Leather Jewellery & Accessories Care

Pieces in our Leather Accessories & Leather Wristband ranges use leather that has been processed and tanned in Australia - with the exception of the round strap on the Nomad Necklace and our Talisman Necklaces - which are from Spain.

Our Leather Wristbands are hand-stamped, dyed, and finished with a protective coating.

As much as is possible, prevent your leather accessories from becoming wet - while cows are waterproof, tanned leather isn't and leather damaged by water is difficult to restore to its former glory.

There are four stages in leather accessories care: cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and protection - but don’t be daunted because they’re quick, simple, and will ensure you dry out and wrinkle before your leather jewellery does : )

Cleaning

To clean a leather jewellery piece, first choose a cleanser that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of removing them. Before applying anything to your jewellery, be certain to test it out for effect and possible color distortion on an area that isn't visible to the eye.

If no damage has been done clean your leather then, with a slightly dampened cloth, remove the cleaning product. Another cleaning product to consider having in your leather care collection is a nubuck cleaning cloth. They have an amazing ability to clean and restore leather accessories to their original look.

Conditioning

Conditioners are meant for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate the leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibers, but beware of any that include petroleum or mineral oils. While petroleum by-products won't damage your leather accessories immediately, they do over time.

Polishing

Polishing is done for special occasions when you want a more glossy finish. There are a couple things to be wary of when purchasing a polishing agent. Some products contain coloring factors that will brush off on things you come in contact with. Some products also have a tendency to clog the pores or dry leather out. As with cleaning, be sure to test out the product on a small area and when ready, buff to a shine.

Protection

Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness and cracking will occur if leather isn't protected beforehand. There is a drawback in protecting leather with a moisture barrier product. They tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it's a necessary process to ensure your leather jewellery isn't destroyed. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before wearing.

Removing Mildew

To remove mildew, create a mixture of 1 cup rubbing alcohol (from the local chemist) per  1 cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

Wet Leather

An important key to keeping your leather jewellery in top-notch condition is to treat it before it has a chance to dry. Remove any dirt, mud, or other stains with a cleaning agent, then condition while the pores are still fully responsive. It is critical to remember that handmade jewellery should be dried away from heat.

Storing Leather

As a natural material, never store leather in plastic because it encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria. Always store leather in a cool, dry place away from heat.

Removing Stains

Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has past, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder. While fresh stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended to by a professional cleaner.