Caring for antique jewellery

If you are lucky to have inherited or purchased a beautiful piece of antique jewellery then you will want it to stay in prime condition for years to come and the way to do that is to make sure you care for it properly to keep it beautifully unique and special.  Today I will be giving you some top tips to do just that.

• Remove while exercising –  all fine jewellery should be taken off before exercising to prevent it from getting dirty, sweaty or banged up!
• Get your jewellery fitted by a certified jeweller – If your lovely antique piece doesn’t quite fit right make sure to take it to someone who really knows what they are doing. While resizing antique jewellery can be tough, it can be done is some cases so make sure you go to an expert.
• Take off when you’re cleaning – wearing antique jewellery while using harsh cleaning chemicals can affect some metals so think twice before reaching bleach.
• Store them safely – be sure to store your antiques in a special jewellery box where it is free from getting scratched or bent. Be sure to store it in its own nook, drawer, or space away from the bulk of your jewellery to avoid getting scratched or damaged by your other pieces.
• Clean it carefully! Do not clean antique jewellery with salt water or use an ultrasonic cleaning device. Saltwater is a corrosive substance that can cause damage to some metals. whereas ultrasonic cleaners can be used for modern jewellery but it can damage finer antique jewellery like this stunning gold garnet and peridot brooch.
• Don’t wear your antique jewellery while cooking – remember that episode of Friends when Rachel loses her engagement ring while making lasagne? Because of the age of your precious metals, stones and diamonds are often easily loosened and you don’t want to have to search through your meal for your diamond!
• Get it professionally cleaned – As I have already mentioned harsh and modern chemicals can damage and discolour your antique so go to a professional to deep clean your piece. However, periodically, you may use a damp lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt.
• Wear it! If you’re anything like me, you might feel too worried to wear your grandmother’s precious jewellery, but don’t be afraid to flaunt your antiques as long as you treat it with care.