How to Care for Your Crystal and Pearl Jewelry

Perfume, moisture, sweat, and hard knocks can all shorten the life of a piece. With LUMERUNE jewelry, there is one more thing to keep in mind: many designs combine several materials in the same piece.

A bracelet might pair faceted amethyst with freshwater pearls, or citrine with metal findings and stringing material. What is safe for one material isn’t necessarily ideal for the others.

You don’t need an elaborate cleaning routine. Most of the time, keeping your jewelry dry, wiping it after wear, and storing it properly will do more good than frequent deep cleaning.

A few habits make a difference

Jewelry should usually be the last thing you put on before leaving and one of the first things you take off when you get home.

• Let perfume, lotion, sunscreen, hairspray, and cosmetics dry before putting your jewelry on.

• Showering or swimming? Leave the jewelry somewhere dry. Chlorinated and salt water are especially best avoided.

• Take bracelets and necklaces off before exercising, sleeping, cleaning, or doing anything that could pull the piece or knock it against a hard surface.

• After wearing it, give the piece a quick wipe with a clean, soft cloth before putting it away.

This is particularly useful for pieces containing pearls. Skin oils, cosmetics, and perfume can gradually affect their surface and luster.

Cleaning crystals, pearls and mixed-material pieces

For most LUMERUNE jewelry, start with the least aggressive method: a soft, dry cloth.

If a pearl or delicate surface needs a little more attention, use a soft cloth that is only slightly damp and dry the piece immediately afterward.

Avoid soaking an entire bracelet or necklace simply because the crystal itself tolerates water. The piece may also contain pearls, elastic, stringing material, plated components, adhesive, or metal findings that respond differently.

We also recommend avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners unless you know they are suitable for every material in the piece. Bleach, household cleaners, abrasive powders, toothpaste, and other harsh cleaning products should stay away from your jewelry.

When in doubt, check the materials listed on the product page or ask us before trying a new cleaning method.

Give each piece its own space

Throwing several bracelets and necklaces into the same box is an easy way to create scratches and tangles.

Instead, keep pieces separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box. A cool, dry place away from prolonged direct sunlight is ideal.

This matters with faceted crystals in particular. A harder edge can rub against a pearl or another polished surface while the jewelry is being stored or carried in a bag.

If you’re traveling, packing each piece individually is worth the extra minute.

What about cleansing crystals?

Crystal cleansing is a personal or spiritual practice, and there are many traditions around how it is done. From a jewelry-care perspective, however, some popular methods are not suitable for every finished piece.

For example, soaking a crystal bracelet in water also exposes its string, metal parts, and any pearls to that water. Salt can be abrasive or corrosive to jewelry components, while leaving some stones in strong sunlight for long periods can affect their appearance. Smoke can also leave residue on stones and metal surfaces.

If cleansing is meaningful to you, a dry method that doesn’t physically expose the jewelry to water, salt, heat, chemicals, or prolonged sunlight is the safer choice for a mixed-material piece.

The symbolic meaning of cleansing is separate from physical jewelry care. Your piece will still need ordinary cleaning and proper storage.

When something doesn’t look right

If you notice a loose component, stretched string, damaged clasp, unusual discoloration, or a stone that seems insecure, stop wearing the piece until you’ve checked it. Continuing to wear damaged jewelry can turn a small repair into a lost stone or broken bracelet.

For questions about a specific LUMERUNE piece, email contact@lumerune.com with the product name or link and, if possible, a photo. We can look at the materials involved and suggest an appropriate next step.

For more information, read about LUMERUNE jewelry materials, visit the full Jewelry Care Guide, or browse our crystal bracelets.