A Quick Guide to Caring for Your Nova Stone Bracelet

Natural gemstones are remarkably durable — they survived millions of years underground, after all. But once they are shaped into beads and strung on an elastic cord, a few everyday habits can shorten their life significantly. Here is exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Take it off before water

This is the most important rule. Remove your bracelet before showering, swimming, washing dishes, or any prolonged water contact. Water itself is not the main enemy — it is what water does to the elastic cord inside the bracelet. Repeated soaking stretches and weakens the cord over time, which eventually causes the bracelet to snap or lose its tension. The stones are fine. The structure is not.

Salt water and chlorine are harder on the stones themselves and should especially be avoided.

Keep it away from chemicals

Perfume, hand lotion, sunscreen, and cleaning products all contain chemicals that dull natural stone surfaces over time. Some stones — particularly porous ones like obsidian or lava rock — absorb oils and can discolor permanently. The simple habit is to put your bracelet on last, after you have applied anything to your skin.

Clean it gently

If your bracelet needs cleaning, use a soft dry cotton cloth and wipe each bead gently. That is all. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or jewelry polishing cloths — these are designed for metal and can scratch or crack natural stone surfaces.

If a stone looks dull, a very lightly dampened cloth followed immediately by a dry one is fine. Do not soak the bracelet or run it under water.

Store it properly

Your Nova Stone bracelet comes in a signature stone pouch inside a gift box. Use it. Storing your bracelet loose in a drawer or bag allows the stones to knock against each other and against harder surfaces, which causes scratching and chips over time. The pouch keeps the stones separated and protected.

Avoid storing in direct sunlight for long periods — some stones, particularly amethyst and citrine, can fade with prolonged UV exposure.

When to take a break

If you wear your bracelet every day, the elastic will naturally loosen over time — typically after 1–2 years of daily wear, depending on your activity level. This is normal. If you notice the bracelet sitting looser on your wrist or the cord becoming visible between beads, it is time to have it restrung. Reach out to us through the Contact page and we will advise you.

Taking care of a natural stone bracelet is genuinely simple once these habits are in place. The stones themselves are built to last — your job is just to protect the structure around them.