Taking care of your Costume Jewellery

Love, cherish and care for it!

Most of our costume (faux) jewellery is hand made so expect irregularities in stringing and bead size, most of the crystals are made by Swarovski  - the best producers in the world of crystal sparkle. Glass is mostly hand made, and semi-precious stones are used in some pieces especially in the jewellery from the Onebutton Collection.

Many factors can influence the wear and tear of jewellery…

Do not let your jewellery come into contact with perfume, hairsprays, deodorants, body sprays, creams and lotions. These will often discolour metal, ‘craze’ the surface of beads and leave a matt finish on enamel and pearlescent finishes.

Whilst some might say that the paragraph above states the obvious about caring for your jewellery did you know that stress, the taking of some medicines and air pollution can also play a part. All of these factors can cause a chemical reaction in the metal which is often seen in the form of oxidisation. All gold and silver plating will oxidise over time. (meaning that the colour of the metal will darken.)

The wearing of costume jewellery whilst asleep, in the shower, bath, sauna or whilst participating in sport is not recommended.

If items need to be dusted use a lint free cloth, a polishing cloth or a small unused paint brush. If items need to be cleaned use a damp cloth or sheets of good quality kitchen roll which should be rung out to ovoid excess water being left on the jewellery.

Do not immerse costume jewellery in water and never wash your hands wearing a costume ring. Not only will the glue holding the stones likely to start breaking down but the metal band may discolour too.

Store costume jewellery carefully rather than throw it in a deep box where it can get tangled up with other items – most of us are guilty of that!

Always use a jewellery roll or pochette when travelling and do not let your jewellery come into contact with chlorine, sun oils or sweat, if they do we recommend that you clean them gently as soon as possible as directed above.