Handmade jewellery is full of heart, story and craftsmanship — which is exactly why it deserves a little extra love when it comes to looking after it.
Whether you’ve treated yourself to a silver ring, a gold pendant, or a beautiful bronze or brass piece, caring for your handmade jewellery properly means it’ll stay gorgeous for years (and years!) to come.
Here’s my ultimate guide to keeping your handmade treasures sparkling, shining, and full of life.
General Tips for All Handmade Jewellery
First up, a few golden rules that apply to any piece, no matter the material:
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Last thing on, first thing off — Jewellery should be the final touch after you’ve put on perfume, lotions, and sprays.
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Take it off for messy jobs — Gardening, swimming, DIY, sweaty workouts... give your jewellery a break!
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Store it properly — Keep pieces in a dry place, preferably in a soft pouch or airtight box to avoid scratches and tarnishing.
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Gentle cleaning only — A soft cloth and warm water are your best friends. No harsh chemicals, no abrasive scrubbing.
Caring for Silver Jewellery
Silver is absolutely beautiful but it can be a little bit high-maintenance compared to gold. It reacts with air and moisture, which is why it sometimes tarnishes and looks dull.
How to care for silver jewellery:
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Wear it often — honestly, regular wear helps keep tarnish away!
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Store it in an airtight bag or box when you’re not wearing it.
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Use a soft silver polishing cloth if it starts to lose its shine.
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For a deeper clean, gently wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it properly afterwards.
👉 If your silver jewellery ever needs a real deep clean, you can always send it back to me at Tŷ Picl — I’m more than happy to give it a little spa day!
Caring for Gold Jewellery
Gold is much lower-maintenance than silver — one of the many reasons it’s such a classic choice.
How to care for gold jewellery:
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Keep it away from harsh chemicals like perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and cleaning products.
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Store it separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches (gold is surprisingly soft!).
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Clean it gently with warm soapy water and a super soft cloth if it starts to look dull.
Gold doesn’t tarnish like silver, but it can still lose its sparkle if it’s exposed to everyday grime. A little bit of regular love will keep it looking lush.
Caring for Bronze Jewellery
Bronze jewellery has a gorgeous, earthy tone that gets even better with age — but it does need a bit of attention to stay looking its best.
How to care for bronze jewellery:
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Bronze can develop a natural patina (a greenish tint) over time. Some people love this rustic look — but if you prefer it shiny, just polish it gently.
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Wipe it down after wearing, especially if it’s been against your skin (sweat can speed up the patina process).
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Store it in a dry place, away from moisture.
If you notice a green mark on your skin from bronze jewellery, don’t worry — it’s totally harmless and just washes off with soap and water.
Caring for Brass Jewellery
Brass is another gorgeous material that brings a beautiful warm, golden glow — often a more affordable option than gold.
How to care for brass jewellery:
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Like bronze, brass can tarnish and develop a patina. A gentle polish with a soft cloth will bring the shine back.
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Keep it dry — water and brass aren't best mates.
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Clean it with a little bit of natural cleaner (like lemon juice and baking soda) if it really needs a freshen-up — but always test a tiny patch first!
In Short:
Handmade jewellery is special because it's made with care — and when you give it a little care back, it’ll stay beautiful for decades.
Whether your piece is silver, gold, bronze or brass, a few simple habits (like careful storage, gentle cleaning, and giving it a break from chemicals) can make a world of difference.
And remember — if you ever have any questions about looking after your Tŷ Picl jewellery, or if your piece needs a proper professional polish, just get in touch. I’m always here to help!
Why not find your own special piece of handmade jewellery today?
