Caring for Devotional Jewelry and Rosaries

A rosary or cross that you wear or carry every day takes a lot of small knocks. It meets water, perfume, keys and sleeves, and the finish does not always survive. This page explains how the common materials behave, how to clean and store them, and what to do when a blessed piece finally wears out.

Know what your piece is made of

Care starts with the material, so check the description before you reach for a cloth. Plated alloy is a base metal with a thin coat of gold or silver colour. It looks fine at first, but the coat wears at the edges and on high points. Stainless steel and titanium steel are solid metal all the way through, so they cope with daily life far better. Sterling silver is real silver and tarnishes with time. Crystal, zircon, glass and natural stone each have their own quirks. Wood and seed beads are the most delicate of all.

Here are a few pieces where the material is stated plainly.

Water, perfume and daily handling

Water is the first thing to think about. Take rings and bracelets off for washing up, swimming and showers. Steel will usually shrug off a splash, but plated alloy can lose its colour faster when it stays damp. Perfume, hairspray and lotion are harder on finishes and stones than most people expect. Put your jewelry on after you have dressed and used your products. Take it off before heavy work, the gym or gardening.

Rings take the most abuse because the hands do everything. A wide steel band is a sensible choice for someone who wears one all day.

Cleaning crystal, stone and beads

Keep cleaning gentle. For steel and titanium, a soft cloth and a little mild soapy water is usually enough. Rinse, then dry well. For zircon and crystal, wipe the stone and the setting with a damp soft cloth, then dry it. Natural stone beads such as agate should be wiped, not soaked. Long soaking can loosen the cord and dull the surface. Wood and bloodwood beads prefer a dry or barely damp cloth. If the item is strung on cord, keep water away from the knots.

Crystal and zircon pieces sparkle most when the stone is kept clear of lotion and skin oil.

Storing rosaries and necklaces

Most damage happens in a drawer or a bag. Chains tangle and beads scratch each other. A small pouch or lined box keeps a rosary tidy and protects the crucifix and medals. Store pieces separately so hard stone does not rub against plated metal. A pocket rosary is made to travel, but a small case helps it last. Silver is best kept in a dry place away from damp air, since damp speeds up tarnish.

Wearable rosaries on flexible wire or cord are best hung or laid flat, not crushed in a pile.

When a blessed item is worn or broken

A blessed object is not thrown out like ordinary rubbish. First, see if it can be mended: a jeweler can restring beads or fix a clasp. If it is past repair, the usual custom is to dispose of it with respect. Many Catholic and Orthodox families bury it in the ground or in a garden, and some give it to their parish. Ask your priest or pastor if you are unsure, as practice differs between traditions and parishes. Taking the pieces apart is fine. The medal or crucifix can often be kept, and the beads re-used on a new cord.

How to choose

• Check the stated material. Stainless steel and titanium steel suit daily wear. Plated or alloy pieces suit occasional wear.
• Pick stone and glass beads for a rosary that will be handled often. Pick cord or wire for something to wear.
• Choose a simple design if the piece will be worn in water or at work.
• Think about storage. A pocket or car rosary needs a small case.
• Know what you will do when it wears out, and who to ask.

Questions people ask

Can I wear my cross in the shower?

It is better not to. Steel copes better than plated alloy, but water and soap can still dull finishes and loosen cord and settings.

How often should I clean a rosary?

Only when it looks dull or dirty. A light wipe with a soft dry cloth after use is usually enough.

Does cleaning remove the blessing?

Care for the object is not disrespect. Ordinary cleaning is fine. If you have a doubt, ask your priest or pastor.

What do I do with a rosary that has fallen apart?

Try to repair it first. If that is not possible, bury it or ask your parish how they would like it handled.