How to Care for Artificial Jewellery So It Stays Beautiful

Why artificial jewellery needs gentle care

Artificial or imitation jewellery is usually made from a base metal alloy with a gold-tone or silver-tone finish, decorated with glass, synthetic stones, CZ, pearls or kundan-style settings. The finish and the stone settings are what make it look beautiful, and both can be damaged by moisture, chemicals and friction.

With a little care, your set can look just as good at the walima as it did on the barat, and still be ready for family weddings in years to come.

Keep jewellery away from perfume, lotion and water

• Put jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray, makeup and body lotion have dried
• Take it off first when you get home, before removing makeup or washing
• Remove rings and sets before washing hands, wudu (ablution), bathing or swimming
• Avoid wearing jewellery while cooking or doing housework
• Spray perfume on clothes or wrists, not directly on the neck where the necklace sits

How to store artificial jewellery

Air and humidity cause tarnish, and loose pieces scratch each other. Store each set separately, ideally in the box or pouch it came in, or in a small zip-lock bag with the air pressed out. Keep the bags inside a closed box in a cool, dry cupboard, not in the bathroom.

Lay heavier necklaces flat so the links and settings are not strained, and fasten clasps so chains do not tangle. In humid weather, such as monsoon season or coastal cities, a silica gel sachet in the storage box helps absorb moisture.

How to clean artificial jewellery safely

• After every wear, wipe each piece gently with a soft, dry cotton or microfibre cloth to remove sweat and makeup
• For stubborn marks on metal, lightly dampen a corner of the cloth, wipe, then dry immediately
• Use a soft, dry makeup brush to lift dust from around stones and kundan settings
• Wipe pearls with a soft dry cloth only
• Never soak plated, kundan or pearl pieces in water
• Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, silver dips, bleach and jewellery cleaners meant for real gold or silver

Preventing tarnish and loose stones

Tarnish appears when the metal finish reacts with air, moisture and skin oils. Airtight storage and wiping after wear are the most effective prevention. Some people's skin chemistry is more acidic, which can dull a finish faster, so wiping promptly matters even more.

Handle kundan and stone-set pieces by the metal rather than pressing on the stones, and avoid bending chokers or necklaces sharply. If a stone feels loose, stop wearing the piece until it is fixed so the stone is not lost. Check clasps and earring hooks before each event too, as a weak clasp is the most common reason pieces go missing at busy functions.

Caring for bridal sets between events

During a wedding week, it is tempting to drop jewellery on the dressing table. Instead, wipe and pack each set back into its box the same night. If you are travelling with jewellery, carry it in your hand luggage in individual pouches. Planning the full week? See our bridal jewellery checklist, browse bridal sets and silver-tone sets, or visit the shop.