At Evolve Mala, our bracelets and gemstone jewelry are handmade with authentic gemstones and crystal beads. Over time, however, even gemstones can benefit from some TLC. This guide will run you through the basics of caring for your gemstone bracelets & accessories.
Keep them away from water
One of the biggest no-no's for gemstone jewelry is to keep them in contact with water. This includes exposing them to soapy bathwater, swimming pools, hot tubs, saltwater, or humidity. The high temperature and moisture from showers can cause damage over time to stringing materials and beadwork.
Don't exercise or work out with your bracelets
Avoid wearing your bracelet during strenuous exercise or workout sessions. Sweat and other fluids can damage the beads and stringing materials. In addition, vigorous movement increases the risk of snagging your bracelet on equipment/rough surfaces.
Avoid excessive temperatures
Extreme heat is another surefire way to damage any bracelet or gemstone jewelry piece. Keep your bracelet as far away from open flames or other extreme heat sources as possible. For storage, it's best to keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Be gentle when wearing your bracelet
When putting your bracelet on or removing it, you don't want to snag it on anything. Put your bracelet on gently and take it off the same way. Avoid pulling or tugging the bracelet off on one side; instead "roll" the entire bracelet on and off your wrists. Keep in mind that most of our bracelets are strung on a stretchy elastic cord, which can break if pulled too hard or roughly.
Protect from fragrances and harsh chemicals
Keep your bracelet as far away from harsh chemicals and perfumes as possible. This includes synthetic fragrances, lotions, household cleaners, hair products, and even the chemicals that are released into the air from household items. Exposure to these elements can cause your bracelet to fade, tarnish or change color.
Safe storage
Storing your bracelet away from the elements is vital for its long-term care. Each bracelet we ship comes with its own drawstring pouch made from sustainable cotton for safekeeping. We recommend keeping your bracelet in its pouch when not wearing it. Also, avoid storing your bracelet with other gemstone or crystal jewelry pieces to prevent possible scratches or abrasions.
Keeping them polished
This is less crucial than some of the other care tips, but it can help your bracelet sparkle and look as good as new for a longer time.
In general, gemstones are durable and need minimal daily maintenance. But if you're looking to add a little bit of shine and polish back to your rocks, use a damp cloth and gently "buff" your bracelet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my beads fading?
It's completely natural for gemstones to fade due to the elements or wear and tear. Some gemstones are more light-sensitive than others and can fade when exposed to sunlight for long periods. For example, if you keep a Citrine crystal in the sun for more than 4 hours, it will fade to form Clear Quartz.
The dye from your clothes, the lotion on your skin, even the sunscreen you wear during the day can make a lasting impression on your gemstones. It's not always easy to tell when this happens until it's too late.
To keep your beads looking shiny and new, we recommend wiping them with a soft cloth after wearing them. For the best results, the beads should be completely dry before being stored away.
Why are my beads cracking or chipping?
Sometimes depending on the type of gemstone used in your bracelet, you might see cracks or chips in your beads. It's completely natural and does not change the integrity of the piece.
Special care is always taken when assembling our bracelets to make sure they're securely attached while also being delicate enough to bend and flex with your wrist while you wear them. But even with the highest quality materials and assembly, sometimes beads can fall out or break if they aren't handled with care.
Why does my bracelet/jewelry look different from the pictures on your site?
The bracelet you receive may look slightly different from the bracelet pictured due to natural variations in the gemstones. Every bracelet is made with genuine gemstones that are cut and polished to fit together perfectly, but no two bracelets will be exactly alike.
Why doesn't my bracelet fit the way it should?
Our bracelet sizing guide will help you pick a bracelet that fits perfectly. Remember we want your bracelet to be comfortable and easy to wear, so don't be afraid to contact us if you aren't sure what size is right for you.
My bracelet broke/I don't like it anymore/it doesn't fit right. What can I do?
We offer a 60-day warranty on all items, no questions asked.
How do I exchange or return my item?
You can access our return/exchange center by clicking here.
Conclusion
Your bracelet is made with real gemstones that have been polished and cut for a beautiful shine. As with any jewelry or piece of clothing, it's important to take special care when handling your bracelet to extend its life and keep it looking brilliant.
These simple guidelines will help you protect and preserve your jewelry to maintain its original beauty for as long as possible.
If you have any issues, questions, or concerns, just get in touch and let us know how we can help! We want to make sure you're completely satisfied with your bracelet and we stand behind every single product we make.
