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The Kitchen Table

Make your costume jewelry sparkle like new

18 years ago

Many years ago, I accidentally washed the earrings I had left in my pocket. When I picked them out of the bottom of the washing machine, I noticed how they sparkled like new.

Since that time, I will soak dulled costume jewelry in a little hot water with a few squirts of shampoo in the bathroom sink while I take my bath or shower. Swish it around a lot, rinse well, and dry thoroughly before putting it away. It will look as new as the day you bought it.

I think shampoo works best because it is so good at removing body oil, perfume oils, and hair spray. Just soaked and washed a dull necklace as I showered, and it is like new again.

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Comments (5)

mimi_boo
18 years ago
Great idea! Thanks.
jannie
18 years ago
I learned this from a jeweler: If you want to clean costume jewelry, put it in a container with water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and a little household ammonia. Do not use on pearls, watches,etc.
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Everyone, thanks for these useful ideas and insights. You guys are really creative. Pretty much every bit of my jewelry is costume; I only have one nice ring and it's already in the safety deposit box across town. So no theft worries. I'd be sad to lose my costume stuff, but none of it is irreplaceable. Les, your suggestions are just so spot-on re my style: would you please come out to visit and just redo my entire house while you're here? (Bring me some Frango Mints, too?) I hadn't even known those plain, mirrored jewelry cabinets existed. What a great idea. Anyone seen one with Art Nouveau or Lloyd Wright -style detailing? (: (well, a girl can dream...) Igloo, if I see any antique silverware boxes out here in the sticks, I'll emulate you. Love that idea too. You guys are great!
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jemdandy
18 years ago
I do faceting of gems and the standard cleaning solution I use is rubbing alcohol. Buy as high a proof as you can get (200 proof is 100% alcohol). The usual strength available at drug stores is 70% alcohol.

When your faceted gem becomes dull due to gunk on the back side of the stone (pavillion), clean the stone with rubbing alcohol. If there are no sensitive adhesives on the piece, the entire piece can be immersed. A q-tip is handy for getting into crevices on the backside of the setting.

A good cleaning can revive the brightness of the stone provided it is not scracthed and dulled. Much of the light return is a function of the pavillion; It behaves as a multifaced mirror. Light leak increases through this 'mirror' when it becomes dirty. The pavillion is as important, if not more so, than the crown for brilliance.
heatherinohio
18 years ago
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this tip! I have a pair of earrings that DH got me a few years ago that I absolutely LOVE. I have tried many different ways to clean them and NOTHING even came close to the results of the shampoo! They look great, and they are extra shiny! :)
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
You are welcome.

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