Fashion jewellery is an essential component of all women's wardrobes. Unless you can afford to wear only precious metals and fine gemstones, you probably have a great deal of less expensive pieces in your collection. Despite the lower cost, these items are still worthy of being cared for. Cleaning and properly storing your jewellery will keep it looking nice for years.

Your fashion jewellery, whether necklaces, rings or earrings, needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Choose a cleaner that does not contain acid, alcohol or ammonia, as these substances can damage your pieces. Also, if trying a commercial solution, be sure to read the label to determine which substances can be safely cleaned with it.

The first thing to remember when cleaning your designer jewellery is to be gentle. Ensure not to use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents as these can do untold damage. Try to clean each piece first with just warm water and a very soft bristled toothbrush. This will remove the majority and in many cases all of the dirt. If water does not do the trick, use a solution of a gentle soap in warm water. Ensure that you rinse properly, as soap can leave behind a dull residue.

For very intricate pieces, a toothbrush may not remove all debris. In this case, try using a toothpick or similar item to carefully prod out the small bits of dirt. A wooden toothpick is gentle enough to ensure that scratching your cosutme jewellery does not occur.

For faux gemstones, smudges and fingerprints can be easily removed by dipping a cotton swab in a gentle soap solution and rubbing the surface of the gem. Always be careful when working with these stones. Alot are manufactured by placing layers of coloured plastic film over glass and this form of coating can easily be scratched.

If soap and water fail to remove every last bit of dirt, use nail polish remover without acetone. Never completely submerge your piece in the polish remover, however. Using a cotton bud dipped in the remover you will be able to clean the piece carefully.

Once your jewellery is clean, it is of paramount importance to dry it properly. Certain metals may tarnish in water and rhinestones that are backed with metal foil can become damaged. The water can ruin the foil or destroy the glue holding them together. Lay out the clean jewellery and use a hair dryer on a low setting to make sure no water remains in crevices.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your fashion jewellery is easy and worthwhile, as it will keep it looking great for many years of wear.