How to Care for Artificial Jewellery So It Looks Better for Longer

Quick answer: Keep artificial jewellery dry, apply perfume and skincare before putting jewellery on, wipe pieces gently after wear, and store them separately in a cool, dry place. Those four habits do more for the life of fashion jewellery than aggressive cleaning.

Artificial jewellery is designed to make styling more accessible, but the finish still needs care. Sweat, perfume, moisture, cosmetics and friction can gradually change how a piece looks. You do not need a complicated cleaning routine; consistency matters more.

1. Put jewellery on after perfume, lotion and makeup

Fragrance, hair products, sunscreen and moisturiser can leave residue on jewellery. Finish your skincare, makeup and perfume first, give them a moment to settle, then add your jewellery last. When you get home, reverse the order and remove jewellery before washing your face or showering.

2. Keep artificial jewellery away from water when possible

Take fashion jewellery off before bathing, swimming or doing dishes. If a piece gets wet, pat it dry with a soft cloth rather than leaving moisture on the surface. This is especially useful for pieces with decorative stones, enamel, beads or multiple joined components.

3. Wipe jewellery after a long day

A quick dry wipe can remove skin oils and everyday residue before the piece goes back into storage. Use a soft, clean cloth and gentle pressure. Avoid abrasive pads or rough tissues that may scratch polished surfaces.

This habit is useful for pieces you wear frequently, such as the Black & White Clover Charm Bracelet or everyday earrings.

4. Store each piece separately

Throwing several chains, earrings and bracelets into one box creates friction and tangles. Separate compartments, small pouches or individual boxes help prevent pieces rubbing against each other. Fasten necklace clasps before storage so chains are less likely to knot.

If you rotate several pieces through the week, keeping your bracelets, necklaces and rings in separate sections also makes getting ready faster.

5. Do not use harsh household cleaners

Strong cleaning chemicals, bleach, toothpaste, abrasive powders and rough brushes can damage finishes or decorative details. Unless the product’s care instructions specifically say otherwise, a gentle dry wipe is the safer default for fashion jewellery.

6. Give frequently worn pieces a rest

If you wear the same piece daily, rotating it with another design can reduce constant exposure to sweat, friction and products. It also keeps your outfits feeling different without requiring a large collection.

For example, alternate a simple bracelet with a necklace-led look, or switch between silver opal studs and gold hoops depending on your outfit.

7. Pack jewellery carefully when travelling

Travel is when chains tangle and earrings disappear. Use small individual pouches or a compact jewellery organiser. Pair earrings together, close bracelet clasps and keep necklaces flat or secured so they cannot wrap around other pieces.

What should you do if jewellery starts looking dull?

First remove surface residue with a soft dry cloth. If the item has specific care instructions, follow those rather than experimenting with strong cleaners. Different finishes, stones and materials can react differently, so there is no single aggressive cleaning method that is safe for every artificial jewellery piece.

A two-minute care routine

When you take your jewellery off: check that it is dry, wipe it gently, close the clasp, and put it back in its own compartment. That takes less than two minutes and is easier than trying to restore a badly neglected finish later.

If you are building a rotation rather than wearing one piece every day, browse Everyday Wear or Best Sellers for pieces that can alternate through your week.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prevent artificial jewellery from tarnishing quickly?

Limit exposure to water, sweat, perfume and cosmetics; wipe the piece after wear; and store it separately in a dry place.

Can I wash artificial jewellery with soap?

Do not assume soap and water are safe for every piece. Follow the specific product care instructions and use a soft dry cloth as the conservative default.

Where should I store imitation jewellery?

A cool, dry drawer or jewellery box with separate compartments is ideal. The goal is to reduce moisture, friction and tangling.

Good jewellery care is mostly about small habits: dry, wipe, separate and store.