Care of Vintage Jewellery
Vintage jewellery can make a beautiful addition to your jewellery collection, adding a touch of intrigue and mystery to an outfit. However, vintage and antique pieces are delicate and require special care. From their sensitive settings to their different gemstone hardness, cleaning tactics must be adjusted for each piece. Taking the wrong approach to cleaning your jewellery can leave you with damaged pieces, and it’s always best to seek professional help for the most complicated or valuable of pieces.
The first step in taking care of your antique jewelry is to understand the age and era of the item. Unlike newer items, antique and vintage jewellery was made as one-of-a-kind pieces for affluent families, with many of them designed by hand. As a result, they often feature intricate settings and unique details that are difficult to replicate or reproduce. Whether it’s a cameo, an opal or a seed pearl, these pieces were designed and crafted to last for generations. Because of their durability, it’s easy to assume that they can stand up to harsh chemicals and cleaning solutions, but this is not always the case. In fact, the most fragile stones can be easily damaged by the use of harsh cleaners or hot water.
To clean your vintage jewellery, start by running it under lukewarm water and gently dislodging any dirt or residue with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the piece is especially tarnished or dirty, you can try using a solution of three parts baking soda and one part water, but be careful to avoid using any abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch the surface of your gems or metals.
Taking Care of Vintage Jewellery
Be sure to dry your piece completely before putting it away. The moisture can wreak havoc on your delicate antique jewellery, especially if it contains precious stones like opals or pearls. For this reason, it’s best to store your jewellery separately from each other, and preferably in a special jewellery box that features slots and fabric-lined compartments that can safely hold your treasures without touching or damaging them.
Finally, when storing your jewellery, it’s important to keep in mind that oxidation can happen over time. To protect your pieces, it’s best to store them in a dark and cool place such as your jewelry box or in a small ziplock bag. Also, don’t wear your vintage jewelry while exercising or doing any household chores that might cause the pieces to come into contact with harsh chemicals or water.
If you’re looking to add some antique jewellery to your collection, be sure to visit your local auction house or estate sale. In addition to providing a wide selection of jewellery, estate sales often offer some of the most competitive prices on vintage and antique jewellery. You can also check online jewellery auctions such as LiveAuctioneers or AuctionZip for some of the most popular vintage jewellery offerings.