How to clean vintage costume Jewellery

In order to preserve vintage costume jewellery it is very important to take care if you decide to clean it.  Costume jewellery was not always made to last but to be worn as a fashion accessory and replaced when new trends emerged. For this reason it is a lot more delicate than fine jewellery. However, if looked after correctly vintage costume jewellery can continue to sparkle for many years to come.

Moisture is the biggest enemy of vintage costume jewellery and submersing your jewellery in any kind of liquid should be avoided at all costs. This is particularly important if the piece contains rhinestones, as liquid can cause damage and darkening of the stones. Chemicals can also cause damage therefore many jewellery cleaning solutions are not suitable for costume jewellery.

For rhinestone jewellery a dry polishing cloth is the safest method but if necessary you could use a soft brush such as a make- up brush or baby toothbrush to gently remove any dirt build up. Be very careful if the piece contains aurora borealis stones as the coating can be easily scratched.  If the piece is very dirty, a damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth to polish. Avoid wetting the jewellery and continually blot any moisture from the piece. Rhinestones often have a foil backing which can become easily damaged if moisture gets behind the stones. If the jewellery does get wet, make sure it is dried thoroughly with a hairdryer on a cool setting (heat can also damage rhinestone jewellery).

For rhinestone or crystal jewellery that is not foil backed, a small amount of glass cleaner can be used. Buff with a soft dry cloth.

Gold , silver, rhodium plated  and vermeil  jewellery can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions as this can scratch and damage the plating. Make sure any soap residue is removed and dry thoroughly. Avoid using any chemical cleaning solutions.

Always store your jewellery in a cool dry place and avoid direct sun exposure.  Avoid direct contact with make-up, perfumes and body lotions as these can contain chemicals which lead to tarnishing. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wear.