The number one question I am asked? "Is leather waterproof?" Short answer, no. Leather is porous, it is easily affected and damaged by its surroundings especially excess moisture and excess heat. Proper care of your leather jewelry is very important to maintain its softness and durability. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to maintain your leather jewelry for years to come.
One of the most important things to do is to remove your leather jewelry when washing the dishes, working out, bathing or swimming. Moisture is one of leather's worst enemies as it will soak in, discolor and degrade leather over time. If it does get wet, wipe off excess moisture with a soft clean rag and lay out to dry to see if it is salvageable.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if your leather is too dry, it will become brittle and crack. To avoid this, it is best not to leave your leather jewelry in a hot car and make sure not to store in direct sunlight. Using your hair dryer before putting on your leather necklace cords will help as well.
If your leather does seem a bit dry or stiff, you can rejuvenate it by using a leather conditioner to restore its softness. Once conditioned, you can apply a leather protector which will help elongate the life of your leather from your natural body oils.
To recap, avoid excess moisture/heat and condition then protect as needed. Doing this will ensure you are able to enjoy your leather necklaces and bracelets for a very long time. If you have any questions or would like to share your tips, please leave a comment below.