In this article, we’ll dive into the essential care instructions for artificial jewellery, offering practical tips to help you preserve your beloved pieces.
- Clean Your Jewellery Regularly
One of the easiest ways to keep your artificial and imitation jewellery looking fresh is by cleaning it regularly. Over time, oils, dirt, and dust can accumulate on the surface, causing it to lose its shine and even tarnish. Here’s how you can clean it:
Materials Needed:
- Soft cloth (preferably microfiber)
- Mild soap (optional)
- Water
- Toothbrush (optional)
Steps for Cleaning:
- Wipe it Down: After every use, gently wipe your artificial jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and oils. This simple act will help maintain its luster.
- Deep Clean (If needed): If your jewellery is visibly dirty or has product buildup (like hairspray or lotion), dip a soft cloth in soapy water and gently scrub the piece. Be sure to use a mild soap to avoid damaging the exquisite artificial jewellery’s finish.
- Use a Toothbrush for Intricate Details: If your piece has intricate designs or stones, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently scrub away dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
- Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, always dry your jewellery thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid letting it air dry, as this can leave watermarks or spots, particularly on gold or silver-plated items.
- Store Jewellery Properly
Storage plays a significant role in preserving the condition of your designer artificial jewellery. Improper storage can lead to scratches, tarnishing, or loss of shape. Follow these tips to ensure your jewellery stays in top condition:
Storage Tips:
- Use a Jewellery Box: Store your artificial jewellery in a jewellery box with compartments to keep pieces separated. This prevents tangling and scratching. Velvet-lined boxes are ideal because they cushion the jewellery and help reduce friction.
- Keep it Away from Moisture: Humidity and moisture can tarnish artificial jewellery, especially if it’s made with metal alloys. Always store your jewellery in a dry place, away from bathrooms or damp areas.
- Use Pouches for Extra Protection: If you don’t have a jewellery box, consider using individual pouches made from soft cloth to protect each piece. These pouches can be easily stored in drawers or handbags.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the colours of designer imitation and artificial jewellery to fade, especially if it has painted designs or stones. Store it in a shaded area to prevent discoloration.
- Avoid Contact with Chemicals
One of the biggest enemies of artificial jewellery is exposure to chemicals. Harsh substances like perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, or even hair spray can cause the plating or finish of your artificial and imitation jewellery to tarnish or discolour. To prevent damage:
What to Avoid:
- Spraying Perfume Directly on Jewellery: Always apply perfume before putting on your jewellery. The alcohol in perfumes can cause artificial jewellery to lose its shine.
- Avoid Lotions and Oils: When applying lotions, oils, or creams, be sure to remove your jewellery beforehand. These products can leave residues on your jewellery, leading to a dull appearance.
- Keep Away from Cleaning Products: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or household cleaners, can eat away at the coating or plating on your artificial jewellery. Always take off your jewellery before using cleaning products.
- Handle Jewellery Gently
Artificial jewellery, particularly pieces with delicate settings or glued gemstones, is more prone to breakage if handled roughly. To prevent wear and tear:
Handling Tips:
- Avoid Bending or Twisting: Artificial jewellery may not have the same strength as fine jewellery. Always handle it with care, especially when putting it on or taking it off. Avoid bending chains or twisting bangles too much, as they can lose their shape or break.
- Take It Off When Sleeping or Exercising: Remove your jewellery before bed or during physical activities, such as exercising, cleaning, or swimming. Not only can this prevent accidental damage, but it also helps your jewellery avoid exposure to sweat, which can tarnish metals over time.
- Avoid Sharp Edges and Rough Surfaces: Be mindful when wearing your jewellery around surfaces with sharp edges, like the edges of furniture or hard floors. Artificial jewellery can get scratched easily, so be cautious when wearing it in crowded areas or during physical activities.
- Protect from Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can negatively impact the appearance of your artificial and imitation jewellery. Some materials, like plastic or resin, may warp or crack, while metal alloys can become brittle. To protect your artificial and imitation designer jewellery from high and humid climate and temperature, follow the following tips and methods.:
Temperature Protection Tips:
- Keep it Away from Heat Sources: Artificial jewellery should not be stored near radiators, heaters, or direct sunlight. Heat can cause metals to warp or discolour and can even cause gemstones or beads to crack.
- Avoid Exposure to Cold: Similarly, extremely cold conditions can cause certain materials to become brittle or weak. It’s important to store your jewellery in a stable, room-temperature environment.
- Regularly Check for Wear and Tear
Artificial jewellery is not invincible and will inevitably experience some wear and tear over time. Regularly inspect your pieces for signs of damage, like loose stones, broken clasps, or tarnishing. Early detection can help prevent further damage and give you the chance to make repairs before they become more significant issues.
What to Look For:
- Loose Stones: If your designer artificial and imitation jewellery contains rhinestones, crystals, or any glued-on embellishments, check them periodically to ensure they are still securely attached. If you notice any stones becoming loose, take your jewellery to a professional for re-gluing or repair.
- Rusting or Tarnishing: Look for signs of tarnishing, especially on gold-plated or silver-plated jewellery. If your piece shows signs of rust or dullness, clean it thoroughly and consider re-plating if needed.
- Broken Clasps or Chains: Over time, clasps and chains can weaken. If you notice your jewellery isn’t closing securely, repair it immediately to prevent it from getting lost.
- Consider Professional Cleaning and Maintenance
For more expensive pieces of artificial and imitation jewellery or ones with intricate designs like that available on My Choice, it’s a good idea to take them to a professional jeweller for cleaning and maintenance. A professional can restore the shine, re-secure loose stones, and check for any issues that might need fixing.
Conclusion
Artificial jewellery is a fantastic way to accessorize and express your style without breaking the bank. However, it requires a little extra care to ensure it lasts. By following these simple yet effective care instructions — from cleaning and storing your artificial and imitation jewellery properly to avoiding harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures — you can keep your pieces sparkling for years to come. With a bit of attention and maintenance, your artificial jewellery can remain as stunning as the day you bought it.