How to Clean Lacquered Jewelry

Inexpensive costume jewelry often features a lacquer finish.

Lacquer is a polymer-based coating that some jewelry makers use to add a shiny finish to earrings, pendants and other costume pieces. Lacquer helps protect the finish and seals in color so that the piece will wear well. If you clean a lacquered piece with an abrasive cleanser, you risk damaging both the finish and the jewelry piece itself. Thankfully, the same shiny finish the lacquer imparts to jewelry also makes it easy to clean without resorting to chemicals or rough brushing.

Things You'll Need

• Old soft toothbrush
• Mild soap or dish detergent
• Soft towels

Instructions

1. Bring the jewelry to a sink for easy access to water. If your jewelry pieces are very small, make sure the drain is partially closed before you begin.

2. Dip the toothbrush in warm water and add a dot of detergent. Gently brush all surfaces of the lacquered jewelry, including clasps and crevices.

3. Hold the jewelry under warm running water to rinse.

4. Pat dry with a soft towel.

5. Lay a clean towel on the counter top and spread the damp jewelry on it to dry completely. Leave the jewelry overnight for best results; putting it in a jewelry box while it is still damp could damage the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Simply wiping the jewelry with a soft cloth after you wear it will help maintain the shine of your piece.

• Apply hairspray before you put on your jewelry; hairspray can cause buildup and require frequent cleaning.

• You can use toothpaste in place of soap if desired.

• Don't use acetone-based cleaners on costume jewelry; it could melt the finish.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Cleaning Jewelry
• "The Michaels Book of Arts and Crafts"; Lark Books