Many tarnish and damage complaints come from how customers wear and store jewellery. A simple care card, handed over with each sale, prevents many of them and makes your business look professional.
What to include
- Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray.
- Take it off first, before bathing, swimming, exercise or sleep.
- Avoid water and chemicals.
- Wipe after wearing with a soft, dry cloth.
- Store in the pouch or an airtight box.
- Keep pieces separate to avoid scratches.
- Avoid humid places such as bathrooms.
Optional extras
- Brand name and contact
- A note that finish can change with use and care
- A QR code to a care page or your catalogue
For distributors
Supply care cards to your retailers with each order. It helps them and reduces complaints that come back to you.
Retailers value it because it reduces their returns, and it gives your supply a small but real advantage over competitors who send only jewellery. Print them in bulk so the cost per card is tiny.
For private label brands
Branded care cards reinforce your brand. Read packaging options.
Add your logo, a line about the design or collection, and how customers can reach you with questions. A QR code linking to a short care video or your catalogue turns the card into a way back to your shop or website. Keep the core advice consistent across all your products, so customers learn it once.
Common mistakes
Skipping care advice to save cost, or writing promises such as "never tarnishes".
Format and size
A small card, about the size of a business card or a little larger, fits into pouches and boxes. Use clear, simple wording and a readable font. A small icon for each tip helps customers who read quickly.
Digital care advice
Add a QR code linking to a short care video or page; keep a video under a minute and show the key steps: wipe, pouch, away from perfume and water. Online sellers can include the same text in the product description and order confirmation.
For rental businesses
Rental businesses can give renters a care card explaining how to handle the set during the event and what to avoid, reducing damage.
Example care card wording
Caring for your jewellery
- Put on your jewellery after perfume, make-up and hair spray.
- Take it off before bathing, swimming, exercise or sleep.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
- Store in the pouch provided, away from air, damp and sunlight.
- Keep pieces separate so stones and finishes do not scratch.
- Do not use jewellery cleaners, polish or dips.
About your piece: imitation jewellery with a plated finish on a base metal. With care, it will keep its look for many occasions.
See anti-tarnish jewellery explained and warranty and care.
Care card by type
| Type | Extra line |
|---|---|
| Antique and temple | Do not polish; the darker areas are part of the design |
| Oxidised | The finish may darken further; that is normal |
| Kundan and polki-look | Keep away from water; moisture can dull the stones |
| Pearl | Wear pearls last and store flat |
| Matte | Do not rub; brush gently |
A short, specific card reduces complaints far more than a long leaflet.
Language and tone
Write care cards in the language most of your customers read, such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi or Bengali, with English alongside if your market is mixed. Keep sentences short and positive: "Store in the pouch to keep it bright" rather than "Failure to store properly will cause damage". Customers read a friendly card; they ignore a warning notice.