How to Care for Your Jade and Pounamu Jewellery
Caring for Your Jade and Pounamu Jewellery
Jade and pounamu (New Zealand nephrite jade) are among the world's most treasured gemstones — prized for their beauty and their deep cultural significance in numerous cultures around the world, and particularly here in New Zealand. With the right care, your piece will remain vibrant and beautiful for generations.
Daily Wear Tips
Jade is a durable stone, but a little care goes a long way:
- Put it on last. Apply perfume, sunscreen, and hairspray before putting on your jewellery. Chemicals can dull the surface over time.
- Remove before swimming. Chlorine and saltwater can affect the cord or setting. Pounamu itself is water-safe, so if you keep an eye on the cord and rinse it in fresh water after swimming, the stone has no problem at all getting wet! Prolonged exposure to pool chemicals is best avoided, but if you can't take it off - give it a rinse.
- Avoid hard knocks. While jade is tough, a sharp impact against a hard surface can chip or crack it.
How to Clean Jade Jewellery
Cleaning your pounamu is simple and should be done gently:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth (I use an old t-shirt) dampened with lukewarm water.
- Wipe the stone to remove oils and dust.
- For a deeper clean, add a tiny drop of mild dish soap to the water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or harsh chemical jewellery cleaners on jade.
Caring for the Cord
Many pounamu pendants are worn on a waxed cotton or leather cord. Cords are consumable — they will wear over time, especially with daily wear. We recommend:
- Replacing your cord when it shows signs of fraying - keep an eye particularly where it joins the stone - this is usually the first place wear shows.
- Keeping the cord dry where possible — moisture weakens natural fibres.
The Living Stone
In Māori tradition, pounamu is considered a taonga (treasure) that carries the spirit of the land and the people who have worn it. Many wearers believe their stone deepens in colour and character over years of wear — a beautiful reminder that your piece is truly alive with your story.
If you have any questions about caring for your specific piece, get in touch with us — we're always happy to help.