How to Clean Costume Jewelry: Eco-Friendly Guide

How to Clean Costume Jewelry: SWS VINTAGE's Eco-Friendly Guide to Tarnish Removal

At SWS VINTAGE, we believe that every piece of vintage jewelry deserves to shine in its original glory. That’s why all our jewelry is meticulously cleaned and sanitized before it reaches the sales floor or is listed online. We’re committed to delivering ready-to-wear pieces and restoring vintage gems to their stunning condition. Here’s how we do it:

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Costume Jewelry

Step 1: The Soap and Water Rinse

Most jewelry pieces, except those with faux pearls, undergo a gentle water and soap rinse. Here’s the process:

• Rinse and Scrub: Using a mild soap solution, we gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush or clean toothbrush to remove dirt and debris. This ensures every nook and cranny is free of buildup.
• Quick Dry: After the rinse, the pieces are immediately removed from the solution and laid on a towel to dry. It’s crucial not to leave them in water for too long, as this can lead to rust.

Why Faux Pearls Require Special Care

For faux pearls, we skip the soap and use only a water rinse. Soap can be too harsh and may strip the delicate luster coating from the pearls. Faux pearls are coated with a delicate material that can easily lose its sheen if exposed to harsh cleaning agents. Always opt for a gentle water rinse and avoid scrubbing to maintain their luster.

 

The Secret to Removing Tarnish: Luck’s Polishing Powder

While vintage gold plating is generally thicker and more durable than modern plating, tarnishing and discoloration can still occur over time. This is because costume jewelry is not made of solid gold. To address this, we use a specialized solution:

Step 2: Tarnish Removal with Luck’s Polishing Powder

To tackle tarnish, we rely on Luck’s Polishing Powder, a product we developed to meet the unique needs of gold-plated and costume jewelry. Here’s why it’s the perfect solution:

• All-Natural Formula: Made from eco-friendly ingredients, it’s safe for the environment and gentle on your jewelry.
• Versatile Performance: It’s not just for gold-plated jewelry; it works wonders on silver plating and even sterling silver.
• Powerful Results: Luck’s Polishing Powder effectively removes tarnish and discoloration, restoring your jewelry to its original beauty.

 

Results after using Luck’s Polishing Powder

Step 3: Ready for Their New Home

Once the pieces are thoroughly cleaned and polished, they’re ready to be listed for sale. Whether it’s a sparkling necklace or a bold bracelet, each piece is restored with care to ensure it’s ready for its new owner.

Tips for Restoring Vintage Jewelry at Home

• Avoid prolonged exposure to water, especially for pieces prone to rust.
• Always dry jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.
• Use a soft cloth for polishing to prevent scratches on delicate surfaces.

Restore Your Vintage Jewelry

Now you know how we clean our pieces, but what about your own vintage treasures? If you’re dealing with tarnish or discoloration, try Luck’s Polishing Powder for yourself. It’s the perfect solution for bringing your costume and vintage jewelry back to life.

Have questions about cleaning your jewelry? Drop them in the comments below or contact us for expert tips!

Check out our amazing ready to wear vintage jewelry collection!