ARVENIER
To protect jewellery during Holi, leave precious, plated and porous-stone pieces at home and wear only a few simple stainless steel or inexpensive items. Holi colours can stain stones and settle in crevices, and water and chemicals in some colours speed up wear on plating. Afterwards, rinse any jewellery you wore, wash it gently with mild soap and dry it completely.
Why is Holi hard on jewellery?
Holi, the spring festival of colours celebrated in the month of Phalguna, involves dry powder (gulal) and coloured water thrown in fun. Powders work into clasps, links and settings; some colours contain dyes and additives that stain porous stones, pearls and enamel; and repeated soaking wears plating and weakens glue and elastic.
What should you leave at home?
- Gold, diamonds and family heirlooms.
- Gold-plated and costume jewellery with glued stones.
- Pearls, turquoise, opal and other porous stones.
- Leather and thread bracelets, which absorb colour.
- Watches with low water resistance.
What can you wear?
If you want a few pieces, choose stainless steel studs or a simple steel chain, a silicone watch with good water resistance, or inexpensive bead bracelets you do not mind getting stained. Keep it to two or three items so nothing gets lost in the crowd.
How do you clean jewellery after Holi?
- Rinse pieces in clean water as soon as possible.
- Soak stainless steel in lukewarm water with mild soap for ten minutes.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially around clasps and links.
- Rinse again and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Do not use bleach or harsh cleaners to remove stains.
Practical tips for the day
Take rings off before playing; colour lodges under them and stains skin. Keep any jewellery you remove in a zip bag in a pocket, not loose. Apply oil or moisturiser to your skin before playing, as many people do, but let it absorb before putting on any jewellery.
Holi jewellery for photos
If you want jewellery in Holi photos, choose bright, inexpensive pieces you do not mind staining, such as thread or bead bracelets, or wear stainless steel studs. Take your best photos before the colours start, then put precious pieces safely away.
Frequently asked questions
Can Holi colours damage gold jewellery?
Solid gold is not harmed by colours, but powder lodges in settings and stones can stain. Leave precious pieces at home.
How do I remove Holi colour from a bracelet?
Rinse it, soak metal in mild soapy water, brush gently and dry. Stained thread or porous stones may not fully recover.
Is stainless steel jewellery safe for Holi?
Yes, it is the best choice. Rinse and dry it afterwards.
Should I wear my watch during Holi?
Only a watch with good water resistance on a silicone strap. Leave leather straps and dress watches at home.
Can Holi colours stain pearls?
Yes. Pearls are porous and can absorb dye, so keep them away from Holi celebrations.