How to Clean Artificial Jewellery

The current season is a busy one for fashion and jewellery. With colour the festive season followed by the wedding season, there won't be a break in your wardrobe anytime soon. That's why it's essential to take proper care of all your jewellery to ensure they are in top condition when you attend social gatherings. While artificial jewellery may not require as much maintenance, it still needs some attention to maintain its beauty and charm. 

Before we delve into the methods of caring for and cleaning artificial jewellery, it's important to understand what it is. Artificial jewellery is typically crafted from inexpensive materials like base metals, glass, acrylic, and synthetic gemstones.

Although it may not hold the same value as fine jewellery, it stands out for its versatility and ability to imitate the appearance of more expensive pieces.

The demand for artificial jewellery is high, and many people have their collections at home. However, with time, one may become concerned about the quality and colour of their jewellery.

This is where cleaning and maintenance come into play. To ensure that your artificial jewellery remains in pristine condition for as long as possible, it is important to clean and maintain it regularly.

Despite not being made of precious stones, costume jewellery can still be stunning. However, it requires more maintenance compared to fine jewellery. It is vulnerable to tarnishing from water, air exposure, and even everyday products like creams and lotions. But there are effective methods for cleaning artificial jewellery at home that can keep it looking beautiful.

Learn everything you need to know about maintaining and cleaning artificial jewellery with these helpful tips.

Tips to keep your Artificial Jewellery Safe

To care for fake jewellery​​ - be it cleaning gold-plated jewellery, silver or any other type, the main ingredient you need is lukewarm water. If you have recently worn your jewellery and want to give it a light cleaning before putting it away in your jewellery box, lukewarm water will suffice.

Avoid wearing artificial jewellery while doing household chores or physical activities to prevent damage. This is especially important for sports players, as sweat and sun exposure can harm valuable pieces.

In India, artificial jewellery can become dull from environmental exposure. To maintain their shine, clean them regularly with a mixture of baby shampoo and lukewarm water. Soak the jewellery for 10 minutes, use a toothbrush or scrubber to gently clean, and let dry before storing.

Experts suggest putting on artificial jewellery after completing your makeup routine. Be careful not to put on makeup after wearing jewellery. Keep it away from any lotions, perfumes, or other skin care products. Only wear them once you are completely dressed and ready, including your hair and makeup. This will help prevent tangling between your clothing and jewellery, ultimately prolonging the life of your ornaments.

To restore the shine of your jewellery, consider purchasing a jewellery polishing cream from the market. Or, you can simply use a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water to gently clean the surface. These simple solutions are highly recommended to bring back the lost shine of your beloved ornaments. If desired, you can also explore artificial jewellery treatments available in the market to revive the lustre of your jewellery.

To keep your jewellery in good condition, store each piece separately in a designated box. Use velvet or silk pouches to further protect them, and place the boxes in a shoe carton.

For earrings, pill containers work well. To store long-chain jewellery, use drinking straws or wrap bracelets around toilet paper rolls for organisation.

Cleaning Artificial Jewellery

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your artificial jewellery in pristine condition. Here are some of the best methods for cleaning artificial jewellery.

It is strongly advised to avoid submerging your jewellery in water for more than a minute, as this can cause the polish of the piece to become dull.

Gather all the jewellery that requires cleaning. There is no specific timeline for when it should be cleaned, but as a general rule, the more often you wear it, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned. It is recommended to clean your jewellery every few months or whenever it loses its shine.

Examine the jewellery and take note of any gemstones. If there are gemstones, be cautious when cleaning around those areas. A Q-tip or toothbrush can effectively clean hard-to-reach crevices or areas with gemstones. You can also try using a magic eraser for tough stains. These readily available household items can work well in cleaning your jewellery.

A handy tip for cleaning fake jewellery is to use lemon. Lemon has a long history of being effective in removing the oxide layer that can build up on metals over time. For an extra boost, try adding a pinch of baking soda to the mix.

To clean your jewellery without spending too much, try a mixture of white vinegar and water. Soak the pieces for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft toothbrush. For gems and crevices, apply vinegar directly to a sponge.

In addition, using hand soap and warm water not only enhances the appearance of jewellery but also leaves it with a pleasant scent. When cleaning, be mindful to use minimal amounts of water and avoid prolonged exposure. Water can potentially cause costume jewellery to deteriorate if left for extended periods.

Faux jewellery can benefit from lens cleaner or toothpaste. However, exercise caution and read instructions and warnings carefully. Avoid using it on valuable metals and delicate skin, as it may affect paint or finishes.

One option for cleaning fake jewellery and pearls is using mild baby shampoo. Simply mix one drop of shampoo with one drop of water to create a cleaning solution. Use a soft toothbrush or Q-Tip to reach difficult spots. Adjust the consistency by adding more drops of water as needed.

This is all you need to know about how to clean artificial jewellery at home.