How to Care for Your Handmade Jewelry

Your TNT Designs piece was made by hand, with care, using natural materials chosen for their beauty and character. With a little love and attention, your jewelry will stay radiant for years — even decades — to come.

Here's everything you need to know to keep your pieces looking their best.

General Care Tips (for All Pieces)

• Last on, first off. Put your jewelry on after applying perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup. Chemicals in these products can dull gemstones and damage silk thread over time.
• Avoid water. Remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or washing dishes. Prolonged exposure to water — especially chlorinated or saltwater — can weaken silk thread and affect the finish of gold-filled metals.
• Keep it dry. If your piece gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry completely before storing.
• Store with care. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratching. Avoid tossing pieces together in a drawer.
• Avoid heat and sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat can fade some gemstones and dry out silk thread.

Caring for Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are organic gems — they're alive in a way that most stones aren't — and they deserve a little extra tenderness.

• Wipe after wearing. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe your pearls after each wear. The natural oils from your skin can build up over time.
• Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. These can damage the nacre (the lustrous outer layer) and weaken the silk thread.
• Let them breathe. Store pearls in a soft cloth pouch rather than an airtight container — they need a little humidity to stay healthy.
• Re-knotting over time. Silk-knotted pearl necklaces may need re-knotting every few years with regular wear. This is a normal part of pearl jewelry care and helps protect your pearls if the thread ever breaks.
• Wear them often. Pearls actually love being worn — the natural oils from your skin help maintain their luster. They're not meant to sit in a box!

Caring for Turquoise, Garnet & Jade

These beautiful natural stones each have their own personality — and their own care needs.

• Turquoise is porous and can absorb oils, chemicals, and moisture. Avoid contact with lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products. Wipe gently with a dry soft cloth.
• Garnet is relatively durable but can be scratched by harder stones. Store separately and clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid steam cleaning.
• Jade is best cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Jade can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so avoid wearing it in very hot or cold conditions.

Caring for Gold-Filled Jewelry

Gold-filled jewelry is a beautiful, durable alternative to solid gold — it has a thick layer of real gold bonded to a base metal, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime.

• Clean with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue.
• Avoid exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and harsh chemicals.
• Store in a dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or anti-tarnish bag.
• With regular care, gold-filled pieces will maintain their warm glow for many years.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

Because every TNT Designs piece is handmade by me, I know each one intimately. If you ever have a question about caring for your specific piece — or if something needs a little repair — please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.

Thank you for treasuring something I made with love. 💛

— Tanya, TNT Designs Jewels