![]() Leave pearl strands on a towel until completely dry-the silk thread used to string them will stretch when wet.ģ) Never immerse wood jewelry in water. These porous materials will darken or discolor when exposed to chemicals, perfumes, and oils.Ģ) Clean pearls separately with a light detergent mix and allow them to dry on a clean towel. Pro Tips:ġ) Keep perfume, make-up, and facial creams away from pearls, turquoise, and coral. ![]() To keep these pieces looking their best, follow some simple rules. Much of this material is soft and requires hand cleaning. Lot 124, Multi-cut diamond, pearl, and gold necklace, Kodner Galleries (April 6) Organic & Soft Materials Need Special CareĬertain organic materials like amber, coral, and pearl are used in place of gemstones in jewelry. Its glass-like surface can be scratched or damaged by too much scrubbing, even with a soft toothbrush.ģ) If gemstones are loose in their settings, DIY cleaning can result in loss.Ĥ) The mechanical elements of these pieces, for example clasps, pin stems, and bails, can be bent or broken if held or pinched improperly during a cleaning. Pro Tips:ġ) If the gemstones are mounted in closed-back settings that are lined in foil, immersing them in water will damage the foiling and the gems will appear dark and dull.Ģ) Another delicate jewelry technique found in antique pieces is enamel. Both antique and some estate jewelry is delicate and requires the professional skills of a reputable jeweler to maintain it. If antique jewelry is over-cleaned, the piece could get damaged or ruined and its value could drop significantly. Not everyone knows how to handle these properly. “Antique” technically means the piece is more than one hundred years old. Lot 478, Lapis lazuli cameo with Venus & Cupid, enamel decor,ġ6th/17th century, Auctionata AG (April 6) Cleaning Antique Jewelry Requires a Professional Once the tarnish is removed, wash off the polish by hand with the light detergent mix.Ĥ) Antiquarian jewelers generally offer free maintenance and cleaning. Never scrub.ģ) Tarnish can be removed from sterling pieces by using a small amount of silver polish and a soft cloth. All repairs must be made prior to cleaning.Ģ) When cleaning jewelry with a soft toothbrush and a light dish detergent mixture, use light strokes in and around the gemstones and on the metal. Pro Tips:ġ) Never clean an item if it has any damage or irregularity in the settings or loose gemstones. But, if there is any question as to the age of an estate, or second-hand item, take it to a trusted professional to find out if DIY cleaning is advisable. For post-20th century jewelry pieces that are mounted in platinum, gold or silver and have modern, open-back settings, use a soft toothbrush and very light solution of dish detergent and warm water. Modern fine and some estate jewelry can be gently hand-cleaned at home. Mid-20th century, Eldred’s (April 9) How to Clean Modern Fine & Estate Jewelry Lot 527, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. If you are lucky enough to own an amazing piece of antique, vintage, or period jewelry, you’ll need to know a few basic maintenance tips as well as when to seek professional help. ![]() Collectors love antique and estate pieces for their beauty and uniqueness. Vintage jewelry is captivating, romantic, innovative, and each object tells a personal story, whether about its provenance or current ownership.
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