord has become discoloured or looks frayed around the knot
Most quality jewellers or any bead shop can restring a bracelet for a small fee. The stones themselves last indefinitely; the cord is the only consumable part. If a Stone N Luxe bracelet needs restringing, contact us directly and we will advise on the best approach for your specific piece.
The Simple Version
Keep your bracelets away from chemicals and prolonged water. Clean them gently with a soft cloth when they look dull. Store them separately. Wear them often. That is most of what you need to know.