The short answer
Wipe your bracelet with a soft, barely damp cloth and dry it straight away. Do not soak it: water weakens elastic and thread and can damage porous, dyed or treated stones. Avoid perfume, lotion, sanitiser and cleaning products. Store bracelets flat and separately so harder beads do not scratch softer ones. Roll an elastic bracelet on and off rather than stretching it. Restring when the cord looks thin, stretched or frayed, or when gaps appear between beads.
Why bead bracelets need specific care
A bead bracelet has two parts that age differently.
- The stones. Most are durable, but some are soft, porous, dyed or treated.
- The cord. Elastic and thread wear out with stretching, water, sweat and chemicals. The cord usually fails long before the stones do.
Good care protects both.
Know your stones: hardness and sensitivity
Hardness, measured on the Mohs scale from 1 to 10, tells you how easily a stone scratches. Stones scratch anything softer than themselves, which is why mixed bracelets need care.
| Stone | Approximate hardness | Care notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz family: amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, clear quartz, tiger’s eye, aventurine | 6.5–7 | Durable. Wipe clean. Avoid harsh chemicals |
| Agate, onyx, carnelian, jasper | 6.5–7 | Durable. Dyed agates and onyx can lose colour with chemicals |
| Moonstone, labradorite | 6–6.5 | Can chip if knocked. Avoid heat and chemicals |
| Garnet | 6.5–7.5 | Durable. Wipe clean |
| Lapis lazuli | 5–5.5 | Porous. Avoid water and chemicals; often dyed or waxed |
| Turquoise | 5–6 | Porous; often stabilised or dyed. Keep away from water, oil, cosmetics |
| Howlite, magnesite (often dyed to imitate turquoise) | 3–4 | Soft and porous. Dye can bleed. No soaking |
| Malachite | 3.5–4 | Soft and sensitive to acids and heat. Wipe only |
| Pearl | 2.5–4.5 | Very soft and sensitive to acids, sweat and cosmetics. Put on last; wipe after wearing |
| Selenite | about 2 | Very soft and dissolves in water. Not suitable for everyday bracelets |
Dyed, oiled, waxed, filled or coated beads need gentler care than untreated ones, whatever the stone.
How to clean a bead bracelet
- Wipe each bead with a soft, lint-free cloth very lightly dampened with plain water. For grime, add a tiny amount of mild soap to the water.
- Clean between beads with a soft, dry brush, such as a clean makeup brush.
- Dry immediately with a dry cloth.
- Let it air-dry flat for a while before storing, so the cord dries fully.
Avoid:
- soaking or rinsing under the tap;
- ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners;
- jewellery dips, bleach, alcohol, sanitiser, vinegar and other chemicals;
- leaving bracelets in very hot places, such as a car dashboard or near a stove.
Water, sweat and everyday wear
- Take it off before bathing, swimming, washing dishes, exercising heavily and sleeping.
- Put it on last, after perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hair products.
- Wipe off sweat after wearing, especially in hot weather.
- Hand sanitiser is particularly harsh on porous stones, dyed beads and cords, so let your hands dry fully before handling the bracelet.
Putting it on and taking it off
Stretching shortens the life of elastic bracelets.
- Roll the bracelet over your hand instead of pulling it wide.
- Do not wear it so tight that the cord is always stretched.
- If your bracelet has a clasp or lock, open it fully rather than forcing it over your hand.
Storage
- Store each bracelet separately, in a soft pouch or a lined box compartment.
- Keep softer stones away from harder ones: quartz beads can scratch pearls, malachite and turquoise.
- Store bracelets flat, not hanging, so the cord does not stretch.
- Keep them away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight for long periods.
- If the bracelet has silver parts, a small anti-tarnish strip in the box helps.
When to restring
Restringing is normal maintenance, not a sign of a poor bracelet.
Signs it is time:
- the elastic looks thin, white, kinked or frayed;
- gaps appear between beads when the bracelet lies flat;
- the bracelet feels looser than before;
- a knot looks worn, or beads have started to slide;
- a lock, spacer or charm has become loose.
Tips for restringing:
- Count and photograph the bead order first.
- Choose good-quality elastic or thread suited to the bead size and hole.
- Ask for the knot to be hidden inside a bead and secured.
- For heavy beads or a bracelet you wear daily, consider a knotted or wire-strung design with a clasp.
Quick care routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every wear | Wipe gently with a dry or barely damp cloth; store separately |
| Every few weeks | Brush between beads; check the cord and knots |
| Every few months | Look closely for stretched elastic, chips or loose parts |
| When worn | Restring, or ask a jeweller to inspect it |
FAQ
Can I wear my crystal bracelet in the shower? It is better not to. Water and soap weaken the cord and can damage porous or dyed stones.
Why has my bracelet’s colour faded or bled? It may be dyed. Dye can bleed with water, sweat or chemicals. Ask the seller whether the stones are dyed before you buy.
Can I clean my bracelet with salt water? Avoid it. Salt can damage porous stones, metal parts and the cord.
How often should I restring an elastic bracelet? It depends on how often you wear it. Check the cord regularly and restring at the first signs of wear.
Are all crystals safe in sunlight? Many are, but some coloured and dyed stones can fade with long exposure. Store bracelets out of direct sunlight to be safe.
Next steps
Read our crystal bead bracelet guide on stones, sizes and construction, browse more Crystal Jewellery articles, or email us.