Every handmade piece tells a story. At KORALI, our jewelry is carefully crafted by Ukrainian artisans using traditional techniques and high-quality materials such as Czech Preciosa beads, Japanese Miyuki beads, natural gemstones, glass beads, wood, and metal components. Proper care helps preserve the beauty, shape, and durability of every piece, allowing you to enjoy it for many years.
Whether you own a gerdan, sylianka, kryza, zgarda, luskavky, beaded bracelet, necklace, or an embroidered vyshyvanka, a few simple care habits can significantly extend its lifespan. This guide explains how to clean, wear, store, and transport handmade Ukrainian jewelry while protecting delicate beadwork and natural materials.
General Care Tips
Although every piece is unique, there are several universal recommendations that apply to most handmade jewelry.
Avoid Water
Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, visiting a sauna, or participating in water activities. While premium beads are highly durable, prolonged exposure to moisture may affect threads, metal findings, and other structural components.
Apply Cosmetics First
Perfume, hairspray, body lotion, sunscreen, and makeup should always be applied before putting on your jewelry. This helps prevent residue from building up on beads, gemstones, glass, or metal elements.
Keep Away from Household Chemicals
Do not expose your jewelry to detergents, bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, acetone, or other harsh chemicals. These products may damage decorative finishes, metal parts, natural stones, or the thread used in handwoven jewelry.
Handle with Care
Never pull on decorative fringes, tassels, pendants, or closures. Avoid dropping your jewelry onto hard surfaces and do not place heavy objects on top of wide beaded pieces.
Protect from Direct Sunlight
Long-term exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat may gradually affect the color of certain natural materials and decorative elements. Store your jewelry away from windows and heat sources whenever possible.
When Should You Remove Your Jewelry?
For the longest possible lifespan, we recommend removing your jewelry before:
- Sleeping
- Showering or bathing
- Swimming in pools or the sea
- Sports and physical activities
- Cleaning your home
- Using household chemicals
- Visiting a sauna or steam room
- Applying perfume, lotion, or hairspray
If your jewelry accidentally gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Never use a hair dryer, heater, or direct sunlight to speed up the drying process.
Caring for Beaded Jewelry
Most KORALI jewelry is handcrafted using premium Czech Preciosa beads and Japanese Miyuki beads. These materials are valued for their precise shape, rich colors, and long-lasting quality. However, because every piece is woven by hand, proper handling is essential to preserve its structure and appearance.
Unlike mass-produced accessories, handmade beadwork consists of thousands of carefully connected beads. Treating each piece with care will help maintain its original shape, flexibility, and intricate design.
Gerdans
A gerdan is a traditional Ukrainian beaded necklace with an elongated shape and often decorative fringe. Always handle it by the main woven section or fastening rather than pulling on the fringe or ornamental details. After wearing, gently straighten the lower fringe to prevent tangling.
Syliankas and Beaded Chokers
Syliankas fit closely around the neck, making them more likely to come into contact with cosmetics and skin care products. For this reason, always put them on after applying perfume, lotion, or makeup. After wearing, gently wipe the surface with a soft dry microfiber cloth.
Kryzas
A kryza is a wide multi-row beaded collar that requires extra care because of its size and complex construction. Never fold or tightly bend the piece. When putting it on or taking it off, support the collar evenly with both hands.
Zgardas
Zgardas often combine beadwork with decorative metal elements and pendants. Keep them away from moisture and avoid using metal polishing products, as these may come into contact with the beads or thread.
Beaded Necklaces and Chokers
Store necklaces and chokers separately to prevent friction between different materials. If your jewelry includes pendants or tassels, arrange them carefully before storing to avoid unnecessary tangling.
Beaded Ropes
Beaded ropes are flexible thanks to their weaving technique, but they should never be tied into knots or twisted excessively. Gentle handling helps maintain their original shape and elasticity.
Bracelets and Earrings
Bracelets and earrings come into frequent contact with skin, hair, and clothing. After each use, gently wipe them with a dry cloth to remove natural oils and dust. Remove earrings before sleeping or changing clothes to reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Beaded Belts
Do not tighten beaded belts more than necessary. Avoid pulling on decorative fringe or fastening cords, and gently straighten the belt before storing it.
