Handmade jewelry isn't made to sit in a drawer, but a little care goes a long way toward keeping it looking like the day it arrived. Here's what we tell every customer who asks.
Brass and hand-stamped pieces
Brass will naturally develop a soft patina over time — that's not damage, it's just brass being brass. If you like the bright, fresh look, wipe the piece with a dry, soft cloth after wearing it, especially if you've been sweating, swimming, or wearing perfume or lotion near it. Avoid soaking hand-stamped brass in water for long periods, since moisture trapped in the stamped letters can speed up tarnishing.
Leather cord pieces
Our Handmade Shotgun Shell Bracelet and similar leather cord pieces should stay away from water when possible. If the cord gets wet, let it air dry naturally rather than using heat. Leather also benefits from being taken off before showering, swimming, or heavy exercise — not because it will fall apart, but because it'll simply last longer if it isn't fighting moisture every day.
Gemstone pieces
The Cowboy Promise Bracelet™ comes in nine gemstone options, including Tiger's Eye, Turquoise-Dyed Howlite, Sodalite, Howlite, and Lapis Lazuli. Most of these are naturally porous stones, which means they can absorb oils, lotions, and perfumes over time. Wipe gemstones with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and avoid direct contact with cleaning chemicals or hairspray.
Gold-plated and silver-plated pieces
The Mustard Seed Ring and other plated pieces should be your last thing on, first thing off — meaning put jewelry on after you've applied lotion, perfume, and hairspray, and take it off before washing dishes, showering, or sleeping. This single habit does more to extend the life of plated jewelry than almost anything else.
The hidden message capsule
If your Cowboy Promise Bracelet™ has a note, prayer, or scripture sealed inside its capsule, avoid submerging it in water. The capsule is built to stay closed during normal wear, but repeated water exposure can affect the paper or fabric inside over time.
The one habit that matters most
Take your jewelry off before sleep, showers, and swimming. That single change prevents the majority of the wear and tarnish we hear about from customers, regardless of the material.
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