Jade bangles have become a major fashion trend over the last few years. They are often worn by ladies not only for their beauty, but also due to their philosophical connection and symbolism. Wearing a jade bangle is believed to protect the wearer from any harm and maintain their health. Thanks to their shiny and translucent appearance and rich color, they have become a fashion accessory that can complement both casual and formal outfits.
Owing to the beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual aspects of jade bangles, many people want to wear them all the time without ever taking them off. But is it safe? Can you clean, shower, or expose your jade bangle to oils, soaps, or chemicals? Here is a guide that will answer all your questions regarding how to clean and maintain jade.
Steps to clean a jade bangle with light surface dirt
Take a bowl that is big enough to contain your jade bangle. Fill it with warm water and add 2-3 drops of mild and alcohol-free hand soap or dish soap. Mix the solution until the soap dissolves completely. Soapy, warm water is the best thing to clean jade bangles. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or alcohol. Make sure that your jade bangle is not treated, as extra care would be needed in this case. Hot liquids and chemicals may cause extensive damage to its appearance.
Place your bangle in the bowl and soak it for 1-2 minutes. Use a microfiber towel or soft brush to scrub the bangle gently using circular motions. Do not press too hard.
If there are tight spaces in your bangle, use a soft toothbrush to reach those nooks and crannies. Soak the toothbrush in the solution and scrub the bangle gently.
Once done, run the bangle under warm and running water to rinse off the soap residue. Check the running water’s temperature, which should be almost the same as the solution in which you cleaned it. When you clean the jade bangle, avoid sudden temperature changes.
Steps to clean a jade bangle with heavy grime
If your jade bangle has been covered with stubborn grime, then you may clean it with a solution of water, soap, and ammonia. Take 8 parts of water to one part ammonia and one part soap. Mix the solution properly until it dissolves completely. Ammonia is safe for jade, but if your bangle has other metals and gems, make sure that they can tolerate ammonia too. Make sure that your bangle is not treated, as ammonia may cause damage to the treatment.
Use a microfiber towel or soft brush to scrub the bangle using circular motions. After scrubbing, rinse it under warm water. If the grime is still left, scrub again and rinse again.
If your bangle has small crevices, you may use a toothpick to remove any mineral deposits or debris from them. However, go slowly and gently so that you do not end up damaging the prongs or settings.
Steps to dry and polish a jade bangle
Once you are done with the cleaning, shake off or blow off any excess water. Then use a lint-free cloth like a microfiber towel to dry the bangle completely. Do not use any harsh rags or cloths to dry it, and do not press too hard on it.
Another drying method is to place it in maple wood chips, as it will prevent any liquid stains from settling on its surface. Cover the bangle in a layer of dry maple wood chips. Once it is dry, blow them away. This method of drying works best for jade bangles with large-size stones.
After drying the bangle, you need to polish it using a jewelry polishing cloth. You can buy these cloths from a store. If you don’t have one, put a few drops of canola oil on a microfiber cloth and rub the bangle with it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe off the excess oil with a dry and clean cloth.
Alternatively, you may also wax your jade bangle with white candle wax. This method prevents dirt, grime, and body oil from entering the jade pores and keeps it clean longer.
How often should you clean a jade bangle?
Ideally, you must clean the jade bangle every 6 months. This cleaning frequency is enough to maintain the jade texture and luster it is known for. However, how often you clean the bangle depends on your environmental conditions and lifestyle. People living in tropical areas will expose their bangle to hot and humid climates most of the time, due to which it will demand more frequent cleaning.
Daily routine with a jade bangle
Can I take a shower wearing a jade bangle?
Of course, whether your jade bangle has been treated or not, you can shower with jade safely. In fact, when you take your shower with your bangle on, it gets routinely cleaned and needs less frequent cleaning.
Can I swim while wearing a jade bangle?
It depends on the kind of jade bangle. If it is a natural one, you can swim with it in saltwater or a chlorinated pool. But if you have a treated bangle, you must avoid taking it into a chlorinated pool, as chlorine may react with the polymers and damage its appearance permanently.
Can I use steam to clean a jade bangle?
No. You should never steam clean your jade bangle. Excessive heat may damage its surface.
Can I work in my garden with a jade bangle on?
It’s advisable to remove the jade bangle before working with soil and dirt, as the soil has quartz dust that works as a powerful abrasive for your jade surface.
Can I use soap to clean a jade bangle?
As mentioned earlier, a solution of water and mild soap is the best way to clean and maintain jade bangles. However, make sure that the soap you use does not contain alcohol or acids.
Do I need to oil my jade bangle?
If your jade bangle is shiny and polished, you can lightly oil it every week. Oiling can re-polish its surface and maintain its reflective property.
Which type of cloth should I use to wipe my jade bangle?
Microfiber cloth is ideal to clean a jade bangle, as it gives it a smooth look and sheen and prevents scratches while cleaning and scrubbing.
Can I store my jade bangle in my jewelry box?
No. You must keep all your jade items in a separate box. Storing it with other jewelry items and gemstones may scratch its surface. So, place your jade bangle in a separate box, or at least in a different compartment.
Can I expose jade bangles to high temperatures?
No. When exposed to high heat, the internal molecular volume of jade will increase and it will get metamorphosed. As a result, the stone may lose its moisture, the germplasm may dry out, and it may become lighter in color.
Can I sleep with my jade bangle on?
Yes. It’s quite safe to sleep with your jade bangle. However, try not to sleep on top of your bangle, as too much weight may deform its shape.
What not to do with your jade bangle
- Never expose your jade bangle to chemicals
- Do not clean your bangle with household or jewelry cleaners, as they may contain harsh substances or corrosives that may destroy its beauty
- Never expose your bangle to ultrasonic jewelry equipment or cleaning solution
- Never put your bangle into a cleaning machine or tumbler, as it may crack or scratch the stone
- Although jade is a hard substance, it can get damaged or tarnished if it gets hit or rubbed hard
- Do not expose jade to a strong acid solution, as it may destroy its color and structure
- Avoid long-term exposure to acids, organic solvents, and alkalis, such as cosmetics, hairdressing agents, and perfumes, as they may have corrosive effects on the jade surface
- Be careful while wearing your jade bracelet, as banging it against hard surfaces often can damage its surface and decrease its value
Times when it’s better to take off the jade
- Try not to wear your jade under direct sunlight for long, as excessive sunlight may fade its color and destroy its texture
- If you are a lover of steam saunas, you should remove your jade before entering the chamber. It’s not advisable to keep jade in hot and humid conditions for long
- Take care that your jade does not come in contact with open flame while cooking, as it may cause irreparable damage to the stone
Owning and wearing a jade bangle is a luxury in itself. So, you would want to do everything possible to protect and maintain your jewelry. Following the above techniques can ensure that you clean and maintain the jade bangle regularly so that it keeps looking amazing for years. However, in an unfortunate situation, if you happen to damage it, some specialists are experts at restoring jade and bringing it back to its new-like looks and condition.
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