How to Care for Memorial Jewellery Made with Hair or Breastmilk

Memorial and keepsake jewellery carries more than its materials. Whether your piece contains a lock of hair, breastmilk or another treasured inclusion, it holds a story that deserves to be looked after gently.

With a few simple habits, you can help keep your keepsake beautiful and enjoy wearing it for years to come.

Keep your jewellery away from water

Remove your keepsake before bathing, showering, swimming or washing your hands. Prolonged contact with water can affect the finish of the jewellery and may be especially unsuitable for pieces that include preserved materials or resin.

If your jewellery does become damp, pat it dry carefully with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid rubbing the surface.

Avoid perfumes, creams and cleaning products

Apply perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and cosmetics before putting on your jewellery, and allow them to dry fully. Chemicals and oils can build up on the surface over time and may dull the finish.

Keep your piece away from household cleaners, hand sanitiser and other strong chemicals wherever possible. If you work with cleaning products, it is best to remove your jewellery first.

Clean it gently

For everyday dust or fingerprints, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Wipe lightly rather than polishing aggressively.

Do not use abrasive cloths, polishing compounds, ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners or strong jewellery dips unless the maker of your specific piece has confirmed that they are suitable. When in doubt, gentle and dry is the safest approach.

Take care when wearing a ring

Rings come into contact with more surfaces than necklaces, so remove yours before gardening, exercising, lifting heavy items or doing household chores. This helps protect both the metal and the keepsake setting from knocks, scratches and unnecessary pressure.

If you would like a piece that stays closer to your heart and is less exposed to everyday work, a memorial necklace may be a lovely alternative.

Store your keepsake safely

When you are not wearing your jewellery, keep it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. A soft-lined jewellery box or individual pouch is ideal. Storing pieces separately helps prevent them from rubbing against one another.

Do not leave your jewellery loose in a bathroom, on a windowsill or in a place where it may be knocked onto a hard surface.

Check the setting from time to time

Every so often, look closely at the setting, clasp and any visible inclusions. If you notice movement, a loose fitting, a damaged surface or a change that concerns you, stop wearing the piece and contact the maker for advice.

Hair and breastmilk keepsakes need thoughtful handling

Hair and breastmilk are deeply personal inclusions, and the best care routine can vary slightly depending on the design and materials used. Your care instructions should always take priority, especially if they were supplied with your piece.

Breastmilk jewellery often has a smooth, sealed finish, but it should still be protected from water, heat, chemicals and sudden impacts. Hair keepsakes should also be kept dry and handled with care, particularly around any delicate setting or fine detail.

Wear it with meaning, not worry

Your keepsake is made to be treasured. Caring for it does not mean keeping it hidden away forever. Choose moments when you feel comfortable wearing it, take it off for activities that could damage it, and let it be part of your life in a way that feels right for you.

At Heartstones®, each piece is made to order with care. If you have a question about looking after your specific keepsake, please get in touch before using a cleaning product or repair service.

Explore our keepsake necklaces and memorial rings when you are ready to find a piece of your own.