Do you own costume jewelry?  It is probably difficult to find a woman who doesn't, especially in these tough economic times.  Looking well put together can be achieved without spending tons of money on expensive jewelry.  If you own an extensive collection, you may wonder how to clean and care for it.  This article will give you a few tips that will help keep your jewelry in tip top shape.

There are plenty of commercial cleaners available, but there are also some things you need to avoid.  Vinegar, ammonia or any substance containing alcohol or acids should not be used under any circumstances.  Also, make sure you avoid Windex or soap and water.  This can leave a dulling film on your costume jewelry.

If dust is really the only problem, you can remedy this by using a soft toothbrush or cloth.  This will leave your unique pieces free of dust and impart a shine.  When purchasing commercial cleaners for your jewelry, be sure to read the ingredients and make sure there is nothing that should not be used on certain finishes.  Know what materials your jewelry is made of - what types of stones, overlays, etc. 

When you do clean your costume jewelry, always make sure to dry it thoroughly.  Even a slight dampness can cause rusting and pitting when it is stored.  How often should you clean your jewelry?  If worn daily, cleaning once per week should be sufficient.  Pieces that are only worn occasionally can be cleaned prior to wearing or before storing again.

Many women don't think about the possibility of their costume jewelry becoming scratched.  To avoid this, store away from other pieces in your jewelry box or place in a soft pouch.  This will help to avoid scratching and maintain the beauty for years to come.

To make cleaning easier, divide your jewelry according to type, such as gold overlay, silver overlay, etc.  This will enable you to clean all of the pieces with a cleaner that is suitable for that particular type of jewelry.  You can do it all at once and save time!  Inspect stones for authenticity.  Although costume jewelry doesn't usually contain real stones, you need to be certain.

If you really can't determine what type of stone or finish your piece is made of, clean it using a method you would use for imitation gems, pearls, and water soluble stones.  This will insure that you don't cause damage to your jewelry.  If this doesn't do the job, take the pieces to a professional jeweler for cleaning.

Although costume jewelry isn't that expensive, there are still unique pieces you love and want to preserve for as long as possible.  By taking time to learn what materials your jewelry is made of and cleaning it properly, you can keep those cherished favorites for years to come!