I made a story talking about how you should lay your beaded necklaces flat to store and my DM’s BLEW UP. So I thought now would be the perfect time to share how to care for your beaded jewelry so it actually lasts. And as someone who’s been hand-beading, testing, breaking, fixing, and wearing these pieces for six years… I’ve learned a thing or two.
Our bracelets and necklaces are made with high-quality beads and strong thread, but like anything you wear often, a little care goes a long way. The good news? It’s simple. And I’m going to walk you through everything I’ve learned so your pieces stay beautiful for years.
1. Store Your Jewelry the Right Way (This Makes the Biggest Difference)
Let’s start with the thing that surprises people the most: how you store your jewelry matters just as much as how you wear it.
I’ve talked about this on stories before, but here’s the deal:
Lay your necklaces flat, don’t hang them.
We use thread instead of wire because it gives that soft drape and sits comfortably on your neck. But because of that, hanging your necklaces puts constant weight on one point. Over time, that tension can weaken the thread.
The fix:
- Lay necklaces flat
- Keep them in a case, drawer, or tray
- Avoid hanging them on hooks
- Don’t toss them in a purse loose (just trust me)
This tiny change will add years to the life of your jewelry.
Bracelets are more forgiving, but still… avoid stretching.
Our bracelets are designed to roll on, not stretch wide. When you stretch elastic too much, it weakens over time.
Quick rule:
If you feel resistance, you’re pulling too hard.
Another hot tip, don’t try to put 5 on at once. Individually put your stack on piece by piece.
2. Keep Them Away From Water, Sweat & Lotion
I know…I wish jewelry was indestructible. It’s not.
Water, lotions, perfumes, and sweat can break down elastic and dull certain beads. If you’re doing anything messy, sweaty, or wet (cooking, cleaning, gym, self-tanning…), just take your pieces off.
A good habit is to make jewelry the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Even if you do all these things there is still the occasion of the way the bracelets fit on your body and how closely they are to your skin. If touching it without a lot of give your normal Ph levels can have an effect on how they react with your skin.
3. Clean Them Gently (No Harsh Chemicals)
If your pieces need a refresh:
- Wipe beads with a dry or lightly damp soft cloth
- Avoid cleaners, alcohol, or soap
- Polish metal charms with a jewelry cloth only
That’s it. No fancy sprays. No deep cleaning. Simple is better.
4. Travel Smarter
Please do not toss your beaded jewelry in a ziplock bag and hope for the best (yes, I used to do this too).
When you travel:
- Lay necklaces flat inside a travel case.. We just so happen to have the perfect one HERE with space for everything you need including your chunky beaded pieces
- Keep bracelets in a small pouch or compartment
- Give each piece its own space so they don’t rub or bend
Your suitcase gets thrown around more than you think, let’s protect your jewelry from the chaos.
5. Rotate Your Favorites
Even the strongest materials break down over time if they’re worn nonstop. If you have that one bracelet you reach for every single day, give it a break every now and then and rotate with others.
This helps your elastic last longer and keeps your stack feeling fresh.
6. Know When It’s Time for a Refresh
Jewelry isn't meant to be stressful. It’s meant to be worn and loved.
If a piece starts to look stretched, worn, or tired, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It means you loved it well. At A+B, we’ll always help you troubleshoot or find a replacement you love just as much.
At the end of the day, your jewelry is like anything else you wear often: the better you care for it, the longer it lasts. These pieces are meant to be part of your everyday life. School drop-off, errands, date nights, vacations, all of it. A few simple habits make all the difference.
I want you to feel confident putting on your stack every morning, knowing it’s going to look just as good next year as it does today.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about (or if you’re worried you’ve been storing your necklaces wrong, don’t panic), send me a DM or email. I truly love helping you make the most of your pieces.
--Allie