How to Care for Your Handmade Bracelets and Anklets

You just got your Fanfarria bracelet or anklet in the mail, slipped it on, and you're already in love. Now the question is: how do you make it last?

Good news! handmade jewelry is more durable than most people think. With a little care, your bracelet can stay looking great for years. Here's everything you need to know.

Waterproof vs. not waterproof 

Most Fanfarria bracelets and anklets are made with waxed cord, which is naturally waterproof. This means you can wear them to the beach, the pool, the gym, and the shower without worrying. The wax coating protects the fibers and helps the cord keep its color and texture over time.

The exception is our leather bracelets — genuine leather is not waterproof and will deteriorate if soaked repeatedly. If you have a leather piece, take it off before swimming or showering.

Everyday care for waxed cord bracelets

For most of our bracelets and anklets, daily care is simple:

• Wear them. Waxed cord actually holds up better with regular wear than if left sitting in a drawer. The natural oils from your skin help maintain the cord's suppleness.
• Rinse after saltwater. Salt can build up over time. After a beach day, give your bracelet a quick rinse under fresh water and let it air dry.
• Avoid soaps and shampoos directly on the cord. Showering with it is fine, but try not to lather soap directly onto the bracelet repeatedly, it can wear down the wax coating faster.
• Let it air dry fully. After getting it wet, let it dry naturally. Don't use a hair dryer because heat can weaken the cord and cause colors to fade.

Caring for hemp bracelets and anklets

Hemp jewelry is eco-friendly and naturally water-resistant, but it's more porous than waxed cord. Here's how to keep it looking its best:

• It's fine in water, but rinse after saltwater or chlorine and let it dry completely before storing.
• Avoid perfumes and lotions they can cause discoloration over time.
• Store it dry. Hemp that stays damp for extended periods can develop a musty smell or weaken over time. Always make sure it's fully dry before putting it away.

Caring for leather bracelets

Our leather pieces have a more classic, sophisticated look — and they require a bit more attention:

• Keep them dry. Remove before swimming, showering, or heavy rain.
• Condition the leather occasionally. A drop of leather conditioner once every few months keeps the cord soft and prevents cracking.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods. UV exposure can fade and dry out leather over time.
• Store flat or hanging avoid folding or crushing the cord, which can cause creases.

Caring for beaded bracelets and anklets

Pieces like our Amelia and Caladesi collections feature Czech glass beads threaded onto waxed cord. The beads themselves are extremely durable — it's the cord and the knots you want to protect:

• Check the closure knots periodically. If the sliding knot feels loose, you can re-tighten it by pulling gently on both ends of the cord.
• Avoid dropping on hard surfaces. Glass beads are tough, but a hard impact on tile or concrete can chip them.
• Rinse after saltwater and let air dry fully.

Storing your bracelets and anklets

How you store your jewelry matters almost as much as how you wear it:

• Keep them in a dry place. Humidity is the enemy of most natural materials — hemp, leather, and even waxed cord last longer in a dry environment.
• Separate them. Storing multiple bracelets together in a pile can cause tangling, especially for thinner cord pieces. A small jewelry tray or individual pouches work great.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure fades colors on all materials.

What to do if a knot loosens

Sliding knots are designed to be adjustable, but over time and with heavy wear, they can occasionally slip. If your bracelet feels looser than it used to:

1. Hold both ends of the cord on either side of the knot.
2. Pull gently but firmly in opposite directions — the knot should tighten back into place.
3. If the cord has frayed significantly, it may be time for a replacement. Feel free to reach out — we're always happy to help.

How long will my Fanfarria bracelet last?

With normal daily wear and basic care, most of our waxed cord and hemp pieces last 1 to 3 years before showing significant wear. Many customers wear theirs every single day for over a year without any issues. Leather pieces can last even longer with proper conditioning.

The biggest factor? Not taking it off. Bracelets that get worn, rinsed, and dried regularly tend to outlast ones that sit in a drawer and only come out occasionally.

Have a question about your specific piece?

Every Fanfarria bracelet and anklet is handmade in Hollywood, Florida, and we stand behind our work. If you have a question about care, a knot that needs re-tightening, or anything else, reach out to us. We love hearing from our customers.