How to Care for Terracotta Jewellery: A Simple Guide

Terracotta jewellery is light, beautiful and surprisingly durable, as long as you know what it dislikes. A few easy habits will keep the colours rich and the finish bright for years.

First, understand the material

Terracotta is clay that has been fired until it hardens. Even after firing, unglazed terracotta stays slightly porous: it has tiny pores that can soak up water. On top of the clay sits a layer of paint, often a metallic finish such as antique gold or oxidised silver, and usually a protective coat. Almost every care tip comes down to protecting those two things: keeping moisture out of the clay and keeping the painted finish from rubbing or fading.

Keep it dry

• Take it off before you bathe, swim or exercise. Water and sweat are terracotta's biggest enemies. They can soften the surface, dull the paint and weaken threads over time.
• Don't wear it in the rain. If your jewellery does get wet, pat it dry straight away with a soft cloth and let it air-dry fully before you put it away.
• Never soak it or wash it under the tap, even if a piece is described as water-resistant.

Jewellery on last, off first

Perfume, deodorant, hairspray, body lotion and sunscreen all contain oils and chemicals that can stain or dull a painted finish. Get fully ready first, let everything dry, and put your terracotta set on as the very last step. At the end of the day, take it off before you remove your makeup.

Cleaning: gentle and dry

• Wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove dust and skin oils.
• For a stubborn mark, use a cloth that is only slightly damp, then dry the piece immediately.
• Avoid soap, detergent, silver polish and jewellery cleaning liquids. They can strip the paint and metallic finish.
• Never scrub with a brush or anything abrasive.

Storing it the right way

• Store each set separately, in a soft pouch or its own box. Terracotta can chip if it knocks against metal jewellery or other hard pieces.
• Lay necklaces flat rather than hanging them for long periods, so the threads don't stretch.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can fade hand-painted colours over time.
• In the monsoon or humid weather, store your jewellery in a closed box with a small silica gel sachet (the kind that comes in shoe boxes) to absorb moisture. Don't store it in the bathroom.

Wearing it with care

• Untie the dori or thread closure to take a necklace off. Pulling it over your head strains the knots.
• Don't sleep in it. Rolling over can bend hooks and crack beads.
• Handle it like you would glass bangles. Terracotta is strong in normal wear, but a fall onto a tiled floor can chip it.
• Check the threads now and then. If a knot loosens, have it re-tied before a bead slips off.

Travelling with terracotta

Wrap each piece in a soft cloth or tissue and pack it in a small hard box in your hand luggage, not loose in a suitcase. For weddings and festivals away from home, this little bit of care means your set arrives looking as good as when you packed it.

The quick checklist

1. Keep it away from water, sweat and rain.
2. Perfume and lotion first, jewellery last.
3. Wipe with a soft dry cloth; no soap or chemicals.
4. Store separately, flat, dry and out of the sun.
5. Untie the closure; don't pull it over your head.

Follow these and your terracotta jewellery will stay a favourite for many seasons of festivals, weddings and everyday wear.

Looking for a new set? Browse our terracotta jewellery collection, or learn how terracotta jewellery is made.