How to Clean Costume Jewelry

SublimeTime

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

30
views

Costume jewelry usually consists of less expensive stones and metals than those found in fine jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones. Nevertheless, many pieces of costume jewelry are still valuable, either in monetary or sentimental value, or perhaps even both. Moreover, costume stones and metals are often less durable than those found in finer jewelry, requiring the use of gentle cleaning methods. Knowing how to clean these pieces properly without damaging them will set your mind at ease.

Steps

Doing a Dry Clean

Find a workspace with good lighting. Overhead lights in dark rooms are likely to cast shadows and should be avoided. Look for a desk with a lamp that you can direct or a clear counter in front of a window.

Use a dry baby toothbrush or similarly soft brush to gently brush the piece's surface. Doing this will remove any dirt caked onto the surface.

Hold a can of compressed air an inch or two away from the surface of your piece of costume jewelry and spray. This loosens any dirt and dust that might be trapped in the crevices.

Inspect your jewelry with a magnifying glass. Look for any additional trapped dirt.

Use a toothpick to carefully remove any dirt you spotted with the magnifying glass. Avoid using a metal pick, since this may scratch glass beads or soft gemstones if your hand slips.

Polish the piece with a dry, soft cloth. Doing so removes most fingerprints and smudges while giving your jewelry back a bit of its original shine.

Using a Gentle Cleansing Solution

Mix one part soap with three parts lukewarm water in a small bowl or glass. Use a gentle soap, since harsher soaps may contain chemicals that will damage your jewelry.

Dip the soft-bristled baby toothbrush into the soap and water solution. Alternatively, you may use a cotton swab.

Tap the brush on the side of the glass or bowl to remove excess solution. Use the least amount of solution possible on your jewelry.

Gently brush the gems, beads, and metal of your jewelry with the brush or swab. Apply light pressure to avoid loosening any glue or enameling.

Rinse your jewelry under lukewarm water. Try to perform this step quickly. Water can damage costume jewelry, so you must not immerse it for long.

Gently blot excess moisture off the piece with a soft, dry cloth.

Lay your jewelry out on a paper towel and finish drying it with a hair dryer. Use the dryer's cool setting, since heat can damage some costume jewelry.

Polish the piece with a soft, dry cloth.

Using a Last Resort Cleaning Approach

Obtain a non-acetone nail polish remover or a gentle jewelry cleanser. Always read the label on the jewelry cleanser. Many are not suitable for costume jewelry because they contain chemicals like alcohol or vinegar. Only use a cleanser when the label specifically states that it is safe for costume jewelry.

Pour a small amount of the nail polish remover or cleanser into a bowl or glass.

Dip a cotton swab into the cleanser, soaking in as little as possible.

Tap the swab on the side of the glass to remove excess solution.

Gently scrub any gems, glass beads, or metal elements. Avoid scrubbing around the area where the gem is attached to its backing, since even a gentle cleanser may loosen the glue.