How to 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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

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.

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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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

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.^{[1]
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2
Dip the soft-bristled baby toothbrush into the soap and water solution. Alternatively, you may use a cotton swab.^{[2]
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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.^{[3]
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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.^{[4]
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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.^{[5]
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8
Polish the piece with a soft, dry cloth.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

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.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I clean old clip on earring costume jewelry without damaging the metal or whatever it's mounted on?

Community Answer

Use a toothpick to get rid of grime gently, then scrub lightly with a toothbrush and some baking soda.
Question

How do I clean the crystal face of a watch without damaging it?

Community Answer

It depends on your watch. I'm assuming it's a simple watch face with a few gem interlays, in which case a simple glass cleaning cloth plus a toothpick could be of service to you.
Question

How can I clean a diamond ring?

Community Answer

Use crystal polish or a diamond cleaning solution.