How to Care for Your Handmade Jewellery

Practical tips to keep your silver pieces sparkling for years to come

Handmade jewellery is so much more than just something pretty to wear. Whether you’ve created your own piece at one of our workshops or received it as a meaningful gift, handmade jewellery often holds memories, creativity, and care within every detail. But like all beautiful things, it needs a little TLC to stay looking its best.

At The North West Jewellery School, we specialise in silver jewellery making - whether that’s traditional silversmithing, silver clay, or incorporating natural materials like gemstones and sea glass. Each material has its quirks, but don’t worry, caring for your jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are our top tips for keeping your pieces looking as stunning as the day they were made.

1. Know Your Materials

Understanding what your piece is made from helps you care for it properly.

• Sterling Silver (925) is the most common silver in jewellery and will naturally tarnish over time. This is completely normal and can be cleaned easily.

• Fine Silver (999), often used in silver clay jewellery, is more resistant to tarnish but still benefits from gentle cleaning and storage.

• Gemstones can be porous or soft, meaning they’re more sensitive to chemicals and temperature changes.

• Sea Glass, while durable, can lose its frosted look or get scratched if handled too roughly.

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Not sure what your piece is made of? If you’ve attended one of our workshops, feel free to get in touch, we’ll be happy to help you identify the materials used.

2. Everyday Do’s and Don’ts

Wearing handmade jewellery every day? Great! Just follow a few simple rules to avoid damage or unnecessary wear.

Do:

• Put your jewellery on after applying perfume, lotions, or hairspray.

• Remove rings, bracelets and necklaces before swimming, showering, cleaning, or exercising.

• Store your pieces in a dry, cool place - preferably in a ziplock bag or airtight box to reduce tarnishing.

  
  

Don’t:

• Store silver in humid rooms like bathrooms.

• Leave jewellery in direct sunlight, this can fade sea glass and certain gemstones.

• Tumble your pieces together in a drawer or box, this causes scratches, especially on softer metals like silver.

  
  

3. Cleaning Silver Jewellery Safely

Even if you’re careful, silver will still tarnish over time, it’s just part of its chemistry. The good news? It’s easy to fix.

• Use a silver polishing cloth to gently rub away tarnish and restore shine.

• For general cleaning, mix warm water and a little mild dish soap. Soak the piece for a few minutes, use a soft cloth or toothbrush if needed, then rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft towel.

• Avoid chemical dips, they may work quickly, but they can damage silver clay items or loosen the setting of delicate gemstones.

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Top Tip: For pieces with sea glass or soft stones, skip abrasive cloths and stick to gentle washing.

4. Storage Matters

Proper storage makes a big difference, especially if you rotate your jewellery or keep special pieces for occasional wear.

• Store items individually in soft pouches or boxes to prevent tangling and scratching.

• Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets to reduce moisture and tarnish build up.

• Keep your jewellery box in a cool, dry, dark place and out of direct sunlight.

5. When to Ask for Help

Some jobs are better left to the experts, especially if the piece is sentimental or intricate.

• Got a loose stone, broken clasp, or snapped chain? Take it to a local jeweller (or ask us, we may be able to help or advise).

• Don’t attempt to re-solder or chemically clean at home, especially if the piece was made from silver clay, which is more delicate than traditional silver.

Your Jewellery, Your Story

Handmade jewellery tells a story, and with the right care, it can last for generations. Whether it’s a simple silver ring you made in your first class, or a more complex pendant featuring sea glass or gemstones, each piece deserves to shine.

Looking to add another piece to your handmade collection? Or keen to learn how to make your own silver jewellery from scratch? Explore our upcoming workshops and courses here, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips, behind-the-scenes snaps, and student inspiration.