How to Care for Imitation Jewellery: Keep Your Gold-Tone Pieces Shining
You wore it once for a wedding, put it back in the box, and a few months later the shine has dulled or a faint green mark has appeared. It is a common story with imitation jewellery, and it is almost always avoidable.
Imitation (or fashion) jewellery is built differently from solid gold, so it needs a different kind of care. The good news is that the routine is simple, takes about two minutes after each wear, and can keep your pieces looking good for much longer.
Why Imitation Jewellery Needs Different Care
Imitation jewellery is made from a base metal finished with a thin gold-tone layer, then often set with coloured stones, pearl-style beads or enamel. Solid gold is the same all the way through. A finished surface is not.
That thin finish is what gives the piece its look, and it is also what wears away when it meets moisture, sweat, perfume and friction. Once it does, the base metal can show through. Depending on the base metal, tarnish can appear as a dull film or as green or brown marks.
Nothing is wrong with the piece when this happens. It is simply what thin finishes do, and care slows it down.
The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off
Put your jewellery on after everything else, and take it off before you do anything else.
- Put it on last. Finish your makeup, perfume, hairspray and body lotion first, and let them dry or absorb fully. Never spray perfume directly onto a necklace you are already wearing.
- Take it off first. Remove it before bathing, swimming, washing your hands, exercising or doing housework. Sweat, chlorine, soap and water are the biggest enemies of any plated finish.
If you build only one habit from this post, make it this one.
How to Clean Imitation Jewellery
After every wear: Wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, oil and dust. A plain soft cotton cloth or microfibre cloth works well.
For visible grime: Dampen a soft cloth with a little water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe the surface gently, then dry it straight away with a clean cloth.
What to avoid:
- Soaking. Many imitation pieces hold stones and beads in place with glue or coatings, and water can loosen them.
- Abrasive scrubbing. It can scratch the finish.
- Alcohol, strong detergents and ultrasonic cleaners. They can strip finishes or discolour stones.
- Antibacterial soap. Its chemicals can speed up tarnishing.
- Polishing cloths made for solid gold. They can rub the finish right off.
Caring for Stone and Bead Pieces
Pieces with coloured stones, pearl-style beads or enamel, like many traditional Kerala necklace sets, need a little extra gentleness:
- Wipe around the stones rather than scrubbing over them.
- Keep the piece out of water, since moisture can get behind stones and loosen the setting.
- Check clasps and settings now and then. If a stone has loosened, stop wearing the piece and get it fixed before you lose it.
- Fasten and unfasten necklaces gently, and never yank a piece over your head.
How to Store Imitation Jewellery
Most damage happens in the box, not on the body.
- Dry it first. Never put a piece away damp or still warm from your skin.
- Store each piece separately. Use soft pouches, fabric-lined compartments or a lined box so pieces don’t tangle or scratch each other.
- Keep gold-tone and silver-tone apart. Different metals stored together can speed up tarnish and colour changes.
- Add silica gel or anti-tarnish strips. Put a few packets in your jewellery box to absorb moisture.
- Avoid the bathroom. Humidity there accelerates tarnishing.
Monsoon and Humid-Weather Care
Kerala’s long monsoon is hard on jewellery, because humid air speeds up tarnishing. During the rains:
- Wipe every piece after wearing, even if you only wore it briefly.
- Keep your jewellery box in a dry, ventilated spot, away from outside walls and open windows.
- Replace or refresh silica gel packets from time to time.
- Don’t seal pieces away while still damp.
When to Retire a Piece
With care, imitation jewellery can last a long time, but no finish lasts forever. If a piece is heavily worn, discoloured or has loose stones, it may be time to retire it from daily wear and keep it for occasional use.
Quick Care Checklist
- Put jewellery on last and take it off first
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth after every wear
- No perfume sprayed on the piece, no water, no sweat
- No soaking and no harsh cleaners
- Store dry, separate and in a lined box with silica gel
- Be extra careful during the monsoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear imitation jewellery every day?
Yes, but daily wear makes the finish wear faster. Following the last-on, first-off rule matters more if you wear a piece often. Many people keep a favourite for occasions and rotate the rest.
Why did my jewellery turn green or black?
This happens when the thin finish wears or reacts with moisture, sweat or chemicals, and the base metal underneath begins to tarnish. Keeping pieces dry and away from perfume reduces it.
Can I wear imitation jewellery in the shower or while swimming?
No. Water, soap and chlorine break down the finish and can loosen stones.
How do I clean imitation jewellery at home?
Use a soft dry cloth after each wear. For grime, use a barely damp cloth with mild soap, and dry it immediately. Don’t soak it or use harsh cleaners.
How should I store imitation jewellery?
Keep each piece dry and separate, in a lined box or soft pouch, with silica gel or anti-tarnish strips, away from the bathroom.
Shop Pieces Made to Be Worn and Loved
At Pride of Fashion, our gold-tone imitation jewellery is made to bring South Indian tradition to every occasion, and these care habits help it look its best for longer.
Pride of Fashion is a ladies’ fashion accessories store based in Thrissur, Kerala. We bring you imitation jewellery rooted in South Indian heritage, delivered across India. Free shipping on orders above ₹999 · Pan India delivery · Secure checkout via Razorpay.