How to care for a beaded bag

A hand-beaded bag is made to last. Each one is beaded by hand, one bead at a time, so a little care goes a long way. With a few simple habits, your bag will keep its shape and its sparkle for years.

Store it the right way

The way you store your bag matters more than anything else.

• Fill it with soft tissue paper so it keeps its shape. An empty beaded bag can slowly lose its form.
• Keep it in its dust bag, or wrap it in a soft cotton cloth. This stops beads rubbing against other bags and jewellery.
• Lay it flat or stand it upright on a shelf. Don't hang it by the handle for long periods, as the weight can stretch the beading over time.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight. Strong sun can fade coloured and iridescent beads.

Keep it away from perfume and lotion

Perfume, hairspray and body lotion can dull the shine of crystal beads and stain the satin lining. Put on your perfume and lotion first, let them dry, then pick up your bag. Never spray perfume near it, and don't keep open bottles inside.

How to clean it

Most of the time, a gentle wipe is all a beaded bag needs.

• Wipe the beads with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
• For marks, lightly dampen the cloth with water, wipe gently, then dry straight away.
• Never soak the bag, put it in a washing machine, or use chemical cleaners.
• Polish the metal frame and the Glossy plate with a dry cloth to keep them bright.

Carry it with care

• Don't overfill it. A beaded bag is designed for the essentials: your phone, keys, cards and a lipstick.
• Keep sharp objects, like keys with jagged edges, away from the lining, or place them in a small pouch.
• Set it down on clean, dry surfaces, especially at weddings and dinners.

Caring for pearl bags

Pearl bags need the same gentle care, with one extra rule: keep them away from water, perfume and make-up, which can dull the pearl coating. Store them wrapped in soft cloth, never in a plastic bag, so they can breathe.

If a bead comes loose

It happens, even with the best care. Don't pull the thread. Put the loose bead in a small envelope, keep the bag safe, and contact us. We'll restring it for you.

Find your next favourite

Looking for a new bag, or a gift for someone special? Browse our hand-beaded bags, including the Marjan beaded frame purse, the box clutch and our pearl bags.