How to remove rust from artificial jewellery: Quick Guide

You take out a favourite necklace from your jewellery drawer, wanting to wear it, and you see it. The patch is a dull brownish one that is growing in size on the metal. One of the worst issues with fake jewellery is corrosion, particularly when the item has sentimental value or is not inexpensive.

Thankfully, it is not the end of the world if your fake jewellery develops a layer of rust. Most of the time, it is possible to clean man-made jewellery in the comforts of home with items that are likely available in your kitchen. It doesn't need costly equipment or professional assistance.

This guide explains why costume jewellery rusts, how to safely remove rust from artificial jewellery with various home remedies, and how to prevent it from rusting again. From a single dingy fake jewellery to a full collection in need of a facelift, this is the only book you need.

Why Does Rust Form on Artificial Jewellery

It's important to know what you are cleaning before you start cleaning. Rust is not random. It is the product of a long-term reaction between metal and moisture and oxygen. This is called oxidation, and the product is iron oxide, which gives the metal that is being oxidised a reddish-brown film, commonly referred to as rust.

Artificial jewellery, fake jewellery, fashion jewellery, and costume jewellery are usually crafted from base materials such as copper, brass, zinc alloy, or iron. These are then coated with a thin layer of gold, silver, or rhodium plating to make them appear as fine jewellery. However, this outer layer is vulnerable to wear and tear, particularly when exposed to water, sweat, perfume, and humidity. When it is exposed to the underlying metal, rust and tarnishing will occur.

Common Causes of Rust on Imitation Jewellery

• Sweat and body oils: Your skin is naturally oily and sweaty. These fluids then penetrate tiny scratches and worn plating, causing oxidation to occur at a faster rate when artificial jewellery is worn for an extended period of time.

• Water exposure: Jewellery in the shower, swimming, or washing hands many times over a period of time erodes the protective coating much faster. Humidity in bathrooms is sufficient to tarnish over time.

• Perfume and chemicals: Spraying perfume, hairspray, or body lotion directly onto or near your jewellery is a common mistake. The alcohol and chemicals in these products strip the surface coating and promote rust.

• Improper storage: If pieces are left in the open air, particularly in a moist place such as a bathroom, they will become vulnerable to the conditions that cause rust. Pieces that are kept loose together will also scratch each other, thus stripping away the protective layer.

• Low-quality plating: Plated with very thin plating and will easily come off even after a little usage. The thicker and better the plating, the longer the piece will resist tarnishing and rusting.

What You Need Before You Start

No special purchases are required! The best ingredients for rust removal are commonly found items around the house, the majority of which are used for artificial jewellery.

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Fresh lemon juice

• Table salt

• Mild dish soap

• A soft-bristle toothbrush (unused or clean)

• A soft, lint-free cloth or microfibre towel

• Small bowls or containers for soaking

• Warm water

Before you get started, please note that any cleaning technique should be tried on a small, inconspicuous area, particularly if the item contains gemstones, enamel work, or meenakari detailing. Some techniques may break up adhesive stones or cause a change in enamel colour if they are applied for a long period of time.

How to Remove Rust from Artificial Jewellery: 5 Methods That Work

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste (Best for Moderate Rust)

Baking soda is a soft abrasive that will remove rust without scratching the surface of the metal. One of the best ways to clean artificial jewellery at home.

What to do:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a little water to make a thick paste. It should not be runny, but should be the consistency of toothpaste.

2. Spread the paste onto the rusted surface with your fingers or a soft cloth.

3. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes. Please take your time on this step.

4. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently scrub the rusted areas in small circles. Do not press hard.

5. Rinse well with lukewarm water. Be sure to clean all crevices for residue.

6. Dry thoroughly using a soft cloth. Do not air-dry, as leftover moisture can cause the rust to return.

If the rust is resistant, you can mix some lemon juice into the baking soda paste. The lemon juice contains a mild acid that helps to dissolve the rust, and the baking soda helps to scrub off the rust.

Method 2: White Vinegar Soak (Best for Light Tarnish and Surface Rust)

Acetic acid is present in white vinegar and will remove rust and tarnish from metal surfaces. It is especially effective for items of tarnished imitation jewellery that haven't built up a heavy layer of rust.

