How to Care for Handmade Bracelets

Handmade bracelets are a unique piece of jewelry that are precious to own. Their designs are usually unique and can't be found anywhere else. It is important to protect your favorite pieces of jewelry so you can treasure them for a lifetime. If you care for your bracelet appropriately, it can be worn for many years to come.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry cleaner
• Old toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Jewelry box or case

1. Buy jewelry cleaner to polish your handmade bracelets. You can buy it at jewelry shops or jewelry counters in retail stores. Plain water and light soap can work also. If you are on a tight budget, try an old toothbrush and some toothpaste to clean your bracelets. Clean it a few times a week if you wear it frequently.

2. Keep your bracelet safe by not wearing it in the pool or when you are hand-washing dishes. Remove all of your handmade jewelry items if you plan on swimming in a pool, lake or river. Always remove your bracelet if you plan on doing any kind of housecleaning chores such as washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms or anything that involves being around harsh cleaners.

3. Store your bracelets in protective cases or a jewelry box. Never leave your bracelet in extreme cold or warm temperatures. Put your jewelry away in its own area so that it does not get tangled with other pieces of jewelry.

4. Remove your jewelry if you plan on doing anything active outdoors such as gardening, sports or anything that could involve getting your bracelet caught on an object and breaking. If you work in a factory or around small children, keep your favorite bracelets at home. Wear your jewelry to special outings, parties or events where you know your jewelry can't be broken.

5. Take your bracelet to a jewelry maker or someone who creates handmade bracelets should it break by accident. Save all of your beads that you can. Sometimes your bracelet can be restrung back to its original state.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stretch or pull on your handmade bracelet; it can break easily.

• Never let other people wear your handmade jewelry if you had it personalized to fit your wrist. This could cause it to stretch or break and not fit you properly.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish