Resin jewelry has surged in popularity, captivating many with its unique beauty and versatility. But how do you keep these stunning pieces looking their best? Maintaining resin jewelry is similar to caring for other types of jewelry, yet it requires some specific considerations. Based on my experience with my own collection and the pieces I create, I’ve compiled answers to some common questions about resin jewelry care. Remember, these are general suggestions; always follow the specific care instructions provided by the jeweler or retailer where you purchased your items.

Why Care for Your Resin Jewelry?

Caring for your jewelry properly can extend its life by years, and keep it looking clear and vibrant. If you preserve special memories in your jewelry, such as flowers, pet hair, or a loved one’s ashes, you want it to last. With a little love, your keepsake should last you several years, if not longer.

How to Care for Resin Jewelry

  1. Store Your Jewelry Properly:
    • Keep your jewelry out of direct sunlight and high heat. A jewelry box is perfect for safe storage.
  2. Avoid Chemicals:
    • Keep your jewelry away from chemicals, lotions, and perfumes. Always put your jewelry on after applying these products.
  3. Remove Before Water Activities:
    • Take off your jewelry before bathing, swimming, or engaging in any water-based activities.
  4. Regular Cleaning:
    • Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. I include a polishing cloth with all of my jewelry orders to clean the jewelry metal and resin pendants.
  5. Avoid Wearing to Bed:
    • Remove your jewelry before going to bed to prevent damage and prolong its lifespan.
  6. Keep Away from Smoke:
    • Ensure your jewelry stays away from smoke to maintain its clarity and appearance.

How to Clean Resin Jewelry

If needed, gently clean your jewelry using a soft damp cloth and mild dish soap. Cut-up old T-shirts work great as a soft cloth. Avoid using scouring pads, as they can scratch the resin surface. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using a soft toothbrush.

To maintain the resin surface’s shine, refrain from exposing it to hand sanitizer or solvents, as they may cause dullness.

How Long Does Resin Jewelry Last?

Resin jewelry can last for many years if properly cared for, but you can expect to get at least 5 years of your jewelry looking fresh. Expect it to look fresh longer if you are using resin that is colored/tinted with dye, glitter, etc. as the yellowing will be less noticeable. Here are the key factors that influence its longevity:

  • Quality of Resin: High-quality resin ensures durability and a longer lifespan.
  • Usage: How frequently and under what conditions you wear your jewelry can affect its durability.
  • Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance play a significant role in preserving resin jewelry.

Is Resin Jewelry Waterproof?

Resin jewelry is water resistant, not waterproof. You should remove it before showering, swimming, washing up, or doing any other water-based activity. 

How to Polish Resin Jewelry

If you’re resin jewelry or keepsake has gotten scuffed up or has scratches, there are a few ways you can fix this. The easiest would be to apply a UV top coat to your resin pendant. You will need a UV lamp to do so, but a thin layer should make your pendant shiny again.

Here is a quick run-down of how to polish resin jewelry with this method:

Materials Needed:

  • UV top coat
  • UV lamp
  • Soft brush or applicator
  • Respirator and nitrile gloves

Instructions:

  1. Clean the Surface: Ensure the piece is clean and dry.
  2. Apply UV Top Coat: Use a UV top coat specifically designed for resin. Apply a thin layer evenly across the surface.
  3. Cure Under UV Light: Place the piece under a UV lamp to cure the top coat, following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 2-3 minutes.
  4. Final Polish: Once cured, lightly buff with a soft cloth if needed.

Keep in mind, that you will need a well-ventilated area, a respirator, and nitrile gloves when working with resin.

This method should make your resin jewelry shiny again, but if it doesn’t seem to get out the scratches as well as you’d like, you can use sandpaper in different grits to sand it down a bit and use a glossy spray (such as this one from Modge Podge.) I haven’t tried this exact method, but it seems like it would work fine.

Is Resin Jewelry Safe to Wear?

Yes, resin jewelry is generally safe to wear. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Proper Curing: Ensure the resin is fully cured to avoid exposure to any harmful chemicals.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Choose hypoallergenic jewelry metals (which usually touch your skin) or non-toxic resins, especially if you have sensitive skin.
  • Care and Maintenance: Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning and follow care instructions to keep your jewelry in good condition and safe for your skin.