How to Care for Your Leather Cord Cremation Bracelet

Your leather cord cremation bracelet is designed to keep a meaningful remembrance close, and with proper care, you can help preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan. Because the bracelet combines natural leather, rhodium-plated sterling silver, and a resin memorial setting, each material has its own care requirements.

Caring for the Leather Cord

Leather is a natural material that can gradually change in appearance and texture with regular wear. Exposure to moisture, sunlight, friction, and certain products can accelerate this process. The following recommendations can help protect your leather cord and preserve its appearance.

Keep It Dry

One of the most important things you can do to care for your leather bracelet is to limit its exposure to water and moisture. Unlike metal jewelry, leather can absorb moisture, which may affect its texture, flexibility, and overall durability over time.

We recommend removing your bracelet before:

• Showering or bathing
• Swimming in pools or the ocean
• Exercising or engaging in activities that cause excessive perspiration
• Washing dishes or performing household chores involving water

Occasional incidental contact with water does not necessarily mean your bracelet is damaged, but prolonged or repeated exposure should be avoided.

If your bracelet gets wet, gently blot away any excess moisture with a soft, dry cloth and allow the leather to air-dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid using a hair dryer, placing it near a heater, or exposing it to direct sunlight to speed up the drying process, as excessive heat can cause leather to dry out or become damaged.

Avoid Prolonged Sunlight and Excessive Heat

Extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause leather to fade, dry out, or change color over time. Excessive heat can also affect the leather's flexibility and condition.

When you're not wearing your bracelet, store it somewhere cool and dry, away from windows, direct sunlight, and heat sources. We also recommend avoiding leaving your bracelet in a hot vehicle.

Keep Leather Away from Chemicals and Cosmetics

Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, sunscreen, cleaning products, and other chemicals can affect the appearance and condition of leather. Some products may cause discoloration, staining, or deterioration of the leather's surface.

To help minimize contact, apply lotions, fragrances, and other personal care products before putting on your bracelet, allowing them to dry completely first.

Avoid contact with household cleaners, rubbing alcohol, bleach, or other chemical solutions on the leather.

Clean Gently

For routine maintenance, gently wipe the leather cord with a clean, soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust and everyday residue.

If additional cleaning is necessary, use a cloth that is only slightly damp with clean water, taking care not to saturate the leather. Allow the bracelet to air-dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Avoid scrubbing, soaking, or using abrasive brushes, as these can damage the leather's surface.

Caring for the Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Component and Clasp

Your bracelet's cremation component and clasp are made from rhodium-plated sterling silver. Rhodium is a precious metal applied as a thin surface layer to give the silver a bright, polished appearance and help protect it from tarnishing.

Although rhodium plating provides added protection, it can gradually wear with regular use, friction, and exposure to certain chemicals. Gentle care can help preserve its finish.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your bracelet before using household cleaners, bleach, or other strong chemicals. Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairspray before putting your bracelet on, allowing them to dry completely first.
• Avoid Swimming: Chlorine and salt water can affect the metal and its finish.
• Clean with a Soft Cloth: Gently wipe the metal components with a clean, soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and everyday residue.
• Avoid Silver Polishes and Abrasives: Do not use silver polish, liquid silver cleaners, abrasive polishing cloths, or jewelry-cleaning dips. These products may damage or wear away the rhodium plating.
• Store Separately: Keep your bracelet in a soft pouch or jewelry box when not in use to minimize scratching and unnecessary contact with other jewelry.

If the rhodium plating gradually wears away over time, the natural color of the sterling silver underneath will be revealed. Because both rhodium and sterling silver have a similar silvery appearance, the difference in color is generally subtle. However, without the protective rhodium layer, the exposed sterling silver will be susceptible to tarnishing. You are always welcome to send your bracelet back to us for professional re-rhodium plating. This service is available for an additional fee.

Caring for the Memorial Setting

Your bracelet's memorial setting is created by combining your loved one's ashes with a clear, high-grade jewelry resin, which solidifies to form a stone-like setting that is permanently bonded to the jewelry. Although designed to be durable and lasting, a few simple precautions can go a long way in protecting the memorial setting and maintaining its appearance over time.

• Avoid Scratches and Abrasion: Take care to prevent the memorial setting from rubbing against rough or abrasive surfaces.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Cosmetics: Keep the memorial setting away from rubbing alcohol, acetone, nail polish remover, and household cleaning products. Apply perfume and lotion before putting your jewelry on, as these can cause the memorial setting to become discolored or matte.
• Protect from Excessive Heat and UV Exposure: Avoid leaving your bracelet in a high-temperature environment or direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
• Clean Gently: If the memorial setting needs cleaning, use a soft, clean cloth that is slightly damp with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive materials.

Proper Storage and Everyday Wear

When you're not wearing it, store your bracelet in its original jewelry box or a soft pouch in a cool, dry location. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it or storing it where the leather cord may become bent, stretched, or compressed.

We also recommend removing your bracelet before sleeping, exercising, or participating in activities where it may experience excessive pulling, friction, or impact.

When putting on and removing your bracelet, handle the clasp gently rather than pulling on the leather cord. This can help minimize unnecessary strain on the cord and its connections.

Understanding the Natural Wear of Leather

Leather is a natural material that will gradually show signs of use. Frequent wear, perspiration, friction, and everyday environmental exposure can gradually affect the leather's condition.

If your bracelet's cord begins to show signs of wear, you're always welcome to send it back to us for a replacement. This service is available for an additional fee and allows you to continue wearing your original memorial component with a new leather cord.

A Final Note From Close By Me

We know how much your memorial jewelry means to you, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable caring for it. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your bracelet's materials and preserve its appearance as you continue to wear and cherish it. If you ever have questions about caring for your bracelet or need assistance with its care or maintenance, please know that we're always here to help!