Sparkle Like New: How to Clean Artificial Jewellery at Home & Prevent Tarnish

Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your favourite gold-plated necklace before a party, only to find it has lost its shine or turned black. While high-quality imitation jewellery is a fantastic alternative to solid gold, it does require a little extra care to maintain its lustre.

If you are wondering how to clean artificial jewellery at home, you are in the right place. You don’t need expensive professional cleaning services to restore the sparkle to your fashion accessories. With a few simple household ingredients and the right technique, you can make your pieces look almost brand new.

In this guide, we’ll cover safe cleaning methods and, more importantly, professional tips to prevent your jewellery from turning black in the future.

Why Does Artificial Jewellery Turn Black?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, it is important to understand why tarnish happens in the first place. Unlike pure gold, artificial or fashion jewellery usually has a base metal (like copper or brass) plated with gold or silver.

When this metal reacts with moisture, oxygen, and chemicals in the air (a process called oxidation), it creates a dark layer known as tarnish. Additionally, your body’s natural oils, sweat, perfumes, and skincare products can accelerate this process.

How to Clean Artificial Jewellery at Home: 3 Safe Methods

When cleaning fashion jewellery, the rule of thumb is simple: be gentle. Harsh chemicals can strip away the plating entirely. Here are three safe and tried-and-tested methods you can use at home.

1. The Dish Soap and Warm Water Method (Best for General Cleaning)

This is the safest method for most gold-plated and stone-studded jewellery.

1. Prepare a mild solution:
   Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water.

2. Use a soft brush:
   Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush (or a clean makeup brush) into the solution.

3. Gently clean the piece:
   Gently brush the jewellery, focusing on crevices where dust and sweat tend to accumulate.
   Do not soak the jewellery, as water can weaken the glue holding the stones.

4. Rinse and dry:
   Rinse quickly with cool water and immediately pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

2. The Lemon Juice Method (For Heavy Tarnish)

Thanks to its acidic nature, lemon is excellent for removing oxidation from metal surfaces.

1. Make the solution:
   Mix equal parts of lemon juice and warm water in a small bowl.

2. Spot clean the tarnish:
   Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently rub the tarnished areas.

3. Rinse and dry thoroughly:
   Rinse with clean water and dry the piece completely.

Important: Avoid this method on jewellery with pearls, delicate stones, or any pieces that feel very soft or porous. The acid can damage them.

3. The Baby Shampoo Solution (For Delicate Kundan & Polki)

If you have delicate Kundan or Polki pieces, even dish soap may feel too harsh. In such cases, baby shampoo is a safer option because it is pH-balanced and gentle.

1. Dilute the shampoo:
   Mix a single drop of baby shampoo in a small bowl of water.

2. Clean with a cotton swab:
   Use a Q-tip (cotton swab) dipped in the solution to clean specific areas without soaking the entire piece.

3. Buff and polish:
   Wipe the area with a lightly damp cloth and then buff dry with a soft polishing cloth.

Are you looking for low-maintenance pieces that need minimal cleaning?
Explore our Anti-Tarnish Jewellery Collection for designs that stay shiny for longer with less effort.

How to Prevent Jewellery from Turning Black

Cleaning is reactive, but prevention is proactive. To ensure your collection lasts for years, follow these simple yet powerful habits.

The “Last On, First Off” Rule

Always wear your jewellery after you have applied lotion, makeup, hairspray, and perfume. Chemicals in beauty products are the number one enemy of plating.

Similarly, when you return home, take your jewellery off first before washing your face or using any skincare products. This reduces unnecessary exposure to moisture and chemicals.

Control Moisture & Sweat

Never wear artificial jewellery while:

• Swimming
• Showering
• Exercising or working out

Water, chlorine, and sweat can cause immediate oxidation and dullness. If your jewellery does get wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth or a hairdryer on the cool setting.

Pro Tips for Storing Artificial Jewellery

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. If you throw all your necklaces and earrings into one drawer, they will scratch each other and tarnish faster due to air exposure and friction.

Here are some storage tips to keep your pieces safe:

1. Use Airtight Containers
   Store your jewellery in Ziploc bags or airtight boxes. Squeezing the air out of the bag before sealing it creates a mini vacuum that slows down oxidation.

2. Separate Different Metals
   Do not mix gold-plated pieces with silver-oxidised jewellery. Different metals can react with each other over time, leading to faster tarnish.

3. The Cotton/Tissue Trick
   Wrap heavier necklaces or statement earrings in soft cotton or acid-free tissue paper before placing them in a box. This reduces friction and absorbs excess moisture.

4. Reuse Silica Gel Packets
   Those little silica gel packets that come with shoes and handbags are extremely useful. Place one inside your jewellery box to absorb humidity and help keep your pieces dry.

Planning for an upcoming wedding or special occasion?
Browse our Premium Bridal Jewellery Sets – each set comes with recommended care and storage tips so your pieces stay beautiful for every event.

Conclusion

Taking care of imitation jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated. By learning how to clean artificial jewellery at home and following a simple storage routine, you can extend the life of your favourite accessories by years.

A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your sparkle alive. Treat your fashion jewellery with the same love and care you would give to real diamonds, and it will reward you by staying brighter for longer.

Ready to upgrade your collection?
Visit our shop to explore the latest trends in high-quality fashion jewellery that looks luxurious without the heavy price tag.