There is a saying that “jewellery is women’s best friend”. It adds a never-ending charm to her overall demeanour and makes her appear even more beautiful.
Nowadays, Artificial Jewellery also known as Imitation Jewellery, has become a must to have for every fashion lover as it is Fashionable, affordable and easy to wear. Whether you have wide and diverse range of artificial jewellery or just a few beautiful pieces, it is important to know How to care for Clean Your Artificial Jewellery to keep it looking its best. In this comprehensive guide, we will understand How to Care for and Clean Your Artificial Jewellery, the dos and don’ts of Artificial jewellery maintenance and provide you with Practical tips and tricks to ensure your jewellery stays Shiny and brightly.
1. Understanding Artificial Jewellery
Before diving into the procedure of caring and cleaning your beautiful pieces, we will understand:
1.1 What Artificial Jewellery is.
Artificial Jewellery is typically made from non-precious materials, such as base metals, glass, acrylic, and various synthetic stone.
While it is not as fine as real jewellery, artificial jewellery stands out for its versatility and the ability to mimic the appearance of expensive jewellery.
1.2 Why it needs special care?
Even these artificial jewellery pieces demand our attention and care to keep them damage free and polished. Since they are not precious metal, they are more sensitive to moisture, perfumes and sweat, which can cause rust and discoloration.
2. Essential Care Tips (before cleaning)
Prevention is always better than cure, Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your artificial jewellery, so here’s how you can care for your jewellery.
2.1 Keep away from water:
Make sure to remove your jewellery before exposing it to waters or moisture, as it can cause tarnishing, discoloration or rust.
Eg: Remove it before Swimming, Showering or Washing dishes.
2.1 Apply Perfumes and Makeup First:
As alcohol and chemical reactions may tarnish the artificial jewellery, it is advised to apply perfumes, lotion and makeup before putting on your artificial jewellery.
2.3 Store it Properly:
To prevent the jewellery from tangling, store your pieces individually in soft pouches or plastic bags.
2.4 Rotate Your Collection:
Wearing the same jewellery pieces every day can make them lose their shine over time. By rotating your jewellery, not only do you keep your pieces looking their best, but you also refresh and elevate your overall fashion sense.
3. Cleaning Methods for Different Types:
It is essential to regularly clean your beautiful pieces of artificial jewellery to keep your pieces looking their best. When it’s time to clean, different materials need different methods.
Here’s how to clean various types of Artificial Jewellery:
Precautions:
We highly recommend do not dip your jewellery in water for more than a minute, as it may dull the shine or polish of the jewellery.
3.1 Cleaning Stone or Glass Jewellery:
Materials Needed: Mild dish soap, lukewarm water, soft toothbrush, soft cloth.
Steps:
- Create a soapy solution by mixing a drop of mild dish soap with a lukewarm water.
- Dip your jewellery in the solution for a few minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean around the jewellery.
- Rinse in clean water and gently dry it with a soft cloth.
3.2 Cleaning Resin, Acrylic, or Plastic Jewellery:
Materials Needed: Mild dish soap, lukewarm water, soft toothbrush, soft cloth.
Steps:
- Create a soapy solution by mixing a drop of mild dish soap with a lukewarm water.
- Gently wipe the jewellery pieces with a soft cloth soaked in the solution.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry.
3.3 Cleaning Beaded Jewellery:
Materials Needed: Mild dish soap, lukewarm water, soft toothbrush, soft cloth.
Steps:
- Create a soapy solution by mixing a drop of mild dish soap with a lukewarm water.
- Use a soft brush to clean between beads.
- Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
3.4 Cleaning Metal Jewellery (Gold-Plated or Silver-Tone):
Materials Needed: Mild dish soap, lukewarm water, soft toothbrush, soft cloth.
Steps:
- Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth.
- For tarnish, rub gently with a jewellery polishing cloth.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing — plating is delicate.
4. Post-Cleaning Care & Maintenance Tips:
Once your jewellery is cleaned follow these tips:
4.1 Dry thoroughly:
Moisture can cause rust or tarnish.
4.2 Polish gently:
Use a soft microfiber cloth to bring back shine.
4.3 Check clasps and settings:
Tighten if needed to avoid losing stones.
4.4 Set a routine:
Clean every few weeks depending on usage.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, these common mistakes can shorten your jewellery’s life:
- Using harshcleaners like bleach, alcohol, or ammonia.
- Soaking delicate pieces for too long.
- Scrubbing with hard brushes or wire.
- Storing jewellery while damp.
- Mixing different metals together in one box — they can scratch or react.
6. FAQs
Q1. How often should I clean my artificial jewellery?
Every 2–3 weeks if you wear it regularly, or whenever it looks dull.
Q2. Can I wear artificial jewellery daily?
Yes, but avoid contact with sweat, perfumes, and water to extend its life.
Q3. What’s the best way to store it?
In airtight pouches or boxes, stored separately to prevent scratches.
Q4. Can professionals’ clean imitation jewellery?
Usually, it’s best to clean at home with gentle methods. Harsh professional cleaning may damage plating.