Clean Costume Jewelry

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

The dry method is a safe way to clean old jewelry, since many moist or wet cleansers can leave behind a film or even cause lasting damage.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Inspect your jewelry with a magnifying glass. Look for any additional trapped dirt.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

If there is grime that does not come off after the dry clean, step things up a notch with a gentle cleansing solution.

  1. 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.
  2. Dip the soft-bristled baby toothbrush into the soap and water solution. Alternatively, you may use a cotton swab.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Gently blot excess moisture off the piece with a soft, dry cloth.
  7. 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.
  8. Polish the piece with a soft, dry cloth.

Using a Last Resort Cleaning Approach

If both the dry and gentle cleansing methods fail to fully clean stuck-on grime, switch to a stronger cleanser.

  1. 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.
  2. Pour a small amount of the nail polish remover or cleanser into a bowl or glass.
  3. Dip a cotton swab into the cleanser, soaking in as little as possible.
  4. Tap the swab on the side of the glass to remove excess solution.
  5. 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.
  6. Quickly rinse your jewelry under lukewarm water.
  7. Blot off excess moisture with a dry, soft cloth.
  8. Lay your jewelry on a paper towel and dry with a hair dryer. Keep the drying on a cool setting to prevent heat damage.
  9. Polish your jewelry with a soft cloth.
  10. Finished.

Tips

  • Never soak your costume jewelry in jewelry solution, even if the solution is safe to use on costume jewelry. This is especially important if there are gemstones or other elements glued in place, since many cleansers will loosen the adhesive.
  • Avoid using water on jewelry that contains copper or mixed metals. Water will react with the copper, damaging it in the process. Stick with simple dry methods for pieces like these.
  • Put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Avoid putting your jewelry into contact with perfume, hair spray, or other chemicals.
  • Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Store each piece in its own separate compartment or soft cloth bag in order to prevent scratching.
  • Consider using baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) in place of the soap for Method 2. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the jewelry piece before scrubbing it. Water does not need to be added but can be for a stronger but still gentle scrub. This method is especially good for very dirty costume jewelry.

Things You’ll Need

  • Lamp
  • Baby toothbrush
  • Compressed air
  • Cotton swap
  • Magnifying glass
  • Toothpick
  • Soft cloth
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Jewelry cleanser
  • Non-acetone nail polish remover

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Sources and Citations

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