Handmade jewellery is built differently from mass-produced pieces. The materials are chosen for durability, the findings are designed to last, and the craft that goes into each piece means it has the potential to wear well for years.
But potential isn't the same as guarantee. How you care for your jewellery makes the difference between a piece that stays with you and one that deteriorates faster than it should.
Here's a straightforward guide to looking after your Lodorfo pieces — and handmade jewellery in general.
General rules for all handmade jewellery
A few principles apply across all materials and styles:
Remove before water exposure. Shower, swim, wash up — take your jewellery off first. Even stainless steel findings, which are water-resistant, are better kept dry to preserve the surrounding materials — leather, yarn, cord and beads don't benefit from prolonged moisture.
Keep away from perfume and hairspray. Apply fragrance first, then put your jewellery on. Chemicals in perfume and hairspray can affect yarn, leather and bead finishes over time.
Store thoughtfully. The pouch or box your Lodorfo piece arrives in isn't just packaging — it's storage. Use it. Keeping pieces separate prevents scratching and tangling.
Don't sleep or exercise in it. Sweat, movement and friction all accelerate wear. Taking a piece off before bed or a workout adds years to its life.
Caring for leather bracelets
Leather is a natural material — it responds to how it's treated. The good news is that genuine leather ages beautifully when looked after. The less good news is that it can deteriorate quickly when it isn't.
Avoid prolonged water exposure. A splash won't ruin it, but swimming or showering with a leather bracelet on will break down the fibres over time.
Wipe down after wear. A soft dry cloth after wearing removes sweat and oils that can dry out the leather over time.
Condition occasionally. A small amount of leather conditioner applied every few months keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking. Use sparingly — a little goes a long way.
Expect it to soften. Genuine leather softens and develops character with wear. This is normal and desirable — it's the piece becoming yours.
Caring for yarn and textile jewellery
Yarn and textile pieces — earrings, statement necklaces, braided cord — require slightly more care than leather, but are equally rewarding when looked after well.
Keep away from water entirely. Unlike leather, yarn doesn't recover well from moisture. Remove yarn pieces before any water exposure.
Store flat. Yarn pieces can lose their shape if stored incorrectly. Keep them flat in the pouch or box provided — don't bundle them together.
Handle with care. Don't pull or stretch yarn pieces. The structure of a yarn-wrapped earring or woven necklace relies on the tension of the weave — pulling at it can distort the shape permanently.
Keep away from sharp surfaces. Yarn can snag. Store your pieces away from zips, clasps and anything with rough edges.
Caring for beaded jewellery
Beaded pieces — like The Elio bracelet and The Maris necklace — are the most delicate of the Lodorfo range and benefit from the most careful handling.
Handle with care — beads can chip. Japanese Magatama beads are durable but not indestructible. Avoid knocking them against hard surfaces.
Keep away from water and chemicals. Water and perfume can affect bead finish and the thread that holds them together over time.
Store in the pouch provided. Beads scratch easily against other pieces. Always store beaded jewellery separately.
Wipe gently if needed. A soft dry cloth, used gently, is all that's needed to clean a beaded piece. Never submerge in water or use cleaning solutions.
About the stainless steel findings
All Lodorfo clasps, studs and findings are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel — nickel-free and tarnish-resistant. This means the metal components of your piece will maintain their appearance with minimal care.
If a clasp or stud needs cleaning, a soft dry cloth is all that's needed. Stainless steel doesn't require polishing solutions or specialist cleaners.
The simplest rule
The simplest way to look after handmade jewellery is also the most obvious: wear it. Pieces that are worn regularly and stored properly outlast pieces that are worn occasionally and left in a pile. The care routine doesn't need to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent.