Jewelry Can Corrode

H E R E ' S H O W T O P R E V E N T I T

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W A R D R O B E . H E R E ’ S H O W T O C L E A N , T R E A T , A N D C A R E F O R E V E R Y T H I N G I N Y O U R J E W E L R Y B O X .  

Treating Costume Jewelry

This type of jewelry can be frequently found in thrift stores, antique shops, consignment stores and flea markets. Although these jewelry pieces are cheap, they can still look fantastic and can often be mistaken for the real thing. But the cheaper price tag comes with the danger of corrosion. This can easily cause your jewelry lose its color, shine, and even durability, over time.

Treating your costume jewelry can be as easy as filling a bowl with warm water in liquid soap. Although water is the same liquid that can cause corrosion, it can actually prevent it when used in the correct manner. 

Treating Costume Jewelry

This tried and true method is good enough for Monica McLaughlin, a jewelry writer and historian. "My standbys are soft, clean toothbrushes and makeup brushes, a soft cloth, and water,” she said in an interview with Racked, a retail and shopping website owned by Vox Media. “Only if something starts to look a little dull will I give it a light wash with a tiny bit of non-detergent soap and a lot of water."

You definitely want to stay away from fancy jewelry cleaners that contain alcohol, acid, vinegar or ammonia. These strong chemicals are more likely to trigger corrosion because common metals found in costume jewelry -- like copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc -- do not chemically mix well with alcohol, acid, vinegar, or ammonia.

Storing Jewelry

Storing your jewelry properly is the best defense against corrosion. Keep your pieces in a dry and protected place, like a jewelry box. These are often lined with special fabric made with anti- tarnish properties to help keep your jewelry in its best shape and free of corrosion. 

Know Which Jewelry Won’t Corrode

Gold, silver, platinum, tantalum, and rhodium are highly resistant to corrosion and are frequently used in fine jewelry. If you’re looking for pieces that will stand the test of time, visit your local jeweler or department store counter for corrosion-resistant jewelry. 

Corrosion Questions?

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