How to Care for Your Imitation Jewellery So It Actually Lasts

Imitation jewellery gets a reputation for not lasting. A lot of that comes from how the jewellery is treated, not from the jewellery itself. A few basic habits make a substantial difference.

The three things that damage imitation jewellery

Water, chemicals, and friction. Almost every case of tarnishing or finish damage comes from one of these three.

Water

Take your jewellery off before bathing, swimming, or washing dishes. Even brief repeated contact with water breaks down the metal base and finish over time.

Chemicals

Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser, and sweat are all acidic enough to affect metal finishes. Put your jewellery on last — after the perfume, after the hairspray, after the lotion has absorbed. Clean only with a soft dry cloth, never anything abrasive or chemical.

Friction

Pieces stored together scratch each other. Individual storage is the answer.

How to store them

Each piece in its own pouch or compartment. The small fabric pouches most jewellery ships in are useful for exactly this — keep them. Airtight storage slows tarnishing, which matters a lot in Mumbai where the air carries moisture during monsoon season.

Keep jewellery away from direct sunlight and heat. A drawer is better than a display stand near a window.

If tarnishing has already started

Light tarnish can sometimes be wiped down gently with a dry soft cloth. Do not wet it, do not scrub it. Heavy tarnishing usually cannot be reversed without damaging the finish further. Prevention is worth the small effort.

After a function

Wipe the piece down with a soft cloth before storing it. This removes sweat and skin oils. Thirty seconds of effort makes a real difference.

One more thing

A small silica gel sachet in any box or drawer where you keep your jewellery absorbs moisture and costs almost nothing. Try it once and you will keep doing it.

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