Brooches and Boutonnieres
Always remove brooches and boutonnieres before washing or dry-cleaning clothing. Close the pin clasp before storage to prevent it from catching on fabric or other jewelry.
Jewelry Sets
If your jewelry was purchased as a matching set, it is best to store all pieces together in their original gift box or individual soft pouches. This helps prevent scratches, tangling, and unnecessary wear.
Handmade beadwork is surprisingly durable when treated with care. Avoid sudden pulling, twisting, or excessive pressure, and your jewelry will retain its beautiful shape for many years.
Caring for Natural Gemstone Jewelry
KORALI also creates jewelry featuring natural gemstones such as agate, coral, jasper, volcanic lava, and other carefully selected materials. Every stone has its own natural texture, color variations, and characteristics, making each piece unique.
Protect from Impact
Although many gemstones are durable, they can chip or crack if dropped onto hard surfaces. Always handle necklaces and bracelets with care, especially when putting them on or taking them off.
Avoid Prolonged Contact with Water
Natural stones should not be soaked in water or exposed to moisture for extended periods. Water may affect the thread, metal findings, or porous stones over time.
Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry
For everyday care, simply wipe your jewelry with a soft dry cloth. If additional cleaning is necessary, contact KORALI before using any cleaning products, as different gemstones require different care methods.
Never use ultrasonic cleaners, abrasive products, alcohol, or acidic solutions on natural gemstone jewelry unless specifically recommended for that type of stone.
Caring for Glass Bead Necklaces (Luskavky)
Luskavky and other traditional Ukrainian glass bead necklaces are admired for their vibrant colors and distinctive shine. Although glass is a durable material, it should be handled with care to prevent chips, cracks, or scratches.
Avoid Strong Impact
Do not drop glass bead necklaces onto hard surfaces or place heavy objects on top of them. While individual beads are strong, a significant impact may cause damage.
Store Separately
Glass necklaces should be stored separately from metal jewelry and other accessories that could scratch the surface of the beads. A soft pouch or gift box provides excellent protection.
Cleaning
Dust and fingerprints can easily be removed with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials, chemical cleaners, or polishing products.
Traditional Ukrainian glass necklaces often become family keepsakes. Proper storage and gentle handling help preserve their beauty for generations.
Caring for Wooden Necklaces
Wooden necklaces combine natural beauty with exceptional lightness and comfort. Since wood is a natural material, it should be protected from excessive moisture and sudden temperature changes.
Keep Away from Water
Do not soak wooden jewelry or expose it to prolonged moisture. If it accidentally becomes wet, gently wipe it with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry naturally.
Store in a Dry Environment
Keep wooden necklaces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Proper storage helps preserve both the wood and any protective finish.
Caring for Vyshyvankas
A vyshyvanka is more than an embroidered garment—it is a symbol of Ukrainian culture and craftsmanship. Proper care helps preserve the fabric, embroidery, and vibrant colors for many years.
Washing
Always follow the care instructions provided on the garment label. In most cases, embroidered shirts should be hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle at temperatures up to 30°C (86°F) using a mild detergent without bleach.
Drying
Do not wring out the fabric. Allow excess water to drain naturally, then dry the garment on a hanger or flat surface away from direct sunlight.
Ironing
Iron the garment inside out or place a thin cotton cloth over the embroidery before ironing. This helps protect the embroidered threads and maintain their texture.
Storage
Store your vyshyvanka in a clean, dry place on a wide hanger or neatly folded. Ensure the garment is completely dry before storing it for an extended period.
If you wear a gerdan, sylianka, or kryza with your vyshyvanka, put on the embroidered shirt first and then the jewelry. This reduces the risk of catching decorative elements on the embroidery.
Proper Storage
Correct storage is one of the most important factors in preserving handmade jewelry. Store your pieces in a dry room at normal indoor temperature, away from direct sunlight, radiators, and areas with high humidity.
Each piece should ideally be stored separately in a gift box, soft pouch, or jewelry box. Keeping jewelry apart helps prevent scratches, tangled fringes, and unnecessary friction between different materials.
Before storing your jewelry, gently straighten long fringes, multi-strand necklaces, and woven elements. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of handmade beadwork.
For long-term storage, we recommend using a dedicated jewelry box. It keeps your collection organized while protecting each piece from dust and accidental damage.
