How to Care for Handmade Jewellery and Keep it Looking Beautiful

Poppy Mac handmade jewellery with polishing cloth for jewellery care

Handmade jewellery is made to be worn, enjoyed and become part of your everyday story. With a little care, you can help your favourite pieces stay beautiful and wearable for years to come.

At Poppy Mac, every piece is thoughtfully handcrafted using quality materials, including solid 925 sterling silver, 9ct gold and gold vermeil. Because our jewellery is made without harsh chemicals to prevent natural tarnishing, some pieces may change over time when they are not being worn. The good news is that caring for your jewellery is simple.

Here are some easy ways to look after your Poppy Mac pieces.

Keep Jewellery Away from Water and Chemicals

One of the easiest ways to care for your jewellery is to be mindful of what it comes into contact with.

Poppy Mac recommends removing your jewellery before swimming, particularly in swimming pools where minerals and chemicals can contribute to tarnishing. It’s also a good idea to take your jewellery off before heading to the gym.

Perfume and lotion can also affect your jewellery over time. Rather than applying them while wearing your jewellery, put your perfume, moisturiser or lotion on first and allow it to settle before putting your pieces on.

These small habits can make a difference to keeping your jewellery looking its best.

Store Your Jewellery Somewhere Dry and Dark

How you store your jewellery is just as important as how you wear it.

When you’re not wearing your Poppy Mac jewellery, keep it somewhere dry and away from moisture. A dark place is also preferable, particularly when storing pieces for longer periods.

Your jewellery arrives with a soft cotton pouch, making it a handy place to keep your pieces when they’re not being worn. Keeping jewellery stored properly can also help prevent unnecessary exposure to moisture and the elements.

How to Clean Your Handmade Jewellery

Even jewellery that is worn regularly will eventually need a little refresh.

For general cleaning, Poppy Mac recommends using warm water and dish soap, gently scrubbing the jewellery with a soft toothbrush. A soft polishing cloth can also be used to gently clean and polish your pieces.

Every Poppy Mac order includes a complimentary polishing cloth, so you have what you need to give your jewellery some care at home.

For more detailed information about cleaning, storing and caring for your pieces, visit the Poppy Mac Product Care Guide.

Why Sterling Silver Jewellery Can Tarnish

If your sterling silver jewellery develops some darker areas or loses some of its shine, don’t panic. This is a natural part of owning precious metal jewellery.

Poppy Mac does not use harsh chemicals to coat its jewellery and prevent tarnishing. As a result, sterling silver can naturally tarnish when it is left unworn for a period of time.

This doesn’t mean your jewellery is damaged. In many cases, a gentle clean and polish with your complimentary polishing cloth is all that’s needed to bring back its shine.

Make Jewellery Care Part of Your Routine

Looking after your jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple habits can help protect your pieces and keep them looking beautiful.

Remember to remove jewellery before exercising or swimming, apply perfume and lotion before putting your jewellery on, store pieces somewhere dry and dark, and give them a gentle clean when needed.

Most importantly, wear your jewellery and enjoy it. Handmade jewellery is designed to become part of your everyday life, picking up memories and meaning along the way.

With the right care, your Poppy Mac jewellery can continue to be worn, loved and treasured for years to come.

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