Caring for your CHANEL costume jewelry... THE FIVE C'S

Recently Chanel posted their recipe for caring for their costume jewelry and it's a guideline worth repeating since we get asked this question a lot. There's nothing more disappointing than finding a vintage treasure only to inspect it closely and see it covered in tarnish or the dreaded green verdigris. Because we know Chanel costume jewelry can last a lifetime and because we know the only thing better than discovering a vintage Chanel treasure is discovering one in pristine condition, here are the five C's to ensure your pieces stay immaculate for decades to come.

1. Always put on your make-up and perfume before you put on your costume jewelry piece. Spraying perfume on your wrists over a bracelet or cuff will likely cause tarnish and putting on a necklace before your make-up will get debris on the tiny chain links and other parts.

2. Don't get your costume jewelry wet, ever! There's no cleaning solution that is good for Chanel costume jewelry and we never recommend any topical cleaning solutions, in fact, it's just the opposite. If your Chanel jewelry gets wet make sure to dry it off by gently dabbing with a soft and absorbent cloth and to always avoid storing any piece in a humid place.

3. If you want to enhance the shine of your Chanel costume jewelry, it's safe to regularly rub it with a soft jewelry cloth that can be purchased easily online. Any type of wetness will likely cause rust or discoloration so a dry, soft jewelry cloth is your best bet.

4. Those jewelry pouches Chanel includes with your costume purchase aren't just for looks! They are specially designed to store your special treasures when you're not wearing them. If you don't have access to the original pouch, a jewelry box with anti-tarnish lining, an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth also works well.

5. Don't expect perfection if you're going to wear and love your costume jewelry pieces often. They will age beautifully with a patina us Chanel addicts have come to know and love. The natural wear adds to the history of the piece and is something to appreciate over time.

Finally, don't believe everything you read on the internet including the old wives tales about cleaning your costume jewelry with mild soap and warm water because water is the enemy of costume jewelry. Never put clear nail polish on your Chanel treasures, when it eventually flakes off it will most likely take the gold or silver plating with it. Lastly, plastic baggies do not slow down the tarnishing of costume jewelry. Unless you're using a specific anti-tarnish plastic pouch, stay away from the Ziplocs.