Costume jewelry has always been extremely popular, and is becoming more so these days.  You can create a look that is totally your own and not spend a fortune doing it!  If you are one of those women who has accessories for every occasion, you may not know how to properly care for them.  By taking the time to learn what your jewelry is made of and how to clean it, you can be assured that it will look beautiful and last as long as possible.

If you have ever used a chemical that shouldn't have been used to clean your jewelry, you know what the results can be.  Tarnished, cloudy, and just plain unsightly.  Avoid this by learning the right way to take care of your special pieces, and they will be dazzling for years to come.

The first thing you want to do is find out exactly what your costume jewelry is made of.  There are numerous materials that can be used.  Some of these include platinum clad, silver clad, vermeil and gold overlay.  Imitation gems are widely used in fashion jewelry as well.   Once you know what your pieces are made of, you can choose the cleaning agent that is formulated for those specific materials.

For some strange reason, many people use vinegar, toothpaste and other household items to clean their costume jewelry.  Never do this - it can dull or even remove the finish.  Products containing alcohol, ammonia or acids of any kind should be avoided.

When purchasing a jewelry cleaner, make sure that it states on the label that it is safe and effective for costume jewelry. Also make sure the ingredients don't contain any alcohol or other ingredients we discussed above.

For simple dusting, a toothbrush with extra soft bristles or a soft cloth is effective.  Gently use the clothe or brush to remove dust by going around stones and under prongs.  Be sure to dust any area you can reach. 

Getting costume jewelry wet with water is not recommended.  This causes the finish to tarnish and pit, even if you believe you dried it thoroughly.  Even the smallest amount of dampness can ruin your pieces. 

If you really can't determine what type of stones or finish your jewelry is made of, use a cleaner that is made for water soluble stones and pearls, as it is the safest.  If this doesn't do the job, find out from a professional jeweler what type of cleaner to use, or let them clean it for you. 

Also, be sure to remove your costume jewelry when applying hand lotion, and remove earrings and necklaces before applying perfume or hairspray, as these contain alcohol and can damage the finish or stones. 

Store your jewelry separate from other pieces, even in a pouch if possible.  This will prevent scratching that can be caused by rubbing against other accessories.  By taking the proper care of your costume jewelry, it will be gorgeous for years to come!