As a rule, you will want your costume jewelry to accent or complete your wardrobe and it is best to know how to keep your things looking their best or to clean them of any foreign particles or dirt that detracts from their appearance. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and to avoid any actions that could potentially damage your piece. That being said, the most critical issue is to avoid loosening the adhesive which holds the gemstones in place. I provide some general guidelines in this article that, if followed, should keep your costume jewelry looking its best for the longest possible time.
In all cases be certain that the area in which you are working is well-lit to concentrate your cleaning efforts and make them most effective.
The first cleaning technique is by far the most gentle and should always be tried first before resorting to any more aggressive tactic. It involves using a source of compressed air to simply blow off any dirt or foreign material. By using dry air you can avoid loosening the adhesive of the piece and protect it from unwanted damage. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the piece and a wooden toothpick to carefully remove any loose dirt. Stay away from pick materials that can easily scratch the surface and beware of getting overly zealous in your attempts to remove unwanted particles.
It may be necessary to step up your cleaning efforts, so as a first step mix one part of a mild soap with three parts of warm water. Do not immerse the piece into the solution to soak, but rather dip a cotton swab into it and remove the excess. Then, using a magnifying glass to see better, gingerly apply a minimal amount of the solution to the dirty area using a swirling motion. Allow it to sit for a while and then rinse it under lukewarm water. Try to be as quick as possible to avoid loosening the adhesive and be advised that copper or mixed metals may react with the water so it is a good idea to limit their contact time. You may want to repeat these steps several times to remove more stubborn dirt. Finally, dry the piece thoroughly with a soft cloth followed by blowing cool air over it using a hairdryer.
As a last resort, it may be necessary to turn to a stronger solvent, but do so with caution and avoid using anything that contains acetone, alcohol, vinegar, or acids as these solvents will attack the adhesive joints. I would suggest Using, instead, a non-acetone nail polish remover or a gentle jewelry cleaner that is designed specifically for costume jewelry. An item worth mentioning, however, is that many cleansers, regardless of their supposed safety, can leave behind residues that detract from the appeal of the piece so use them at your own peril. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution, remove the excess, and carefully apply it to the dirty area with a gentle swirling motion. As quickly as you can to avoid any damage rinse the piece in lukewarm water and blot dry with a soft cloth. Follow this by complete drying with a hair dryer set to cool to avoid any damage caused by excessive heat. Polish the piece to restore its luster and shine.
Prevention of dirt is much more effective than removal so as a rule, put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Store each piece in its own compartment or bag to prevent scratching and Wear it with pride.
Take care of it and your jewelry should give you many years of pleasure.
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