Costume Jewelry Will Have A Charmed Life if You Take Care

I love costume jewelry. I make and sell it. And every day a customer asks me why her favorite piece has faded, or tarnished, or broken.

First, what defines costume/fashion jewelry.

By Definiton: Both “fashion jewelry” and “costume jewelry” describe jewelry that is not made from precious metals or gemstones. These pieces are typically crafted from base metals like brass, copper, or aluminum, or from materials like glass, plastic, or synthetic stones. The primary focus of costume/fashion jewelry is on style, trends and affordability, rather than intrinsic value of the materials. Costume Jewelry will have a charmed life if you take care.

Basic ways to make your costume jewelry last longer.

Regularly wipe with a soft cloth: remove oils and sweat from your jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after each wear.

Gentle cleaning: for more stubborn dirt, use a soft toothbrush with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap.

Avoid harsh chemicals: don’t soak your jewelry in harsh chemicals or use abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.

Specific cleaning methods: 

Tarnished gold: Use a baking soda paste or a solution of warm water and dish soap.

Discolored costume jewelry: Use a lemon juice solution or a baking soda, foil, and salt mixture.

Oxidized jewelry: Baking soda paste can also be used to clean oxidized jewelry.

Dry thoroughly: Ensure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it.

Storing your costume jewelry.

Store separately: Keep each piece of jewelry in its own pouch or compartment to prevent scratches and tangling.

Use soft pouches or lined boxes: Protect your jewelry from scratches and moisture by storing it in soft pouches or lined boxes.

Use silica gel packs: Place silica gel packs in your jewelry box to absorb moisture and prevent tarish.

Keep in cool, dry place: Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Costume jewelry Wear and care.

Remove before showering or swimming: Avoid exposing your jewelry to water and harsh chemicals.

Appy perfume and lotion before wearing jewelry: This prevents the chemicals from coming into contact with the jewelry.

Take breaks: Don’t wear the same pieces of jewelry every day, as this can lead to faster wear and tear.

Handle with care: Avoid rough handling, which can damage the jewelry.

Consider a jewelry protectant spray: Some sprays can help create a barrier against moisture and tarish.

Use clear nail polish: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish where the jewelry touches the skin to create a barrier.

I will talk about many other types of jewelry with new posts coming up.

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