Autumn and Winter: seasonal jewellery care guide
🍂 As the crisp air settles in and the colours of autumn deepen, our wardrobes — and our jewellery choices — begin to shift.
It’s the perfect season for rich textures, cosy knits, and the natural elegance of handmade pieces. However, while autumn brings beauty, it also presents challenges for your jewellery, especially those crafted with delicate materials like pearls, natural stones, and crystals.
Here’s how to keep your favourite pieces and the ones from Stones and Stuff Stockholm looking radiant all season long.
❄️ Why cold seasons can be tough on jewellery?
Cooler air often comes with moisture, rain, and sudden temperature changes. These can dull the shine of metals, affect the surface of pearls, and even weaken the structure of some stones if not properly cared for.
Thick scarves and sweaters also love to tangle or pull on delicate chains — another small hazard of the season.
Winter can be even trickier, with layered clothing and constant temperature changes. When you’re outdoors wearing jewellery, remember that pearls and stones can crack if exposed to sudden shifts in heat or cold. Keep them close to your skin for protection, or cover them to keep them safe.
☂️ Simple care guide for seasonal protection
1. Keep your jewellery dry.
Natural materials like pearls, stones and crystals don’t love getting wet. Try to remove your jewellery before heading out in heavy rain or snug it under your top. Until they're hidden from direct rain, they are safe! After wearing, gently wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth — this removes any residue and keeps their natural lustre alive.
2. Store with care.
Handmade jewellery deserves gentle care. Store your pieces in soft pouches or small boxes, in a dry place away from direct sunlight, radiator heat, and chilly spots near windows. Avoid leaving them in the bathroom, where moisture can build up even when you’re not wearing them.
3. Clean mindfully.
For stones and crystals, never use harsh chemicals. Use a little lukewarm water and a soft cloth or brush. For the pearls — a gentle wipe is enough — overcleaning can actually dull natural surfaces over time.
3. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
As mentioned earlier, natural materials can react to sudden temperature changes. Please avoid exposing them to very cold or hot conditions. If you’ve been outside for several hours wearing your pearl bracelet and then step into a warm house — or, even worse, a sauna — the shift can cause a drastic reaction. Keep your pieces safe, and remember: sometimes it’s best to give them a rest.
Even the strongest stones need downtime. Rotating your jewellery not only helps each piece last longer but also lets you rediscover forgotten favourites. Think of it as giving your collection a chance to breathe — and to surprise you again!
🥀 Watch out for fabric friction
Autumn and winter layers are lovely, but cosy knits and scarves can easily snag on finer chains or settings. When wearing chunky sweaters, choose pieces that sit above or below your neckline. It's also good to choose more chunky chains.
For statement earrings or bracelets, check that they don’t brush against textured fabrics — this helps prevent accidental wear or stretching.
Summary
Autumn’s earthy tones and Winter's soft light pair beautifully with natural materials like pearls, crystals, and gemstones. With a little extra care, your handmade treasures will shine through every golden leaf and rainy day.
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