Care & Keeping: Your Jewelry Guide

Your jewelry is made to last lifetimes.

Here's how to keep it beautiful.

Learn how to care for your Démodé Jewelry pieces so they last lifetimes.

Our comprehensive care guide includes specific instructions for pearl jewelry, gemstone pieces, and general care tips. Discover proper storage, daily maintenance, what to avoid, and when to get pieces restrung.

Whether you own hand-knotted pearls or energy-charged gemstones, we'll help you keep your jewelry beautiful for generations to come.

The Basics

All Démodé Jewelry pieces share common care principles. Whether you're wearing pearls or gemstones these guidelines will keep your pieces beautiful for generations.

Golden Rules

Put jewelry on last after applying lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and beauty products

Remove before water — showers, swimming, exercise

Wipe after wearing with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and dirt

Store properly in a soft pouch, away from sunlight and humidity

Handle gently — all jewelry deserves care and attention

Apply all beauty products first, then put on your jewelry
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing
Store in the provided soft pouch
Remove before any water exposure

Store flat or loosely coiled (never crumpled or tightly wound)
Keep separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching
Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity
Do not store in airtight containers (jewelry needs air)

Water exposure (chlorine, salt water, moisture)
Harsh chemicals, perfumes, and cleaning products applied directly
Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or jewelry cleaning solutions
Hard surfaces (don't toss jewelry on counters)
Rough fabrics that can scratch delicate materials

Gemstones Chosen for Energy & Beauty

Your gemstones were carefully selected not just for their appearance, but for the energy and intention they carry. Gentle care keeps their magic alive for years to come.

Last on, first off: Put jewelry on after applying lotions, perfumes, and beauty products
Remove before water: Take off before showering, swimming, or exercising
Gentle cleaning: Wipe gemstones and metal components with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
Handle with care: Some gemstones (like malachite) are softer than others—treat all pieces gently

Store flat or loosely coiled: Prevents stress on silk thread for hand-knotted pieces
Soft pouch storage: Keep separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching
Away from sunlight: Some gemstones can fade with prolonged sun exposure
Cool and dry: Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity

Water exposure: Especially chlorine, salt water, and prolonged moisture (damages silk thread)
Harsh chemicals: Cleaning products, beauty products, perfumes applied directly
Rough handling: Gemstones can chip or scratch—avoid rough surfaces
Extreme conditions: Temperature fluctuations and direct heat

Natural stones last indefinitely with proper care. Minor surface variations and inclusions are natural, not defects.

For hand-knotted silk pieces, professional restringing every 3-5 years with regular wear keeps them secure. The silk will naturally show wear over time, this is normal and expected maintenance for quality jewelry.

Your gemstones will last lifetimes with gentle care. They're meant to be worn, layered, and loved daily.

Built to Last

Your pearl jewelry is made to be worn, treasured, and eventually passed down. Here's how to keep them luminous for generations.

Last on, first off: Put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions
Remove before water: Take off before showering, swimming, or any water activities
Gentle cleaning: Wipe pearls with a soft, dry cloth after each wear
Body oils are good: Natural skin oils actually help pearls maintain their luster—wearing them keeps them beautiful

Store flat or hanging: Prevents stress on the silk thread (never store scrunched or tightly coiled)
Soft pouch or lined box: Keep separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches
Let them breathe: Avoid airtight containers—pearls need moisture in the air
Cool and dry: Store away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity

Water exposure: Especially chlorine (pools), salt water (ocean), and hot water
Chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, cleaning products, cosmetics applied directly to pearls
Harsh cleaners: Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or jewelry cleaners
Hard surfaces: Don't toss pearls on hard counters or let them rub against other jewelry
Abrasives: Keep away from rough fabrics and surfaces that can scratch the nacre

With proper care, your pearls will last lifetimes:

The pearls themselves: Decades to centuries, they only grow more beautiful with age and gentle wear
The silk thread: Needs restringing every 3-5 years with regular wear (normal maintenance for quality pearl jewelry)
Overall piece: This is heirloom jewelry meant to be passed down through generations

We offer professional restringing services for all hand-knotted pieces. Contact us at hello@shopdemode.com for pricing and turnaround time.

Your pearls will last lifetimes with proper care. Wear them often, they're meant to be loved, not locked away.

Special Situations

Traveling with Your Jewelry

Pack in carry-on (never checked luggage)

Use a jewelry roll or small pouches

Remove before airport security

Store in cool, dry place

If Your Jewelry Gets Wet

Remove immediately

Lay flat to air dry completely

Do not use heat or hairdryer

For pearls, this is especially important for silk thread

Damaged or Worn Jewelry

If you notice:

Silk thread fraying or stretching

Gemstones loose or damaged

Any signs of wear

Contact us at hello@shopdemode.com. We can repair, restring, or restore your pieces.

Frequently asked questions

Wear it often! Pearls especially benefit from regular wear. The natural oils from your skin help maintain their luster.

Remove it immediately and lay flat to dry completely. Avoid this when possible, but occasional accidents happen. The important thing is to dry thoroughly.

Contact us for restringing services. We can have your piece back to you quickly.

Silk is a natural material that shows wear over time—this is normal and beautiful. It's a sign you're wearing and loving your pieces. Restringing refreshes the look while keeping the pearls or stones.

No. Use only a soft, dry cloth or slightly damp cloth. Jewelry cleaners can damage the nacre.