What to do:

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water.

2. Put jewellery in the solution and leave for 15-20 mins. Don't over-soak, particularly if the stone is glued on.

3. Take off jewellery and use a soft toothbrush to clean gently to remove any residue.

4. Rinse well with clean water.

5. Thoroughly dry after rinsing with a soft cloth.

This is a very effective way to remove rust from rings, bangles, and chains where the rust is not in crevices, but on the metal surface.

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Salt (Best for Targeted Rust Spots)

The lemon juice is a natural acid, which is effective in removing tarnish patches and small rust spots. Add salt, and it creates a mild abrasive that removes rust without the use of chemicals.

What to do:

1. In a small bowl, squeeze the lemon juice to get one part lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of table salt. Stir to combine.

2. Dip a cotton bud or the corner of a soft cloth in the mixture.

3. Apply directly to the rust spot and gently rub in small circles for 1-2 minutes.

4. Apply the solution and leave for 5 minutes.

5. Rinse well and dry immediately.

This method is best for rust on earring backs, ring bands, and chain links without having to immerse the entire piece.

Method 4: Dish Soap and Warm Water (Best for Regular Cleaning and Light Tarnish)

This is the least aggressive cleaning technique, suitable for general maintenance cleaning, or for items that have very little surface tarnish but have not yet rusted.

What to do:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a bit of gentle dish soap. Place a small amount of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm water. The water temperature should be warm, but not hot.

2. Soak jewellery for 5 minutes in the soapy water.

3. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, focusing on the settings and crevices.

4. Rinse with clean lukewarm water.

5. Dry with a soft cloth, ensuring there is no moisture in corners or settings.

This is the technique advised for the cleaning of Jadeno's kundan necklaces, chandbali earrings, and bridal sets, where you don't want to damage the stone settings in the metal. Explore the entire bridal jewellery line to discover items to take care of with this kind of delicate method.

Method 5: Toothpaste (Best for Small Stubborn Spots)

To clean up small rust spots, use plain white toothpaste and not gel toothpaste, as it is a mild abrasive. A "quick fix" solution if you do not have other materials available.

What to do:

1. Use a cotton bud or clean cloth to apply a little of the white toothpaste straight to the rusted area.

2. Gently rub in circles for 1-2 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly and dry right away.

This technique should not be used on plated gold or silver items because the abrasive may cause a thin layer of plating to scratch. Apply it only on areas where rust is evident and where other treatments have not been successful.

Artificial Jewellery Care Tips: How to Prevent Rust from Coming Back

Cleaning up all the existing rust is just half the challenge. Unless you alter your storage methods and handling of jewellery, the rust will reappear in weeks. This is an artificial jewellery care guide that will ensure your jewellery will stay younger for longer.

Store Correctly

This is the most crucial thing you can do. Place each piece in a small zip-lock bag or individual bag/pouch, squeezing out the air before sealing. This restricts the exposure of oxygen and moisture. A soft-lined jewellery box is also good, but don't keep everything in one box as it will scratch.

Put a little silica gel in your jewellery box. These absorb water from the air and greatly retard tarnishing and rusting. The silica packets that are included in new shoes or electronics can be reused.

Keep Jewellery Away from Water

Take off artificial jewellery before showering, swimming, washing dishes, and exercising. Taking the time to wash your hands with soap many times during the day can also speed up the rate of plaque wear. Always remove parts before water activities.

Apply Perfume and Makeup Before Putting on Jewellery

Simply, jewellery is to be worn last. Don't wear any costume jewellery until your perfume, hairspray, and lotion are dry on your skin. One of the quickest methods to ruin the protective coating on your pieces is to use chemicals in these products.

Wipe After Every Wear

When storing jewellery, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe each piece down to get rid of any oils, residue, or sweat from the day. In less than 30 seconds, it makes a huge difference in the longevity of pieces remaining rust-free.

Clean Regularly, Not Just When Rust Appears

Do not leave artificial jewellery for a long time without cleaning until it becomes rusty. Once a month, warm soapy water will suffice to keep a month's worth of sweat and oils from forming a film that will cause the metal to become damaged.

