How to Clean Costume Jewellery Safely

If you’ve been searching for how to clean costume jewellery without damaging the finish, stones, or plating, you’re not alone. Costume jewellery is affordable, stylish, and perfect for everyday wear, but improper cleaning can quickly lead to fading, tarnish, dullness, or discoloration.

The good news is that cleaning fashion jewellery safely is simple when you use the right techniques. Whether you own gold plated earrings, statement necklaces, stainless steel rings, or waterproof jewellery, knowing how to care for costume jewellery properly will help preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan.

At House of June, we specialise in premium anti tarnish jewellery made from durable stainless steel 316L with high quality 18k PVD gold plating. Our collections are designed for everyday wear, long lasting shine, and minimal maintenance so you can enjoy beautiful jewellery without constant polishing or stress.

Why Costume Jewellery Tarnishes

Before learning how to clean costume jewellery, it’s important to understand why tarnishing happens in the first place.

Costume jewellery is often made using base metals with gold or silver plating. Over time, exposure to moisture, sweat, perfume, lotions, humidity, and chemicals can break down the outer layer and cause dullness or discoloration.

Common causes of tarnish include:

• Water exposure
• Perfume and skincare products
• Sweat and body oils
• Humidity and air pollution
• Improper storage
• Harsh cleaning chemicals

Lower quality jewellery tends to tarnish quickly because it uses thin plating or reactive metals underneath. That’s why many shoppers now prefer anti tarnish jewellery made with stainless steel 316L and premium PVD coatings.

How to Clean Costume Jewellery Safely

The safest method for clean costume jewellery safely involves gentle cleaning with non abrasive materials.

Step 1: Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution

Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.

Avoid:

• Bleach
• Alcohol based cleaners
• Acetone
• Jewellery dips with harsh chemicals

Step 2: Wipe the Jewellery Carefully

Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewellery surface.

Focus on:

• Sweat buildup
• Fingerprints
• Makeup residue
• Dust accumulation

Never scrub aggressively, especially on plated pieces.

Step 3: Use a Soft Brush for Small Areas

A soft baby toothbrush can help clean small crevices around clasps or stones.

Brush lightly to avoid scratching the plating.

Step 4: Dry Completely

Pat dry immediately using a clean microfiber cloth.

Leaving moisture on jewellery can accelerate tarnishing.

Step 5: Store Properly

Place jewellery in:

• Soft pouches
• Anti tarnish bags
• Separate compartments

Proper storage is essential if you want long lasting shine jewellery.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Many people accidentally damage their jewellery while trying to clean it.

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful
Using toothpaste	Too abrasive for gold plating
Soaking jewellery overnight	Weakens glue and plating
Using paper towels	Can scratch surfaces
Using baking soda aggressively	Removes protective finish
Cleaning with hot water	May loosen stones or coatings

Knowing how to clean fashion jewellery properly helps avoid unnecessary damage and extends wearability.

Best Cleaning Methods for Different Jewellery Types

How to Clean Gold Plated Jewellery

Gold plated pieces require extra care because the outer gold layer is delicate.

Best practices:

• Use mild soap only
• Avoid soaking
• Dry immediately
• Store separately

Premium 18k PVD gold plated jewellery, like the collections from House of June, is significantly more durable than standard plating.

How to Clean Tarnished Jewellery

If you’re wondering how to clean tarnished jewellery, the method depends on the material.

For lightly tarnished costume jewellery:

• Use warm water and soap
• Gently buff with microfiber cloth
• Avoid polishing creams unless approved for plated jewellery

Severe tarnishing often indicates worn plating, which may not be reversible.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewellery

Stainless steel 316L jewellery is much easier to maintain.

Simply:

• Wash with mild soap
• Rinse briefly
• Dry with soft cloth

Stainless steel resists corrosion, tarnish, and water damage far better than traditional costume jewellery metals.

How to Clean Waterproof Jewellery

Waterproof jewellery can handle moisture better, but proper care still matters.

House of June uses premium stainless steel 316L and PVD gold plating to create waterproof jewellery designed for daily wear.

Even waterproof jewellery benefits from:

• Regular wiping after exposure to water
• Removing chlorine residue
• Gentle drying after swimming

Waterproof Jewellery Care Tips

Waterproof jewellery care is simpler than traditional jewellery maintenance, but consistency still helps preserve shine.

1. Wipe Jewellery After Water Exposure

Even waterproof pieces should be dried after:

• Swimming
• Showering
• Exercise

2. Avoid Direct Chemical Contact

Chlorine, cleaning products, and perfumes can still affect plating over time.

