How to Care for Hand-Painted, Stone, Bone and Metal Jewelry
TserraGood jewelry care starts with one simple rule: identify every material before choosing a cleaning method. A bracelet that combines stone, cord, plated metal, and bone should be treated according to its most delicate part. The strongest component does not make the entire piece waterproof or safe for machine cleaning.
This guide explains the conservative care approach Tserra recommends for products sold through thetserra.com. Always follow the individual product listing when it gives more specific instructions.
Hand-painted miniature pendants
Treat a painted pendant as a small artwork. Keep it dry and avoid rubbing the image. Perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, household cleaners, and prolonged sunlight can affect painted surfaces or surrounding materials. Use a soft dry cloth on the casing and cord, and do not soak or place the piece in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Store it separately so harder jewelry cannot scrape the painted area. If you live in a humid climate, allow the piece to air in a clean, shaded space before storage, but do not use direct heat.
Natural-stone jewelry
“Natural stone” is a broad category. Different stones vary in hardness, toughness, porosity, treatments, and reaction to heat or chemicals. The Gemological Institute of America warns that light, heat, cosmetics, household chemicals, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners can damage certain gems or treatments.
When the exact treatment history is unknown, start with the least aggressive method: wipe with a soft lint-free cloth after wear and store separately. Do not assume that warm soapy water is safe for every porous, coated, filled, or mixed-material piece. For valuable or damaged jewelry, ask a qualified jeweler before cleaning.
Bone, horn, wood and seed beads
These organic materials can change subtly with age and handling. Keep them away from soaking, chlorine, alcohol, harsh detergent, sudden heat, and prolonged direct sunlight. Wipe gently with a dry cloth. Avoid applying oils unless a knowledgeable conservator or maker has recommended a specific treatment for that exact material.
Natural grain, pores, color variation, and small surface differences are not automatically defects. The product page should explain the material so you can distinguish normal variation from damage.
Copper, silver-tone and plated components
Metal surfaces can darken or change tone through exposure to air, moisture, skin chemistry, and cosmetics. Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, or using cleaners. Wipe after wear and keep each piece in a dry pouch or compartment.
Aggressive polishing can remove intentional patina or thin plating. Use a polishing product only when it is suitable for the exact metal and finish. If the listing says “silver-tone” or “gold-tone,” do not treat that phrase as a guarantee of solid precious metal.
Cord, tassels and handwoven bracelets
Repeated soaking weakens many cords and can transfer color or deform tassels. Keep woven pieces dry, avoid pulling loose ends, and lay them flat when storing. If a bracelet is adjustable, loosen it before removal instead of stretching it over the hand.
A simple care routine
- Put jewelry on after perfume, lotion, and hairspray have dried.
- Remove it before water, exercise, sleep, or household cleaning.
- After wear, wipe gently with a clean soft cloth.
- Check cords, clasps, and settings before the next use.
- Store pieces separately in a shaded, dry place.
When to stop and ask a professional
Do not experiment with solvents, steam, abrasives, or ultrasonic cleaning if a stone is cracked, filled, coated, unusually soft, or unidentified. The same caution applies when a setting is loose or a painted surface is lifting. Professional advice costs less than replacing a damaged one-of-a-kind object.
Browse Tserra’s Sacred Jewelry, Mala & Bracelets, and Thangka Art collections, or see our Return & Warranty policy for current terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner?
Only when every material and treatment is known to be safe and the setting is secure. For mixed or unidentified pieces, Tserra recommends avoiding ultrasonic cleaning.
Can I shower with the jewelry?
We recommend removing it. Water, soap, heat, and repeated wetting can affect cord, paint, organic materials, plating, and some stones.
Is tarnish the same as damage?
Not always. Some metals naturally change tone, but harsh polishing can damage plating or intended finishes. Check the product’s stated material before cleaning.
Sources and further reading
Published by Tserra at thetserra.com. This guide is general care information; individual materials and treatments may require professional advice.
For a practical comparison of materials, size, fit, and intended use, continue with Tserra's jewelry and sacred-object buying guide.
For background on the imagery and materials used across these designs, see our Tibetan symbols and materials cultural context guide.