Artificial jewelry also known as fashion or imitation jewelry is extremely popular among the masses mainly because of its trendy look and cost effectiveness. Artificial jewelry has been a great source of versatile options - from daily wear accessories to glamorized party pieces - in fact the list is endless. It doesn't matter if you have an extravagant collection or just a few favorite ones, they all require proper care if you want them to continue shining and last for a long time.
In this comprehensive manual, we are sharing with you the best methods of cleaning and caring for your artificial jewelry. You will be surprised how easy it is to keep your pieces safe from getting damaged, losing their color and looking new and stylish by following a few simple steps. By using the suitable maintenance methods, the life of your artificial jewelry can be extended and it can still be a great style statement for you after many years.
Understanding Artificial Jewelry
It's a good idea to know what artificial jewelry is before you get into the right cleaning and care methods. Most artificial jewelry pieces are made from non-precious materials such as base metals, glass, acrylic, and different kinds of synthetic stones. It doesn't have the monetary value of fine jewelry, however, artificial jewelry is very much appreciated for its versatility and fashionable look.
Their biggest selling point is that they can perfectly imitate the appearance of the expensive, luxury pieces at a very low price. Therefore, artificial jewelry is widely used for daily wear, special events, and fashion based on trends, thus giving people a chance to enjoy luxury and variety without a large investment.
Caring for Artificial Jewelry
If you properly care for your artificial jewelry, it will last you a long time and continue to look as if it were new. Here are some of the basic care tips that you need to follow to keep your favorite pieces in perfect condition:
1. Store It Properly
Tip: To avoid tangling, you can keep your necklaces and chains separate by storing them in individual pouches or zipped plastic bags. For earrings and rings, a jewelry box with compartments is advisable for storing them safely.
2. Protect It from Moisture
Tip: When artificial jewelry gets wet, it eventually will tarnish and lose its color. For this reason, you should always take off your artificial jewelry before showering or swimming, or when you are doing something that causes you to sweat.
3. Keep Away from Sunlight
Tip: If your jewelry regularly gets exposed to sunlight, the color will eventually fade, and it will become dulled. A good place to keep your jewelry is a cool, dry, and dark cabinet.
4. Handle it Gently
Tip: The materials used in making artificial jewelry can be fragile. So, you should be very gentle when taking it off or putting it on. This way, you will prevent it from bending or breaking, and stones won't come off.
5. Clean with a Soft Cloth
Tip: Utilizing a soft polishing or microfiber cloth allows you to clean your jewelry after wearing it. Besides, it helps get rid of sweat and oil which trap dirt and cause the jewelry to lose its shine.
6. Apply Cosmetics Before Wearing
Tip: Since perfumes, face creams, and other cosmetic products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your jewelry, it is better if you put on your artificial jewelry only after applying these products and letting them dry.
Cleaning Your Artificial Jewelry
It is a good idea to give your artificial jewelry a regular wash to keep the shine and look of the pieces. It will be fresh and lovely for a longer time. Nevertheless, you should clean it very gently so as not to cause any damage.
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Important Precaution
Remember, if your artificial jewelry comes into contact with water for a longer time, it can result in the polish and finish being diminished. Don’t leave your jewelry submerged in water for more than a minute.
Cleaning Stone and Glass Jewelry
Materials Required:
- mild dishwashing liquid
- lukewarm water
- soft toothbrush
- soft, dry cloth
Cleaning Steps:
- Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid with lukewarm water to get a mild cleaning solution.
- Briefly immerse the stone or glass jewelry in the solution for a few minutes.
- Lightly brush with a soft toothbrush the area around the stones or glass to get rid of dirt and residue.
- Give a quick rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Resin and Acrylic Jewelry
Resin and acrylic jewelry need to be cleaned very carefully so that they do not lose their gloss and are not scratched.
Materials Required:
- Mild dish detergent
- Warm water (not hot)
- Soft, clean cloth
Cleaning Steps:
- Mix up a very mild cleaning solution by adding only a little amount of mild dish soap to some lukewarm water.
- Take a soft cloth and wet it with the cleaning solution. Then gently wipe the resin or acrylic jewelry.
- Give it a quick rinse with clean water and then carefully dry it with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Beaded Jewelry
Beaded jewelry should be cleaned gently so that the beads do not get loose and the thread is not damaged.
Materials:
- Soap for dishes, mild
- Water, lukewarm
- Toothbrush, soft
- Cloth, soft, dry
How to Clean:
- Make a mild soap solution by mixing some mild dish soap with lukewarm water.
- Take a soft toothbrush, dip it into the solution and brush the spaces between the beads very carefully.
- Quickly rinse with clean water and then dry the beads gently with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Fabric and Thread Jewelry
Cleaning fabric and thread jewelry in a delicate manner is necessary to preserve the feel and shape.
Materials:
- Detergent, mild
- Water, lukewarm
- Cloth, soft
How to Clean:
- Take a very small amount of mild detergent to mix with lukewarm water for making a non-aggressive cleaning solution.
- Put a soft cloth in the mixture and gently rub the fabric or thread sections of the jewelry.
- After rinsing, the jewelry should be dried with fresh air thoroughly before being put away.
Additional Tips and Precautions
There are several could throw some spices, plus a bit of a few extra socio-cultural norms that can absolutely go a long way in maintaining, even enhancing lifelong of your beautiful artificial jewelry.
- Do Regular Checks: It is very common that the loose stones, weak clasps, or parts that needs repair after prolonged use can be identified through a close look and thorough inspection of your jewelry. Minor treatment on the parts that needs repair today can save a lot of cost tomorrow.
- Say 'No' to Strong Chemicals: Artificial jewelry is prone to damage if exposed to harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or strong cleaning solutions because the finish and the structure of the jewelry are the main targets of the attack.
- Seek Professional Cleaning: If your jewelry is intricate or sensitive, professional cleaning from a jeweler can safely restore their beauty.
- When the Need Arises, Restring Beaded Jewelry: The thread holding the beads together can be strengthened and thus prevents the jewelry from breaking if the beads are restrung every few years.
- The Reason Why You Should Leaving Them Away From Hair Spray Products: Hair sprays and aerosol products are the main causes of dulling the shine of jewelry. So it is a good habit always to put on your jewelry after you have used such products.
- Don't Wear Your Entire Jewelry Collection Every Day: Having a jewelry for a long time can be a good maintenance if only you can control yourself not to wear an entire collection every day. Rotating your pieces will not only reduce wear but also make every piece look new again.
- Less Sweat and Chlorine Wearing Artificial Jewelry: Sweat and chemicals from chlorine in the pool could cause discoloration of artificial pieces, so you better remove your hand-made jewelry before going to the gym or swimming.
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Conclusion
Artificial jewelry is a versatile and economical substitute for fine jewelry, thus allowing to have an unlimited range of designs that cater to all flavors and personalities. Becoming versed on the right cleaning, storing, and caring methods for your pieces will certainly be a huge plus in keeping their brilliance and strength for years. Besides being able to rely on regular maintenance, you should be gentle and careful with your pieces to enjoy the benefits of your artificial jewelry as the results of upgraded appearance and accumulated experience in fashion for quite some time.
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