How to clean costume and fashion jewelry

Costume jewelry usually has inexpensive metals with a thin plating, glues and glass or plastics. That is why it needs more careful cleaning than precious-metal jewelry.

Basic cleaning #

Wipe with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water and a drop of mild soap, rinse with another damp cloth and dry right away. Avoid long soaking: water can loosen glue and rust the base metal.

If the plating is worn or there are green marks #

Verdigris is copper oxide from the base metal. Remove it with a cotton swab and a little rubbing alcohol, then dry. Once the plating is gone the piece does not regain its color; a clear jewelry lacquer protects it.

Home remedies #

Baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste and lemon can strip the plating, so they are a bad idea on costume jewelry. A dry cloth is usually enough.

Making it last #

Put costume jewelry on last, after lotion and perfume, and take it off before showering, swimming or sleeping. Store it dry, apart and in closed bags.

See also #

• Why jewelry turns your skin green
• Home remedies for cleaning jewelry: what works and what does not
• How to store jewelry so it does not get damaged