Jadeno's pieces are made with tarnish-resistant coatings and hypoallergenic, nickel-free materials, so they can last much longer than the typical fashion jewellery and are easy to take care of. Take a look at the complete jewellery line, and select pieces that can withstand the daily grind if cared for properly. 

When Should You Replace Rather Than Clean

Cleaning can alleviate a lot, but can't solve all problems. Sometimes, a piece of jewellery that is made from art is simply no longer usable.

• The rust is so deep that the plating has been completely removed, exposing the base material.

• The piece is green, indicating heavy copper oxidation under the plating. Verdigris is sometimes referred to as a "skin stain" that can be discoloured.

• Stones or settings are falling out, or the piece is not structurally sound.

• The metal has roughened or pitted in the area where the rust has formed, and it cannot be used for plating or polishing.

At this stage, it's time to move on to a different piece. The artificial jewellery sale at Jadeno is an excellent choice for quality jewellery at affordable prices, and the pieces will last longer if they are properly taken care of.

Artificial Jewellery Care Tips for Pakistan's Climate

The climate of Pakistan poses unique problems in the care of jewellery. Karachi, Lahore, and Multan experience high humidity along with heat during the summer months. In places such as Lahore and Rawalpindi, the monsoon season brings more moisture into the mix. The environment can cause tarnishing and rust on man-made jewellery to happen more quickly than it does in drier climates.

Here are some tips on taking care of your artificial jewellery, particularly in the context of Pakistan:

• During summer and monsoon: Keep jewellery in sealed pouches with silica gel each day – not just when you think of it. The humidity in the air for these months is sometimes sufficient to tarnish an object just placed on a dresser.

• After outdoor events: If you have been wearing jewellery to a wedding, mehndi, or outdoor event during the summer, clean each piece before putting it away. One of the quickest ways that imitation jewellery can develop tarnish is through the effects of sweat during long periods of time in a hot climate.

• Air conditioning can help: Humidifiers are not a problem in an air-conditioned room, and it will slow down the rate of oxidation of your jewellery. This is particularly helpful when making use of bridal sets or costly items that you wish to keep.

• Avoid leaving jewellery in cars: The temperature in a car parked in the sun is very hot and very humid. Jewellery that is left in a car, particularly in a cloth bag or on a seat, will tarnish visibly in a day or two.

Conclusion: Remove Rust from Artificial Jewellery

Rust on man-made jewellery is common but often not permanent. With the appropriate technique, some household items, and patience, you can remove rust from nearly anything and get it up and running again. It is important to use the appropriate method for the severity of the issue, treat the item gently to prevent further damage to the plating, and thoroughly dry the item after each cleaning.

For those looking to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time, consider Jadeno's comprehensive collection of artificial jewellery in Pakistan, available in a variety of styles and designs, including everyday style earrings and full bridal sets, all with tarnish-resistant finishes and hypoallergenic materials.

FAQs

1. Can rust be fully removed from artificial jewellery?

In most cases, yes. Home remedies such as baking soda paste, white vinegar solution, or lemon juice and salt can be used to remove light to moderate rust from artificial jewellery. 

2. Is it safe to use vinegar on all types of artificial jewellery?

White vinegar is safe to use on most metal parts, but should be handled carefully on parts with glued-on gemstones, enamel work, or meenakari detailing. Over time, the acidity may cause the adhesives to become loose and cause the enamel to separate.

3. How do I stop my artificial jewellery from rusting so fast?

The best preventative measures are to keep jewellery dry, put it in sealed pouches with silica gel, wipe it off after use, and apply perfume and other products before putting on jewellery. 

4. Why does artificial jewellery turn green, and what does it mean?

The green colour is caused by the reaction between the copper in the base metal and the acids on the skin. It is called verdigris and forms when the outer plating has worn away, and the copper underneath is exposed to sweat and moisture.

5. How often should I clean and remove rust from artificial jewellery?

A light cleaning with soap and warm water every 2-4 weeks is fine for pieces that are worn frequently. If you wear the item only occasionally, clean it before putting it away after using it.