Simple ways to protect the beauty, craftsmanship and meaning held within your treasured enamel jewellery
A piece of hand-painted enamel jewellery is more than something beautiful to wear.
It may hold the portrait of a beloved companion, recall a quiet moment shared together, or preserve a story you never want to forget. Every detail has been carefully painted and fired by hand, giving each piece its own character and meaning.
Although high-temperature enamel is valued for its strength and lasting colour, fine jewellery still deserves thoughtful care. A few gentle habits can help protect its surface, setting and finish, allowing it to remain part of your story for years to come.
1. Handle Your Jewellery with Care
Hand-painted enamel is created through a precise process in which mineral-based colours are applied by hand and fired at high temperatures. The finished surface has a smooth, glass-like quality that brings depth and clarity to every painted detail.
Like other fine jewellery materials, however, enamel can be affected by strong impacts or repeated contact with hard surfaces.
Avoid dropping your jewellery onto stone floors, tiled surfaces or countertops. When putting it on or taking it off, hold it securely and place it on a soft, clean surface.
These small, careful actions can help protect both the enamel portrait and the surrounding metalwork.
2. Avoid Perfume, Cosmetics and Chemicals
Perfume, hairspray, body lotion and cosmetics may gradually leave a residue on the surface of your jewellery. Household cleaning products and other chemicals may also affect the metal finish or the appearance of gemstones.
We recommend putting on your jewellery after perfume, skincare products and cosmetics have dried. At the end of the day, remove it before using cleaning products or applying additional creams and oils.
A simple routine to remember is:
Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
This helps keep the enamel surface clean while protecting the finish of the entire piece.
3. Remove It Before Bathing, Swimming or Exercising
Before showering, bathing or swimming, place your jewellery somewhere safe and dry.
Chlorinated swimming pools, salt water, soaps and shampoos may leave deposits on the jewellery or affect its metal finish over time. Exercise can also expose it to perspiration, accidental impact and friction against clothing or equipment.
Removing your jewellery during these activities gives it a moment of rest and reduces unnecessary wear.
4. Clean It Gently
After wearing your jewellery, you can gently wipe it with a clean, soft and lint-free cloth. This helps remove fingerprints, natural skin oils and light surface residue.
If more cleaning is needed, lightly dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and carefully wipe the surface. Dry the piece immediately with another soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishing powders, stiff brushes and rough fabrics. Ultrasonic and steam-cleaning machines may not be suitable for enamel jewellery or pieces containing delicate settings and gemstones.
When in doubt, gentle hand cleaning is always the safest choice.
5. Store Each Piece Separately
How you store your jewellery is just as important as how you wear it.
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch, lined jewellery box or separate compartment. This prevents it from rubbing against chains, gemstones or other metal jewellery that could scratch its surface.
Make sure your jewellery is completely dry before storing it. Keep it away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and humid environments.
For a memory locket, fasten the chain carefully and lay it flat to reduce tangling. Close the locket gently and avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
6. Check the Details Occasionally
Every piece of JaneForYou jewellery contains small, carefully made details—from the hand-painted portrait to the clasp, chain, stones and settings.
From time to time, take a quiet moment to look closely at your jewellery. Check that the clasp closes securely and that the chain and stone settings appear stable.
If you notice movement, damage or an unusual change, stop wearing the piece until it has been professionally inspected. Early attention can help prevent a small issue from becoming more serious.
Caring for the Story It Holds
Fine jewellery naturally changes with time. The way it is worn, touched and carried becomes part of its personal history.
Thoughtful care is not about keeping a treasured piece untouched. It is about allowing it to be worn and loved while protecting the craftsmanship and meaning held within it.
At JaneForYou, every hand-painted enamel piece begins with a photograph, but it is created to preserve something far greater: companionship, memory and the bond between you and the animal you love.
By caring for your jewellery gently, you are caring for the story it was made to hold.
Made slowly. Painted by hand. Created to keep love close.
