Cleaning Costume Jewelry

[phlegmy.livejournal.com]

I have a ton of costume and vintage jewelry that's really old and dirty, which I plan on recycling and making into other pieces. It's mostly necklaces, earrings and brooches that's I'd be working with. None of it is 'real'; it's mostly lucite, plastic, stainless steal and such. When I touch them my fingers feel all gritty and grimy, so they definately need a good cleaning.

Any ideas on how to go about cleaning them without ruining the jewelry? Soap and water? Alcohol?