3. Store Pieces Individually

Prevent scratches by storing:

• rings
• necklaces
• bracelets
• earrings

separately whenever possible.

4. Clean Monthly

Regular gentle cleaning prevents buildup and maintains a polished appearance.

How to Keep Jewellery From Tarnishing

One of the most common jewellery care questions is how to keep jewellery from tarnishing.

The answer comes down to material quality and proper maintenance.

Choose Anti Tarnish Jewellery

The best prevention method is choosing high quality anti tarnish jewellery made from stainless steel 316L.

House of June designs premium everyday pieces that resist:

• Tarnish
• Water damage
• Fading
• Discoloration

Explore our:

• anti tarnish rings
• anti tarnish necklaces
• anti tarnish bracelets
• anti tarnish earrings
• anti tarnish studs
• anti tarnish waist chain

Avoid Humidity

Moisture accelerates oxidation and tarnishing.

Store jewellery in dry environments away from bathrooms.

Apply Products Before Jewellery

Always apply:

• Perfume
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Hair products

before putting on jewellery.

Clean Regularly

Dirt and oils slowly dull jewellery surfaces.

Consistent everyday jewellery care helps maintain brightness.

Why Stainless Steel 316L Jewellery Lasts Longer

Stainless steel 316L jewellery has become increasingly popular because it offers exceptional durability and tarnish resistance.

Benefits of Stainless Steel 316L Jewellery

• Water resistant
• Corrosion resistant
• Hypoallergenic
• Durable for daily wear
• Long lasting shine
• Low maintenance

Unlike cheaper metals, stainless steel 316L is engineered for longevity.

At House of June, our jewellery combines stainless steel 316L with premium 18k PVD gold plating for elevated everyday luxury.

This creates:

• Long lasting shine jewellery
• Better waterproof performance
• Reduced tarnishing
• Minimal maintenance

Everyday Jewellery Care Guide

Proper everyday jewellery care can dramatically extend the lifespan of your favourite pieces.

Daily Jewellery Care Checklist

Care Habit	Benefit
Wipe after wear	Removes oils and sweat
Store individually	Prevents scratches
Avoid harsh chemicals	Protects plating
Clean monthly	Maintains shine
Choose anti tarnish jewellery	Reduces maintenance

Travel Jewellery Care Tips

When travelling:

• Use soft jewellery pouches
• Keep pieces separated
• Avoid leaving jewellery in humid bags
• Pack microfiber cloths for quick cleaning

Gym and Shower Jewellery Care

While waterproof jewellery is more resilient, prolonged chlorine or salt exposure can still affect appearance over time.

Rinsing and drying pieces after workouts or swimming helps preserve finish quality.

Best Jewellery Types for Low Maintenance

If you want jewellery that stays beautiful with minimal upkeep, look for:

• Stainless steel 316L base
• 18k PVD gold plating
• Waterproof construction
• Anti tarnish protection

House of June creates premium jewellery specifically for modern everyday wear.

Shop bestselling:

• anti tarnish jewellery
• gold rings
• gold necklaces
• gold bracelets
• gold earrings

Every piece is designed for effortless styling, long lasting wear, and easy maintenance.

FAQs: About Cleaning Costume Jewellery

Can you clean costume jewellery with water?

Yes, but use lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking. Always dry jewellery immediately after cleaning.

What is the safest way to clean costume jewellery?

The safest method is using mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals.

How often should I clean fashion jewellery?

Light cleaning every few weeks helps maintain shine and prevents buildup from sweat, oils, and cosmetics.

Why does costume jewellery tarnish so quickly?

Tarnishing occurs when moisture, chemicals, and air react with metals or thin plating layers.

Does waterproof jewellery tarnish?

High quality waterproof jewellery made from stainless steel 316L and PVD gold plating is significantly more resistant to tarnishing.

Can toothpaste clean jewellery?

Toothpaste is usually too abrasive for costume jewellery and may scratch or remove plating.

How do I keep jewellery shiny longer?

Store jewellery properly, avoid chemicals, wipe pieces after wear, and choose anti tarnish jewellery for easier maintenance.

What makes House of June jewellery different?

House of June creates premium waterproof anti tarnish jewellery using stainless steel 316L and 18k PVD gold plating. Our pieces are designed for everyday wear, long lasting shine, and low maintenance, backed by a 12 month warranty.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean costume jewellery properly is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your favourite pieces. Gentle cleaning, proper storage, and consistent care can help maintain shine and reduce tarnishing over time.

However, the biggest difference comes from choosing better quality jewellery materials from the start.

That’s why more shoppers are switching to waterproof, anti tarnish jewellery made from stainless steel 316L and premium PVD gold plating.