Artificial jewellery has become a go-to choice for many because of its affordability, variety, and trendy designs. But like any treasured accessory, it needs proper care to maintain its beauty and lifespan. Unfortunately, people often make small mistakes that can lead to tarnishing, breakage, or even losing their favourite pieces.
Here are the top five mistakes to avoid to keep your artificial jewellery looking new and beautiful for years to come.
1. Poor Storage Habits
One of the biggest mistakes is not storing artificial jewellery correctly. Tossing your jewellery into a drawer or leaving it exposed can cause tangling, rusting, or fading—especially for delicate, everyday pieces.
Storage Tips:
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Use Separate Compartments: Always store each piece separately to avoid scratches and tangling. Soft pouches, velvet-lined boxes, or individual zip-lock bags work best.
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Avoid Humidity: Moisture speeds up tarnishing, especially in metal-based jewellery. Add silica gel packets to your storage to absorb excess moisture.
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Keep Away from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and damage artificial jewellery. Store it in a cool, dark place or in a closed jewellery box.
2. Exposing Jewellery to Water and Chemicals
Artificial jewellery isn't made to handle regular exposure to water, cosmetics, or chemicals. Activities like swimming, showering, or spraying perfume can cause tarnishing and permanent damage.
Why It’s Important:
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Water Damage: Chlorinated or salty water can corrode metals, leading to rust and discolouration.
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Chemical Reactions: Perfumes, lotions, and hair sprays can react with the coatings and metals, causing them to lose their shine.
What to Do:
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Remove Before Water Contact: Always take off your jewellery before bathing, swimming, or washing hands.
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Apply Products First: Wear jewellery only after applying makeup, hair products, or perfume to reduce direct chemical exposure.
3. Wearing Jewellery During Physical Activities
A common mistake is wearing artificial jewellery while exercising, cleaning, gardening, or doing other physical work.
Why It’s Risky:
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Sweat Damage: Sweat contains salt, which can corrode metals and dull the shine.
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Physical Impact: Exercise or manual work can cause breakage, scratches, or bending—especially with delicate pieces.
What to Do:
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Take It Off: Always remove your jewellery before physical activities.
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Clean After Use: If you accidentally wear it during exercise, gently clean it afterwards to remove sweat and dirt.
4. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Many people think artificial jewellery doesn’t need maintenance, but regular cleaning is essential to keep it shiny and fresh.
Why It’s Necessary:
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Keeps the Shine: Cleaning removes dirt and oil buildup that can dull the jewellery’s surface.
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Prevents Tarnish: Regular care helps prevent long-term discolouration, especially on metal parts.
Cleaning Tips:
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Use Mild Soap: Clean your jewellery with a soft brush and a gentle soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
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Dry Properly: After cleaning, pat dry with a soft cloth to ensure no moisture remains.
5. Ignoring Signs of Wear and Tear
No matter how carefully you use your jewellery, signs of wear will eventually appear. Ignoring these small issues—like loose stones or weak clasps—can lead to losing or permanently damaging your favourite piece.
Why It’s Important:
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Prevents Bigger Problems: Fixing small issues early can save your jewellery from major damage.
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Prolongs Life: Regular checks and repairs can make your artificial jewellery last much longer.
What to Do:
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Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to check for loose stones, bent parts, or broken clasps.
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Get Professional Help: For complex fixes, visit a professional instead of trying DIY repairs.
Final Thoughts
Artificial jewellery is an affordable, stylish way to accessorise, but it needs the right care to stay beautiful. By avoiding these common mistakes—improper storage, exposure to chemicals, wearing during physical work, skipping regular cleaning, and ignoring wear and tear—you can keep your favourite pieces in top shape for years.
Whether it’s your daily wear necklace or an elegant party set from Attrangi, proper care will help you enjoy your jewellery longer and keep it looking just as dazzling as the day you bought it.
