Well---perhaps not forever because nothing lasts for an eternity, but you’ll certainly learn how to extend the life of your fashion jewelry for a much longer time. One of the negatives concerning owning fashion jewelry has to do with how long it will last you. Let’s just get the unfortunate news out of the way. Yes, fashion jewelry will eventually tarnish. Your coveted pretty gold plated ring will turn silver, and your fabulous go-to silver plated multi-strand necklace will ultimately…turn black. Instead of asking you what you expected for the price, let’s turn to a few solutions so that you can get more wear out of your prized fashion jewelry possessions.

1) First up is a product that’s affordably priced for under $10.00 that’s frequently used by craft artists. You may have heard of individuals using a clear coat of nail polish on their costume jewelry to make their pieces last longer, but I’ve got one better to achieve the job. It’s Krylon’s Crystal Clear Gloss. It won’t cause a reaction on your skin (unless you have really sensitive skin), and spraying a coat of it on in a well ventilated area will make your metallic, wood or plastic jewelry pieces last for years without chipping. If there are gems on your piece, (rhinestone or cubic zirconia), you can cover it with masking tape so that it won’t dull.

2) The next method is the liquid plating system. Don’t let the words plating and system scare you off. It’s quite a simple process that I have previously used myself. It basically involves dipping your jewelry into a solution that you’ve heated inside the microwave, then into another activation solution. A word of caution here, it specifies that you use the product only on base metals; like brass, nickel, copper, or silver plate. Also, I do recommend the gold plating system over the silver plating system. The silver works best on silverware only. The kit will last you for a good while, until you use it all. For under $30.00, the cost makes it well worth it if you consider how much longer you’ll have to wear and enjoy your fashion jewelry.

3) The last technique is tried and true, and won’t cost you a single cent. Simply take care of your fashion jewelry. Store it in a cool dark place. Refrain from wearing it in the bath or shower, or when you work out because water and perspiration causes wear. Also, avoid direct contact with perfume and alcohol based products, because they have a tendency to destroy the gold or silver coating.

Fashion trends will always come and go, and wearing unique fashion jewelry has become more popular than ever. However, stretching your dollar while making the most of high style; that’ll be around for an eternity.