At Around the Block consignment, we prove the old adage is true: everything that glitters is not necessarily gold. Our dazzling selection of marked and vintage costume jewelry, including blingy bangles, bespoke broaches, and trendy necklaces, offers unique statement pieces that can jazz up anyone’s wardrobe.
We require all our consignments to be in tip-top condition, but even quality costume jewelry will tarnish over time. Whether it’s a costume jewelry necklace or a unique pendant, non-gold metals will tarnish or discolour when exposed to the elements, and stones will dull when they come in contact with body oils, sweat, and lotions.
So, how can you best maintain your costume baubles? Is there anything you can do to prevent it from tarnishing? What do you do when your favourite piece of custom jewelry tarnishes? Do you use the same jewelry cleaner you would use on more precious stones and metals?
Here are a few tips for maintaining your jewelry longer and for restoring the luster when your favourite piece invariably dulls or becomes discoloured.
Regularly “Dry Clean” Your Costume Jewelry
Even if your favorite costume pieces still shines bright like a diamond, it’s always a good practice to regularly wipe it down with a dry (preferably microfiber) cloth. Body oils, cosmetics, and air pollution will gradually cause dirt and grime to build up on your costume jewelry, even if you don’t notice at first. Using a dry cloth to dust off the dirt and remove oily residues will go a long way to maintaining luster. If your costume jewelry features intricate designs with cracks or crevices, you can also reach for a soft toothbrush to gently clean the grime.
Best DIY Costume Jewelry Cleaners
Mild Dish Soap
The best way to clean costume jewelry will depend on the materials it is made from. While the internet is filled with do-it-yourself jeweler cleaner recipes, you should carefully evaluate what will work well for your particular costume jewelry.
Grittier and more abrasive home remedies such as toothpaste or baking soda may be too harsh for your pieces, and more acidic solutions could erode it depending on the metals. Because of this, jewelry experts recommend trying to soak costume jewelry in mild dish soap and warm water for 10-15 minutes, brush it gently, and dry it well before resorting to harsher methods.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is also a natural cleaning solution that can do wonders for costume jewelry. This method calls for combining equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes. Much like the soap and water method, you should use a soft toothbrush to wipe away the dirt and grime and dry well with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural way to polish costume jewelry because the acidity of the citrus can help remove the oxide layer on the jewelry easily. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water to make the solution, then soak, scrub, and dry thoroughly.
Protecting Your Costume Jewelry
Keeping your fashion jewelry dry is the most important thing you can do to protect it for years. Put on lotions and perfumes long before adding your jewelry. If possible, take your rings and bracelets off before washing your hands. If you accidentally wet your favourite fashion statement, dry it off immediately.
Around the Block for Marked Costume Jewelry in Toronto
Around the Block is Toronto’s go-to destination for quality consignment costume jewelry. Hermes, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Sherman are just a few of the name-brand costume jewelry designers that have graced our inventory of quality consignment jewelry. With the holiday party season rapidly approaching, be sure to drop by Around the Block for a piece of bespoke jewelry that will have your friends and family talking!
