Leather!!

Leather is a natural raw material made from animal rawhide and can be used in many ways. Leather is modernly used in furniture, shoes, and jewelry and accessories. Leather is enhanced by subtle differences in color, grain and texture in animal rawhide and skin. Over time the beauty of leather will age and darken giving it a rich tarnish in color. Your handcrafted leather jewelry will provide you with extended wear and enjoyment if you follow a few basic tips for caring and cleaning your leather.

CARING FOR YOUR LEATHER

Most leather is not water resistant. and can wear out quickly due to the exposure of water and others liquids. To keep your leather jewelry looking its best, It is recommend that you remove it when swimming, bathing, or in a pool or hot tub with chlorinated water; and when using any harsh chemicals, lotions or perfumes that contains alcohol and others chemicals. Any absorption can cause the leather to weaken, stretch, damage and discolor.  Remove when engaged in strenuous activities as leather may absorb perspiration.  Avoid contact with liquids, chemical dips, or aerosols which could cause discoloration or damage to leather. Store your leather jewelry separately in our soft flannel bags for added protection.  As leather is worn it has a natural tendency to give, and will stretch, especially if exposed to moisture. Do not hang your jewelry if your pieces contain heavy beads or stones for it will naturally pull down over time, stretching the leather which will eventually cause the leather to break.

Leather is not guaranteed to last forever so it is recommended to care for them the best way possible

CLEANING YOUR LEATHER JEWELRY

When cleaning your leather jewelry, there are special soaps, and conditioners that are available to clean leather, distressed or aged leather and leather like material. Leather conditioner can be applied and will serve to protect the leather from spills or stains, and helps keep it soft and supple by restoring essential oils. Using professional leather conditioners is a great way to improve the overall lifespan of the leather, making it resistant to water and humidity and some heat exposure. If you need assistance, go to a professional so they can clean your leather for you or show you hands on how to’s to cleaning your leather.

You can clean leather with a mild soap such as soap flakes or a saddle soap. Create suds in a bowl and apply the suds to the leather surface with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not use the soapy water. The suds are safer to use as they reduce the risk of marks and streaks. Be careful to keep the cloth barely damp - not wet. Use a dry soft cloth to wipe up any remaining moisture and let it dry completely. Use the damp cloth on the entire piece to avoid areas, which will seem lighter after cleaning.

Do not try to dry the leather item near heat, as this will cause the leather to become brittle and possibly shrink. After the cleaning of the item is complete, rub a leather conditioner into the material.

If you have any questions or concerns on Leather care, contact me at info@rushtonaccessories.com