At Cinnamon and Silver, we proudly make costume jewelry
. While all jewelry will become tarnished with wear and age, costume jewelry requires different cleaning techniques.
These are not difficult, nor do they have to be expensive. Here are the top 3 ways to clean your favorite costume jewelry pieces gently and effectively:
1. Toothpaste!
A best-kept secret of grandmas everywhere, and something everyone should have on hand (right?). A few caveats to know before you get too excited. Check out this YouTube video to see how it’s done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sPwkk6g4Fk
2. Warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush
Simple, cheap, and not too messy, this would be my first line of defense against dirty costume jewelry. Just be careful not to brush too hard, or you may loosen or outright lose stones.
**Addendum 3/3/2015
I just successfully cleaned the tarnish from a pair of earrings and a necklace using a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water with a bit of baking soda mixed in. Voila! Shiny again!
3. A jar of jewelry cleaner
Perhaps the most expensive option, but jewelry cleaner usually does last a while. Plus, it can clean your more expensive pieces. Just be sure to read the label carefully to see if it is safe for costume jewelry. 
