Caring for Costume Jewelry: Do’s and Don’ts

Introduction

If you’re like many of us, you own a few pieces of costume jewelry that you’ve held onto for years. But with proper care, your costume jewelry can last even longer. In this article, we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts to keep your costume jewelry looking its best.

Whether you wear it casually or at an important event, knowing how to care for your costume jewelry is crucial. Follow these tips to ensure that your pieces stay beautiful for years to come.

The Do’s of Caring for Costume Jewelry

• Dry and Dust Your Jewelry Regularly: Use a soft cloth to clean off any dust or debris from your jewelry. This will prevent it from getting tangled in other items like scarves, ties, or belts.
• Store Your Jewelry Properly: Keep your costume jewelry stored in separate compartments of a jewelry box or pouch to avoid scratching and tangling with other pieces. If you don’t have a dedicated jewelry box, zippered plastic bags can also work well for storing small items.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar on your costume jewelry as they can damage the metal and coatings. Instead, opt for mild soaps or special jewelry cleaners that are specifically designed to remove dirt without causing harm.

The Don’ts of Caring for Costume Jewelry

• Don’t Wear Your Jewelry While Exercising: The constant movement and friction during exercise can cause your costume jewelry to snag, rub against other pieces, or even come off altogether. Remove all jewelry before exercising.
• Don’t Store Jewelry in Direct Sunlight: Constant exposure to sunlight can damage the coatings on metal and plastics of your costume jewelry over time. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct light sources such as windows or lamps.
• Don’t Use Hair Spray or Perfume Near Your Jewelry: The fumes from hair spray and perfumes can damage the coatings on metal pieces, causing discoloration or other cosmetic issues. Keep your jewelry separate from these products to prevent damage.

Pick-Up Tips for Everyday Wear

To ensure that your costume jewelry stays looking its best between cleanings, try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) on a soft cloth before wearing it. The alcohol will help remove any dirt or grime from your jewelry without stripping the coatings.

Don’t Apply Makeup Before Putting On Your Jewelry

The oils in makeup can cause discoloration and damage to your costume jewelry. To prevent this, apply your makeup first before putting on your jewelry. Once you’re done with your makeup routine, remove any excess by wiping the jewelry gently with a soft cloth.

Conclusion

Carefully following these care tips will help ensure that your costume jewelry stays looking its best for years to come. If you have more questions or need further assistance, visit our Preserve Your Jewelry article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my costume jewelry?

Cleaning your costume jewelry regularly will help extend its lifespan. We recommend cleaning it at least once every three months to keep it looking fresh and new.

Q: Can I put my costume jewelry in the washing machine with other clothes?

No, you should never wash your costume jewelry in a washing machine or dryer. The harsh detergents and heat from these machines can damage the metal and coatings of your jewelry.

Q: Is it okay to wear my costume jewelry while swimming?

It is not recommended to wear your costume jewelry while swimming as chlorine, saltwater, and other chemicals in the water can cause damage over time. Always remove your jewelry before getting into any body of water.

Q: Can I use household vinegar to clean my costume jewelry?

No, it is not recommended to use household vinegar on your costume jewelry as it can damage the metal and coatings. Instead, we recommend using a mild soaps or special jewelry cleaners that are specifically designed for cleaning different types of jewelry.

Q: Is it safe to leave my costume jewelry in hot cars?

Leaving your costume jewelry in a hot car is not recommended as the temperature fluctuations can cause the metal and coatings to expand, contract or even warp. Keep your jewelry stored safely away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Related Article: Preserve Your Jewelry