Caring for Your Antique Jewelry

Caring for antique jewelry hand washing vintage jewelry piece in bowl

If you have a prized antique or even just an heirloom from your grandmother that needs some loving care, this article is for you! In order to take good care of your jewelry, it’s important to know what causes damage and how to avoid it. This article will teach you about the different types of damage that can happen and how to prevent them so that your jewelry lasts much longer. The first section will tell you all about the different ways in which it’s best to store your pieces and then we will discuss cleaning and repair. Antique Jewelry can last forever and look beautiful as long as it’s properly taken care of.

STORING ANTIQUE JEWELRY

Jewelry is an investment that you want to ensure lasts as long as possible. This means taking good care of it! There are many ways to take care of your jewelry, but the most important one is storing it. Antique Jewelry needs extra special attention because these pieces are often much more fragile than their newer counterparts. Here are some tips for storing your delicate antique jewelry so it will be safe and last a long time.

1) Find a place that is shielded from air pollutants, dust, dirt, draughts, etc., or even better, invest in a lightproof jewelry case with storage space for items like earrings and necklaces.

2) Jewelry should be stored separately from other items like perfume, makeup, and hair products, as the chemicals from these other items can cause discoloring and damage over time.

3) Do not store your jewelry in places with high humidity or water, such as the bathroom or refrigerator. This will increase the chances of your precious jewels getting damaged and causing your piece to tarnish more quickly.

4) Avoid storing your jewelry in direct sunlight, which can cause fading (although this may not be a concern for many modern pieces).

Antique Mikimoto Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet 7" w/ Sterling Clasp
Antique Mikimoto Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet 7″ w/ Sterling Clasp

CLEANING ANTIQUE JEWELRY

Take good care of your jewelry by cleaning it regularly! Here are some tips on how to clean your antique jewelry pieces.

1) You can clean your jewelry with a soft brush using soap and warm water. This is the best way to get rid of any dirt, dust, etc. found on the piece.

2) If there are more complicated items like pearls or jade, you may want to use a baby toothbrush or a special cloth instead of a regular brush.

3) You should avoid soaking your delicate antique pieces in anything acidic, like lemon juice or vinegar, as this can cause discoloration over time.

4) Never spray perfume or hairspray directly onto jewelry as it will stain and ruin it.

Art Deco Diamond Ring .12 Carat 14K Two-Tone Gold ~ Converted Stick Pin
Art Deco Diamond Ring .12 Carat 14K Two-Tone Gold ~ Converted Stick Pin

REPAIRING ANTIQUE JEWELRY

Jewelry is an investment that you want to ensure lasts as long as possible. This means taking good care of it! There are many ways to take care of your jewelry, but the most important one is repairing it. Antique Jewelry needs extra special attention because these pieces are often much more fragile than their newer counterparts. It’s best to take it to a professional jeweler who specializes in antique jewelry, but if you can’t here are some tips for repairing your delicate antique jewelry so it will be safe and last a long time.

1) Clean the item with soap and water or mild soap before you start fixing it. All dirt, grime, oils, etc., should be removed before you do any work on the piece so that nothing interferes with the actual repair work.

2) Use pliers to straighten bent pieces.

3) If you have to remove a stone from the piece, be extra careful not to drop it as this could cause chips or cracks, resulting in the stone needing to be replaced.

4) Do not soak your jewelry if it has any gemstones like pearls or jade, as this can cause discoloration and even damage the piece.

If you follow all of these recommendations, your great-grandmother’s antique earrings should still be in great condition for your daughter to wear! These pieces can last forever if you take good care of them, and they will hold their value as long as you do. Don’t forget to store your jewelry in a safe place that is dust-free, out of direct sunlight, and away from chemicals like perfumes and hairspray.

Need to Clean or Repair Your Antique Jewelry?