How To Take Care Of (And Clean) Your Fashion Jewelry

How To Take Care Of (And Clean) Your Fashion Jewelry

At Taanaa, we create jewelry that helps you live with intention. Jewelry that is meant to last many, many years. Keep reading to find out how to care for your costume jewelry so that it lasts (almost) forever!

1. Keep your jewelry dry
2. Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off
3. Store your jewelry properly
4. (How to) Keep Your Jewelry Clean

CARE TIP: KEEP YOUR FASHION JEWELRY DRY AND TARNISH FREE

Keeping your jewelry dry is a great way to keep your jewelry tarnish free.

DON'T WASH DISHES OR DO LAUNDRY WITH YOUR JEWELRY ON

Many cleaning products that come in contact with your beautiful jewelry that can take off the finish. Why? Because of the harsh chemicals.

DON'T WEAR JEWELRY IN POOL OR AT THE SPA

Chlorinated water can react with the metals found in jewelry causing your awesome bangle or necklace to change color.

DON'T USE JEWELRY CLEANER

Cleaner made for silver, gold, or platinum is way too harsh for fashion jewelry which is usually plated with these precious metals. Keep reading for Tips on Cleaning Your Jewelry

DON'T PUT ON LOTION OR PERFUME WITH YOUR JEWELRY ON

For the same reasons listed above, lotions and perfumes that are not 100% natural can react unfavorably with your jewelry. 

Basically, keep your jewelry away from the following:

• water
• dishwashing soap
• lotion
• perfume
• silver cleaner
• other harsh chemicals

CARE TIP: LAST ON, FIRST OFF

PUT YOUR JEWELRY ON AFTER YOU PUT YOUR CLOTHES ON AND BEFORE YOUR TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF

Doing this will ensure that your clothing doesn't get caught on your sweater or t-shirt during the clothing removal process. An accidental pull of your necklace while taking off your shirt can cause a chain or string to break!

REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY DURING ACTIVITIES 

When performing mundane and fun tasks, such as laundry, cooking, or gardening, remove your jewelry to prevent physical damage or exposure to cleaning chemicals or cleaning fluids.

PUT JEWELRY ON AFTER APPLYING HAIRSPRAY AND MAKEUP 

This goes back to keeping your jewelry dry. Perfumes, hairspray, lotion, and makeup usually contains harsh chemicals that can damage your beautiful jewelry. By waiting until you are all done your beauty routine you can avoid potential damage.

CARE TIP: STORE YOUR FASHION JEWELRY PROPERLY TO KEEP IT LOOKING GREAT FOR YEARS!

KEEP YOUR JEWELRY SECURE

Store your jewelry in a jewelry box or other secure container that will prevent your baubles from moving around. You can also store your jewelry in a silk or velvet pouch and put each pouch in a decorative shoe box. 

USE ANTI-TARNISH PAPER

When storing your fashion jewelry try wrapping each piece in anti-tarnish paper. If you don't have anti-tarnish paper use an eyeglass cloth instead!

AVOID AIR! 

The air around us is what makes metal tarnish. We recommend using a Ziploc or sandwich bag with the air squeezed out to prevent oxidization.

CARE TIP: CLEAN YOUR FASHION JEWELRY

Fashion jewelry is fun, unique, and a great way to revamp your outfit. You have a piece of fashion jewelry you love, but you wear it every day and now it is a bit grungy. To keep your jewelry fabulous and fresh, we have created this very comprehensive guide to cleaning your costume/fashion jewelry.

Wait! Before I give you the low down on cleaning your jewelry you should be sure to remove dirt, oils and general pollutants. You will get better, more even cleaning results if you do this step first. Use a little soap and water on a soft toothbrush to clean out gunk and grime from your piece. Sometimes that is all you need, but if you need to beef up your shine game keep reading! 

HOW TO CLEAN ALL TYPES OF JEWELRY: BRASS, STERLING SILVER, GOLD AND MORE

HOW TO CLEAN BRASS JEWELRY

Our specialty is brass, so I will start with how to clean brass jewelry. 

CLEAN YOUR BRASS WITH A LEMON OR LEMON JUICE 

• Step One: Pour one cup of water into a glass or plastic container
• Step Two: Add lemon juice from a bottle or a freshly cut lemon. 
• Step Three: Add a little bit of salt and stir to dissolve. 
• Step Four: Place your brass in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
• Note: Keep your eye on your brass so you can take it out as soon as it is as shiny as you want it to be! 
• Step Five: Rinse off your jewelry and dry completely.
• NOTE: Brass retains water spots – so always dry it immediately! 

Alternatively, you can cut a lemon in half and sprinkle some salt on top of it. then rub it over the brass. Continue to step Five and Six! 

CLEAN YOUR BRASS WITH KETCHUP!