How do I care for and clean memorial glass jewellery safely?
How do you clean and care for memorial glass jewellery safely?
Memorial glass jewellery should be cleaned gently using a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive materials, especially on hand-crafted kiln-fired glass and hallmarked precious metals.
- →Clean little and often a soft jewellery cloth is usually enough for day-to-day care.
- →Avoid chemical exposure perfumes, chlorine, and household cleaners can dull metal finishes over time.
- →Store carefully keeping your jewellery in a soft pouch or lined box helps prevent scratches when not being worn.
Keeping your memorial keepsake jewellery clean and beautiful will naturally be a key concern. You might be wearing this item of jewellery every day, and the last thing you want is for it to collect debris and dirt from day to day life.
Glass gemstones containing memorial ashes are highly durable, but they still need a little bit of care to keep them shiny and protected from damage. If the gemstone is housed in a setting or a piece of jewellery, you’ll also need to tend to the metal to prevent it from collecting dirt and becoming tarnished.
In this guide, we’re looking at the best ways to care for memorial glass jewellery, and a few things you’ll want to avoid in order to keep your precious keepsakes safe and secure.
Caring for glass gemstones
Glass is a highly durable material that will outperform comparable items like resin jewellery, but there are still some steps you can take to keep it looking beautiful.
The biggest risks when it comes to glass gemstones will be the risk of scratches and chips. If your jewellery chips, this could result in loss of some of the ashes. Since they are fused into the molten glass, they aren’t loose in the centre like hidden compartment jewellery. But any ashes within the chip of glass could be lost.
To prevent chips, make sure you remove your jewellery for any difficult tasks like cleaning, swimming, sports or going to the gym.
Another concern you might have will be scratches to the surface of the glass. These can build up and dull the shine of your gemstone. It is possible to have these buffed out by a professional, but it’s far better to avoid this. By only wearing your jewellery when you can be confident it won’t be hit or scraped, you can reduce the risk of scratching the surface.
How to keep memorial glass jewellery looking its best
Wipe gently after wearing
A clean microfibre or jewellery polishing cloth helps remove fingerprints, oils, and everyday residue before they build up. This is often all the cleaning your piece needs.
Use warm water if a deeper clean is needed
If the jewellery needs more attention, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap and dry it carefully with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking the piece for long periods.
Keep away from harsh conditions
Remove memorial jewellery before swimming, cleaning, gardening, or gym sessions where chemicals or impact could damage the glass or precious metal setting.
Store your piece safely between wears
When not being worn, keep your jewellery in its presentation box or a soft-lined pouch away from direct sunlight and harder jewellery items that may scratch the surface.
Storing your jewellery
When you aren’t wearing your jewellery, always keep it in the same place. This will help to avoid any stress or worry if you are unable to locate it. By always keeping it in the same place, you know that you’re either wearing it, or it’s in a safe place.
We recommend keeping your jewellery in a jewellery box to protect it from accidental knocks and scrapes. You could also keep it in a pouch or bag to help keep it separate from other jewellery pieces.
Protecting the metal
You can use a professional jewellery cleaner designed for your choice of precious metal. This will help to safely remove tarnish and keep your jewellery looking beautiful. Professional cleaning can also help to remove the everyday build up that can leave the jewellery looking dull or darker. They can also check the setting to make sure the gemstone isn’t at risk of coming loose.
Care & cleaning at a glance
| Topic | Do | Avoid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine clean | Lukewarm water + mild soap; soft cloth to dry. | Abrasive pads; toothpaste; ammonia/bleach; home ultrasonic tanks. | Gentle wipe after wear keeps oils from dulling the shine. |
| Wearing | Remove for heavy housework, sports, and swimming. | Chlorinated pools, hot tubs, rough yard work. | Helps prevent knocks and chemical exposure. |
| Storage | Store in a soft pouch or separate compartment. | Loose in a bag with keys/coins; direct sun on windowsills. | Avoid scratches; keep cool, dry, away from chemicals. |
| Checks & servicing | Inspect settings/clasps regularly; book professional checks. | Ignoring loose prongs or worn jump rings. | Secure settings protect the memorial glass long-term. |
