Costume jewelry imitates its expensive counterpart by providing a value solution that most people can afford. However, disappointment often happens when the jewelry becomes tarnished. You can avoid this but you need to be aware of the pitfalls. Real jewelry stands up to tougher treatment, because the materials from which it is made are quality materials known for their ability to get through even the toughest of days with very little damage. However, costume jewelry is imitation and the materials used to produce that quality look are less able to live up to the same demands.

Stones

 

The stones on costume jewelry are unlikely to tarnish, but can be shone very easily if they seem lackluster. Take a piece of kitchen tissue and add a little baby oil but be careful that this really is just sufficient to shine the stone. Avoid getting it onto the metal which surrounds the stones. What this does is give a layer of liquid and when you add liquid to stones which are not semi precious, it brings out more color. Buff the stone up with dry tissue and what little remains there are of the baby oil will be sufficient to keep the stones shiny.

Chains

 

If you wear costume jewelry you need to remember that it can’t take the amount of wear that real jewelry can. If you wear the jewelry over garments, that’s fine. If you wear it against your bare neck, do your makeup first and let the makeup dry. The problem here is that the introduction of any chemicals from sprays or from makeup can tarnish the chain. Similarly, take off jewelry carefully to avoid clasps getting damaged.

Things that can tarnish costume jewelry

In general, never wear costume jewelry for everyday purposes. When you are in the house, for example, and performing household chores, the possibility of the jewelry coming into contact with cleaning agents or chemicals is increased. Keep it for show, as it was intended. Costume jewelry lasts longer if it isn’t exposed to deodorant sprays, skin care treatments, household cleaning agents and sweat.

Helping the cause

 

When you take off costume jewelry, correct storage helps the jewelry not to tarnish. The reason for this is that people get lazy. They take off the jewelry in, for example, the bathroom area, and leave it on the side of the sink. This is one place it shouldn’t be. A bathroom gets damp and the atmosphere of a damp bathroom and the possibility of contact with something alcholine such as soap may just tarnish the jewelry.

Keep tissue paper for the storage of jewelry to keep it away from other jewelry which may scratch it. A piece of tissue paper folded into two for strength should be laid on the work surface. Take of the jewelry and lay it onto the tissue. Wrap it, and place it in an area which is dry and safe. This keeps your cheaper jewelry separated and gives it a better chance of lasting longer. It’s worthwhile laying necklaces out neatly so that the central focal point of the necklace is in the center of the tissue and the chain pulled out to each side, and then wrapped. This helps you to make sure that the necklace doesn’t get knotted up, which also adds to wear and tear of the jewelry.

Checking catches

Sometimes catches get worn and these can be checked when the jewelry is put away. One thing it’s always worth having in the sewing box is spare catches, so that these can be used if necessary.

Tarnish on earrings

 

It’s such a shame to see costume jewelry earrings spoiled by tarnish. In the case of these, use a storage system with a felt back, where the earrings and placed into slots when not used. This stops them from rubbing against other jewelry. After wear, wipe down the wires of the jewelry, so there is no sweat on them. Use a cleaner on the wires but avoid soap. A little baking soda on a cotton bud will do the trick. Wipe afterward with a soft tissue or dry cloth.

Longer earrings may be affected by hair sprays or the chemicals used in doing your hair. Therefore, never put them on until the look is achieved, to avoid this damage.

Antique costume jewelry should always be looked after in the manner shown above. If it has lasted long enough to be considered as antique, but is beginning to lose its luster, you can clean it with a little baking soda, but don’t try harsh cleaning products or chemicals. Store as shown above, using tissue paper.

If you look after your costume jewelry and keep it from coming into contact with chemicals, cleaning products and makeup, you will find that it will last longer. Stored correctly, it will also stay in good condition ready for Cinderella to go to the ball. If you don’t, Cinderella may just give the impression that beneath the surface of her jewelry is little else but base metal.