It happens to the best of us. We find a cute piece of fashion jewelry that we love and we wear it every day for months. After a while we notice that it's starting to look a little rough, but vow to take better care of it. Before long though, we realize that we are losing the fight against the elements.

While prevention is always best - and I have a guide for that - there are going to be times when you just need to clean your jewelry. It's easy to find cleaners for fine jewelry, but that stuff will destroy your fashion jewelry! Most fashion jewelry companies just want you to toss the last piece and buy a replacement, so they aren't selling cleaners. Turns out, you probably have what you need in your house, or at least can get it easily at the nearest pharmacy.

For chains and metal pendants that are beginning to turn dark and dingy, use a small amount of wet toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush to clean your pieces. Simply rinse and pat dry.

For pieces that are a mix of chain/metal and gemstones or beads, take a dollop of baby shampoo and mix with a little water then use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean those. Again simply rinse and pat dry.

Ok, I'll admit. I got to this one before it got too terribly bad & my photography skills are lacking so the pictures don't do justice to the difference it made in person! To drive the point home though, I went into my jewelry box where the sentimental but never worn pieces live and found this necklace from my college society days. Look at the difference these treatments can really make!

Once dried leave hanging or lay flat on a paper towel to absorb any leftover moisture. Both of these methods will bring some life back into your favorite fashion pieces. Be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush so as not to scratch any finishes or coatings from your beads or gemstones.

That guide I mentioned earlier? You can get yours HERE for some great tips on how to keep your jewelry safe from the elements!

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