Jadeite is a tough stone, and plenty of our customers wear their jade bangle every day for years. Most of the damage we see comes from one thing: a knock against something hard. This guide to jade bangle care covers how to clean it, what to keep it away from, how to get it on and off safely, and what to do if it chips or cracks.
Jade bangle care for everyday wear
A jade bangle is made for wearing, so you don't need to wrap it in cotton wool. A few habits make the difference:
- Put your bangle on last, after perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and sunscreen have dried.
- Take it off before cooking, cleaning, gardening, exercise and anything that involves lifting or hard surfaces.
- Be aware of where it sits. Most people learn within a few weeks where their bangle is when they reach for a door handle or a bench.
- Take it off to sleep and leave it somewhere safe. Our jewellery care guide recommends removing jewellery before sleeping, showering and swimming.
How to clean a jade bangle
You don't need special products. A gentle wash does the job:
- Fill a plastic bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild soap or dishwashing liquid.
- Let the bangle sit for a couple of minutes to loosen soap film, sunscreen and hand cream.
- Go over it gently with a soft cloth. If it has carving, use a soft toothbrush to reach the grooves.
- Rinse in clean lukewarm water and dry well with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Use a bowl rather than the sink. If you do use the sink, put the plug in and lay a towel in the bottom so a slip doesn't end on ceramic. For a bangle worn daily, a wash every month or two is plenty, with a wipe from a soft cloth in between.
What to avoid
Hard knocks
Jadeite resists chipping better than most gems and rates about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but a hard enough knock can still chip or crack it, and grit and dust can scratch it. A sharp hit against a stone benchtop, a tiled floor or a car door can do it. A wet, soapy bangle is slippery, so be careful in bathrooms and kitchens.
Harsh chemicals
Bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaner and acetone can damage a bangle and any gold or silver clasp. Perfume, hairspray and body oils leave a film that dulls the surface. We'd also skip online cleaning hacks like vinegar or lemon juice.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners
We don't recommend ultrasonic or steam cleaners for a jade bangle at home. Heat and strong vibration can damage a bangle, and a fine crack can open up under vibration. Warm soapy water is always safe. If it isn't enough, bring the bangle in and we'll look at it first.
Extreme heat and sudden temperature change
Everyday Adelaide weather is fine. Keep a bangle away from direct high heat like a stovetop, a hot car dashboard or a sauna, and avoid going from very hot to very cold quickly. If a clasp ever needs repair, tell the jeweller the bangle is jade, because a torch can damage it.
Storing your bangle
Keep your bangle in a soft pouch or its own lined compartment. Don't leave it loose in a jewellery box with diamond rings, other hard gemstones or metal pieces, which can scratch or chip it. Two bangles stored together can knock against each other, so give each its own pouch. When you travel, wear it or pack it padded in your carry-on.
Putting on and taking off a jade bangle
A jade bangle doesn't stretch, so it has to pass over your knuckles, and a well-fitted one takes a little effort. Here's the method we suggest:
- Sit down over something soft. A bed, or a folded towel on your lap, means a slip doesn't become a drop.
- Make your hand as narrow as you can. Tuck your thumb into your palm toward the base of your little finger and bring your fingers together.
- Add some slip. Rub a little soap or hand lotion over your hand, or slide a thin plastic bag over it. The bangle glides over the plastic and you pull the bag out afterwards.
- Ease it on with steady pressure, rolling it over the thumb joint.
Never force it. Taking it off is the same in reverse. If your hand is swollen from heat or a long flight, wait until it settles. If it's stuck and your hand is sore, stop and ask for help instead of pulling harder. If every attempt is a struggle, the bangle may be too small, and our guide to measuring your jade bangle size shows how to check.
How to check your bangle, and when
Every few months, and after any hard knock, look your bangle over under a bright light (a phone torch works). Turn it slowly and look for a line that wasn't there before, a rough edge or a chip. Jade has natural veins and texture, so not every line is a crack. A crack is more likely to catch your fingernail, run in from an edge, or flash like a thin mirror at some angles. If you can't tell, bring it in.
We also recommend an annual check. Our lifetime warranty and jewellery care guide explain what is covered, and our jewellers are happy to check your bangle over in store at 94 Gawler Place. Not sure your bangle is real jade? See how to tell if your jade bangle is real.
What to do if your bangle chips or cracks
- Stop wearing it if you can see a crack or feel a sharp chipped edge. A cracked bangle can break with very little force.
- Keep every piece, including small fragments, in a soft pouch.
- Don't glue it yourself. Household glue won't make it safe to wear and has to be cleaned off before a proper repair.
Bring it to our showroom at 94 Gawler Place and we'll assess the damage. Depending on what happened, we may be able to join the pieces with a gold or silver clasp, or rework them into something new such as a pendant. Our article on what to do with broken jade explains the options and the cultural view of a bangle that breaks. In many families a break is seen as the jade having taken a blow meant for its wearer. That's a traditional belief, not something we can test, but it's why many people choose to keep and restore the piece. You can read more in what a jade bangle means.
Frequently asked questions
How durable is a jade bangle?
Jadeite wears well, which is why a bangle can last for decades. It can still chip or crack from a hard knock, so see hard knocks above, and wipe off dust and grit before you store it.
How often should I clean my jade bangle?
If you wear it daily, a wash in lukewarm soapy water every month or two is plenty, with a wipe from a soft cloth in between.
Can I shower with my jade bangle on?
Water won't harm jadeite, but soap and shampoo build up into a dull film, and wet skin makes a bangle slip. We suggest taking it off for the shower.
Can I sleep in my jade bangle?
We'd rather you didn't. It can catch on bedding or knock against a headboard or bedside table. Leave it in its pouch overnight.
Can I swim in a jade bangle?
Take it off for the pool and the sea. Chlorine and strong pool chemicals are best avoided, and a bangle can slip off in the water or hit the pool edge or rocks. If it does get wet, rinse it in fresh water and dry it.
Does jade change colour?
Jadeite doesn't fade with wear. Many wearers say their bangle looks richer with years of wear, though we can't point to a test that proves it. A good clean can also make a dull bangle look brighter.
Should I oil or wax my jade bangle?
We don't recommend it. A jade bangle doesn't need oil, and oil can attract dirt. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth are all it needs.
Can a scratched or dull bangle be fixed?
Often a clean is all it needs, because dullness is usually soap film and skin products. For scratches, bring it in and we'll advise whether repolishing is worthwhile.
Come and see us
Visit our showroom at 94 Gawler Place, Adelaide. We can clean and inspect your bangle, help you with a tight fit and talk through repair options. If you're choosing your first bangle, browse our jade bangle collection. Or book an appointment to view our jade collection at 94 Gawler Place.
