How Should I Clean My Costume Jewelry?

Jewelry lovers often wonder how they can keep their costume pieces looking shiny and new without damaging them in the cleaning process.  Properly cleaning costume jewelry can be a bit tricky based on the simple fact that not all costume jewelry created equal as it can vary in both quality and material.

Costume jewelry can be made from a range of metals.  Most commonly pieces of jewelry created in gold, silver, or rhodium over a base metal is considered "costume."  Base metals themselves can vary greatly, but quality base metal will be comprised of mostly non-toxic brass.  Costume jewelry is made in a countless variety of styles and usually includes imitation gemstones, rhinestones, crytals, or lucite cabachons.  Prior to the 1970's it was very popular to use genuine gemstones in costume jewelry to accent the silver, gold, or nickel plated material (very often seen in vintage and antique costume jewelry).  Semiprecious gemstones sometimes accompany costume metal material today.  This has recently been made popular by companies like direct seller Lia Sophia.  This is important to recognize as genuine gemstones, especially those that are matte and porous, often need different care than man-made imitation materials.  To further complicate matters, copper as well as mixed metal jewelry has become popular and would technically consider costume.  One could see why so many jewelry owners have trouble remembering just how to keep their best costume pieces looking clean.

Some tips when cleaning costume jewelry include:

 If you wish to use a jewelry cleaning solution, always read the label.  Most aren't suitable for costume jewelry of any kind.  This is because they often contain acids like ammonia, vinegar, as well as alcohol and other solvent solution that will cause the finish to warp, corrode, or become damaged. 

A soft baby toothbrush can be used either by itself, with a gentle soap/water mixture or with an approved cleaner to gently scrub costume jewelry.

Never soak your piece in jewelry solution if your costume jewelry includes a gemstone, imitation stone, or other glued in piece.  Jewelry cleaner can break down glue and adhesives causing bonds to weaken and pieces to fall out.

To clean a cabachon (set in piece) its best to use a sudsy soap and water solution or cleaner approved for costume jewelry on a q-tip buffing any smudges off gently then patting dry.  Most genuine gemstones should only need a gentle scrubbing with water while a soapy mix works well to shine up lucite, rhinestone, crystals, and man-made cabachons. 

Remember that genuine semi-precious gemstones often soak in oils from skin, perfumes, and other products.  If you don't want them to dull, darken, or change color, keep exposure to products to a minimum and avoid wearing pieces on days you know you may sweating a great deal.  These changes can generally not be reversed.

Always dry jewelry quickly so that liquid does not sit on the surface after cleaning.  Many costume metals will rust.  A cool low setting on a hair dryer works great.

You can use a wooden tootpick to gently remove any dirt or grime from small nooks on your pieces.

If your piece is rhodium plated, silver plated, gold plated, surgical steel, or stainless steel a sudsy soap (dish soap etc) and water mixture works well for cleaning.

If your piece is copper or mixed metals try to avoid using water to clean.  Instead polish polish polish with a gentle jewelry cloth.

If your piece is lucite or plastic soap and water work very well.

Polishing cloths can work well on thickly silver plated jewelry.  Just be sure not to rub too hard or base metal can start to show through creating dulled green brown and brassy tones.

Many metals will oxidize quickly when stored on top of each other. It is important to store important jewelry in individual pouches when possible.  Satin and velvet storage pouches help to avoid tarnish.  Tupperware can also be used for special pieces.

Since costume jewelry comes in so many varieties, there may be some types out there that we haven't covered in this post.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to share them with us.  We can give you some tips on cleaning your individual special piece.