Looking After Your Rustic, Magickal Jewellery

Rustic means simple. Rustic means natural and easy, and I strive to make it so, because there's not much that annoys me more than reaching into my jewellery kit and seeing silver that's gone black, and crystals that have browned where it meets the metal because glue has been used. Poor crystal! I make my pendants and necklaces so that I can wear them myself with ease and work with them energetically, so what follows is my simple guide for looking after them in the way I would (which is lazily).

Pendants

All the wire I buy (except for Sterling Silver) is non-tarnish. Having said that, if you keep your jewellery in a damp place for a couple of years, the metal will likely tarnish, so don't do that. Store them all in a clean dry place. I like the jewellery boxes that have drawers and compartments, and some are even made with a silver-friendly material, too, that helps keep the silver glistening for longer. Where my copper has been coated with silver, this will definitely help.
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Brush any debris off the pendants with a soft paintbrush, and smudge with a cleansing herb after a period of heavy wear, or whenever you think it could do with it. I like Rosemary, Lavender, and Sage smudge sticks for this. If you want to give the crystal a zing of energy, use a tuning fork or Tibetan bell over it and feel that resonance! Like it's dancing in the palm of your hand.

Leather, HEMP, and Cotton Cords as Necklaces

Amazonite pendant on a double-looped leather cord.

Don't worry if your leather and waxed cotton cords are a bit bent from storage in their pouch when they arrive through your door. All you have to do is wear them for a few days and the warmth of your skin will straighten them out. The more you use leather and cotton, the easier they are to handle and the less stiff they become. Leather will last longer than cotton in terms of wear. Bear in mind leather does age and crack a bit with time - this just adds to the rustic look. However, if your leather is starting to feel dry and stiff, melt a bit of coconut oil between your fingers and massage it into the cord.

Hemp is a bit like garden twine, but softer. You can also find very slim hemp cords that are very neatly produced and look a bit like thick sewing thread. It's a very strong material and even thin cords will last well.

My cords are usually finished with a bead and loop fastening, or a slip knot fastening where you can adjust the fit around your neck.

Satin Cords

The most simple cord ever. You don't need to do anything - it just hangs and looks pretty. The fastenings I use tend to be the same as above: bead and loop, or slip knot.

For Casual Wear

I make my crystal pendants to look subtle as well as beautiful (with a rustic charm). This means you can wear them casually, every day, and in fact, I was initially inspired by beach & surf jewellery when I first start to make them, so that's still there as an inspiration behind what drives the look of some of my pieces: rustic and beachy; lazy cocktails on the sand under the shade of a palm tree while listening to waves gently roll in. Yep, that's the trick. And simple pieces on leather or good quality cotton can be worn in the surf, too. Naturally cleansing in so many ways. Just rinse the salt off with fresh water when you come out of the ocean.

Beach Jewellery: Blue Bead Ocean Bracelet

Beach Jewellery: Leather Bracelet & Ring

For Evening Wear

Some of my more dainty, small pendants can easily be worn with an evening dress and looks stunning, as well as just that little bit different.

Larimar pendant

Sodalite pendant

Store Away From Direct Sunlight

All crystals and stones like the sun a bit, but some of them - like Amethyst - will begin to lose their colour if direct sunlight catches them every day. And remember, crystals grow underground, so they like the dark for a rest-filled, strengthening recharge. So, get yourself a jewellery box, fill it with magick, and bring that magick out as and when you need it. Feeling regal? Lapiz Lazuli or Carnelian might resonate. Feeling sad? Go for Blue Lace Agate or Rose Quartz. Need some confidence? Citrine or Sunstone can help. And so on. Tap into the energy of the stone and see for yourself what it can do for you. We're all unique - stones will uniquely call to you and work with you as an individual. Use your intuition as to how stones can heal you. Your intuition won't let you down.

Love Your Crystals

Treat them like the special conscious crystalline beings they are, and they will love you right back and show you little miracles every day.

​Dianna xx

​See the selection of jewellery available at WalksBetweenWorlds.com (WBW Jewellery)