Handcrafted jewellery is made to be worn, not locked away. The pieces from RUH — whether sterling silver, oxidised brass, or Gilat (white metal) — develop character with wear. A little everyday care keeps them looking intentional for years.
This guide covers what works for our collections, from the forest-etched Adiva Forest Ring to the bell-drop Ghungroo Earrings and the chunky Banjara Bracelet.
Daily habits that matter most
- Put jewellery on last. Perfume, lotion, hairspray, and sunscreen dull finishes and accelerate oxidation. Dress, then fasten.
- Take it off before water. Showers, swimming pools, and dishwashing trap moisture against metal and stones-in-settings.
- Wipe after wearing. A soft, dry cotton cloth removes oils and sweat before you store the piece.
- Rotate pieces. Giving metal a day off between wears slows patina and lets finishes rest.
How to store each type
Store pieces dry, separated, and away from direct sun. The cotton pouch that ships with each order is ideal for travel and drawers.
- Oxidised brass (like the Adiva 25P–50P Ring): keep in a closed pouch. Air exposure is what darkens brass — a sealed pouch slows it evenly.
- Sterling silver 925: anti-tarnish cloth or pouch; avoid rubber bands and newspaper, which can accelerate tarnish.
- Bell and ghungroo pieces (Ghungroo Kanthi, Mini Ghungroo Ring): hang necklaces or lay earrings flat so bells do not snag on chains.
- Anklets and payals (Bichiya Anklet): clasp closed before storing so links do not tangle with other chains.
Never store multiple metal pieces loose in one box — scratches show fastest on hand-textured surfaces.
Cleaning without damaging the finish
Most pieces: dry microfibre cloth, light pressure. That is usually enough.
Light soil on smooth metal: lukewarm water, a drop of mild pH-neutral soap, soft brush, rinse quickly, pat completely dry before storage.
Do not:
- ultrasonic cleaners
- toothpaste, baking soda, or metal polishes on oxidised or hand-etched work
- silver dip on pieces with intentional darkening in recesses
Oxidation in engraved lines is part of the design — polish it away and the contrast (and the story) disappears. If you want a brighter high point on brass, rub only the raised areas gently with a treated polishing cloth.
Patina is not damage
Handcrafted metal develops a soft patina over time. On pieces like the Adiva Coin Bracelet or the Hansuli Choker, that shift is expected and often preferred. True problems are pitting, green skin marks from plating wear, or loose settings — those need a look from us, not a polish at home.
When to contact us
Reach out within our returns window if something arrives damaged, or write anytime for care questions about a specific piece. Include photos and your order number — we will tell you whether a home clean is safe or the piece should come back to the studio.
Cared for simply, handcrafted jewellery becomes an heirloom faster than anything machine-made. Wear it, wipe it, pouch it — repeat.