Travelling with Jewelry
When travelling, transport your jewelry in a sturdy gift box or protective case. Keep each item separate to prevent tangling and reduce the risk of scratches or impact damage.
Wide beaded pieces such as kryzas and gerdans should be packed without sharp folds. If travelling by air, carrying valuable handmade jewelry in your hand luggage is generally the safest option.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
Routine cleaning requires nothing more than a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Gently remove dust and fingerprints after wearing your jewelry.
Never use alcohol, acetone, bleach, abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds, or household chemicals. Since many KORALI pieces combine several materials, products that are safe for one component may damage another.
If your jewelry requires more thorough cleaning, we recommend contacting KORALI before attempting any cleaning method. We will be happy to advise you based on the specific materials used in your piece.
Common Jewelry Care Mistakes
- Washing handmade jewelry under running water.
- Using alcohol, acetone, bleach, or household cleaning products.
- Applying perfume directly onto the jewelry.
- Storing jewelry in bathrooms or damp environments.
- Folding wide beaded pieces such as gerdans or kryzas.
- Keeping multiple pieces together without protection.
- Pulling decorative fringe, tassels, or closures.
- Drying jewelry with a hair dryer or placing it on a radiator.
- Wearing jewelry while sleeping, swimming, or exercising.
Every KORALI creation is handcrafted with great attention to detail. With careful handling, proper storage, and regular gentle cleaning, your jewelry and embroidered garments will remain beautiful for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can handmade beaded jewelry get wet?
We recommend avoiding prolonged contact with water. While premium beads are highly durable, moisture may affect the thread, metal components, and overall construction of handmade jewelry.
What should I do if my jewelry gets wet?
Gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Never use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct heat.
Can I wear my jewelry every day?
Yes. Handmade jewelry is designed for regular wear. However, removing it before sports, swimming, sleeping, or household chores will help preserve its appearance for much longer.
Should I apply perfume before or after putting on jewelry?
Always apply perfume, lotion, hairspray, and other cosmetics first. Once they have dried, you can safely put on your jewelry.
How should I store a gerdan or sylianka?
Store handmade beaded jewelry flat or loosely arranged inside a gift box or soft pouch. Avoid sharp folds, heavy pressure, or storing multiple pieces together without protection.
Can I clean beaded jewelry with soap or alcohol?
No. Soap, alcohol, acetone, bleach, and household cleaning products may damage beads, threads, gemstones, or metal findings. A soft dry microfiber cloth is usually all that is needed.
How should I care for natural gemstone jewelry?
Protect gemstone jewelry from impact, excessive moisture, household chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Clean it gently with a soft dry cloth.
Can handmade jewelry be packed in checked luggage?
It can, but we recommend carrying valuable handmade jewelry in your hand luggage whenever possible. Always transport each piece inside a protective box or case.
How long does handmade jewelry last?
With proper care, handmade jewelry can remain beautiful for many years. Regular gentle cleaning and correct storage significantly extend its lifespan.
Should I remove jewelry before sleeping?
Yes. Removing jewelry before sleep reduces the risk of tangling, stretching, or accidental damage.
How should I care for a vyshyvanka?
Follow the care instructions on the garment label. In most cases, hand washing or a delicate machine cycle at low temperature, gentle drying, and ironing inside out will help preserve the embroidery.
Who can I contact if I have questions about caring for my jewelry?
If you are unsure how to clean or care for your KORALI jewelry, feel free to contact us. We will gladly recommend the safest care method based on the materials used in your piece.
You May Also Like
- How to Measure for Handmade Jewelry – a simple step-by-step guide to choosing the correct size for gerdans, syliankas, kryzas, and other handmade jewelry.
- How to Choose a Gerdan – learn how to select the perfect gerdan based on style, size, colors, traditional patterns, and your personal look.
- Luskavky and Traditional Ukrainian Glass Bead Necklaces – discover the history, craftsmanship, and unique beauty of traditional Ukrainian glass necklaces.
- Syliankas: History, Symbolism, and Contemporary Beauty – explore one of the most recognizable forms of traditional Ukrainian beadwork and learn why it remains popular today.
Why Choose KORALI?
Every KORALI creation is handcrafted in Ukraine by skilled artisans using carefully selected materials and traditional beadwork techniques. We believe that proper care allows handmade jewelry to become a cherished part of your collection for many years.