How to Take Care of Imitation Jewellery at Home — The Complete Gaurangi Guide Because every piece you wear tells your story. Make it last.
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There's a moment every woman knows — you open your jewellery box, reach for that oxidised jhumka you wore to your best friend's wedding, and your heart sinks. It's dull. Tarnished. Lost its magic.
It didn't have to be that way.
Knowing how to take care of imitation jewellery at home is simpler than most women think — and it makes the difference between a piece that lasts one season and one that becomes part of your signature style for years.
At Gaurangi, we craft every necklace, bangle, earring and bridal set to be worn, loved and remembered. But even the most beautifully made imitation jewellery needs your care to stay that way. This is your complete, step-by-step guide — built specifically around Gaurangi pieces and the real conditions Indian women face every day.
How to Take Care of Imitation Jewellery at Home: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off
Before anything else, remember this one rule forever:
Jewellery goes on last. Jewellery comes off first.
Wear your jewellery after — perfume, lotion, makeup, hairspray. Remove it before — bathing, washing, sleeping, cooking, working out.
This single habit will double the lifespan of every piece in your collection. Chemicals in perfumes and beauty products silently eat through the coating of imitation jewellery. By the time the damage shows, it's already permanent.
Step 2 — Store Each Piece Like It's Precious
Most women make one critical mistake: everything goes into one box. Your delicate Gaurangi earrings get scratched by bangles. Chains tangle. Kundan stones chip.
Do this instead:
- Store each piece in a separate soft cloth pouch or zip-lock bag
- Add a silica gel packet inside your jewellery box — it absorbs moisture silently
- Keep your box in a cool, dry drawer away from sunlight and bathroom humidity
- For kundan and bridal sets specifically, wrap each piece flat in tissue paper before storing
Think of your jewellery storage like a wardrobe — each piece deserves its own dedicated space.
Explore our necklace sets → and earring collections → — each Gaurangi piece arrives ready for long-term storage in its own protective pouch.
Step 3 — Keep Water Away Completely
Water is the silent killer of imitation jewellery — especially in India's humid climate where moisture is everywhere.
Remove your jewellery before:
- Bathing or showering
- Washing dishes or clothes
- Swimming (chlorine destroys plating within minutes)
- Heavy workouts — sweat is moisture too
If your piece does get wet accidentally, dry it immediately with a soft cotton cloth. Never let it air-dry while still wet — that's when tarnishing begins.
Step 4 — Wipe Down After Every Single Wear
You don't need an elaborate cleaning routine. One simple habit after every wear is enough.
Daily: After removing your jewellery, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. This removes sweat, skin oils and dust before they settle into the surface.
Monthly deep clean: Dip a soft toothbrush in mild soapy water. Gently scrub the surface and corners. Rinse quickly under cold water. Dry immediately and completely — never leave even a drop of water on the piece.
Never use: alcohol, vinegar directly on the piece, harsh chemical cleaners, or abrasive cloths. These permanently strip the coating — no going back.
Step 5 — Rotate Your Collection
We all have that one favourite pair we reach for every morning. But wearing the same piece daily is one of the fastest ways to wear it out.
Build a simple rotation habit — alternate between your earrings, necklaces and bangles across the week. Each piece gets time to rest. Your collection stays fresher for longer. And honestly? You get to actually enjoy more of what you own.
Step 6 — Use Anti-Tarnish Tricks at Home
These cost almost nothing and make a huge difference to your imitation jewellery care routine:
- Drop a silica gel packet into your jewellery box
- Wrap pieces in anti-tarnish tissue paper (available at any stationery shop)
- Store jewellery in airtight containers when not worn for long periods
- Keep chalk pieces inside the box — chalk absorbs moisture naturally
Special Care: Oxidised Jewellery
Oxidised jewellery has a deliberately darkened finish — that unique look is exactly what makes it beautiful. But improper oxidised jewellery care can fade that finish permanently.
- Store in airtight zip-lock bags to slow further oxidation
- Never polish with standard metal polishes — they remove the oxidised finish
- Wipe gently with a dry cloth only — no scrubbing
- Keep completely away from moisture and perfume
If your oxidised piece occasionally leaves a dark mark on skin during summer, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish on the inner surface. Problem solved.
Love oxidised styles? Browse Gaurangi's oxidised earring and bangle collection → — crafted for bold, everyday wear that lasts.
Special Care: Kundan Jewellery
Kundan sets are delicate by design. The stones are often set with lac and fine adhesive — which means water and pressure are their most dangerous enemies.
The rules for kundan jewellery care are simple but non-negotiable:
- Zero water contact — even a few drops can loosen stones permanently
- Store flat, never stacked
- Wrap each piece individually in soft cloth before storing
- Handle with both hands — never grab by a single chain or side
- If a stone loosens, visit a local jeweller immediately — don't attempt home re-glueing
Your Gaurangi kundan bridal set is designed to feel like an heirloom. Care for it like one.
Getting married soon? Explore Gaurangi's full bridal jewellery sets → — available from ₹1500 to ₹5500, designed for your most important moments.
The Unboxing Ritual — Start Right from Day One
Most women only think about jewellery care after something goes wrong. The smarter move is starting the moment your Gaurangi order arrives.
When your package arrives:
- Open carefully — never pull chains or strings roughly
- Wipe each piece gently with a soft cloth
- Store immediately in individual pouches — don't leave on your dressing table
- Wear within the first week for the freshest, most vibrant look
Small rituals at the start protect your investment for years.
FAQ — Your Top Imitation Jewellery Care Questions Answered
Q: Can I use soap to clean imitation jewellery at home? You can use a very small amount of mild soap diluted in lukewarm water, applied with a soft toothbrush. The key is rinsing quickly and drying immediately and completely. Never soak imitation jewellery in soapy water — prolonged water exposure weakens adhesives and causes discolouration.
Q: How long does imitation jewellery last with proper care? A well-crafted imitation jewellery piece, cared for properly, can easily last 2–4 years without significant fading or damage. Gaurangi pieces use quality plating and finishes — your care determines the rest. The biggest factors are keeping away from water, chemicals and improper storage.
Q: Does oxidised jewellery turn skin black? Sometimes, especially in summer or when you sweat heavily. It's completely harmless — simply wipe your skin and the piece after wearing. Applying a thin coat of clear nail polish on the inner surface of the piece significantly reduces this. It's a one-minute fix that makes a real difference.
Q: Can I wear imitation jewellery daily? Yes, but rotate your pieces. Wearing the same piece every single day accelerates wear. If you have a daily wear favourite, keep 2–3 versions in rotation so each piece gets regular rest.
Final Word — From Gaurangi to You
Jewellery is never just metal and stones. It's the earring you wore on your first day of college. The bangle set from your engagement function. The necklace that made you feel like yourself again on a hard day.
Affordable should never mean disposable.
At Gaurangi, we put real craft into every piece — from the oxidised jhumka for the bold woman to the kundan set for the blushing bride. We believe every woman, at every budget, deserves jewellery that lasts and jewellery that means something.
Take care of your pieces. They'll take care of your memories.
✨ Shop Gaurangi before your favourites sell out. Necklaces, earrings, bangles, oxidised sets and full bridal collections — Real quality. Real craft. Made for real Indian women.