Many families have their own sentimental pieces of fine jewelry that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Other families start their own family jewelry traditions with their own kids. Whatever kind of piece you have as a part of your dynasty, new or old, you want it to withstand the test of time and last through the years. Ensuring this calls for care and maintenance of each, individual item.
With older jewelry, this can mean several things. First and foremost you always want to keep your jewelry in a clean, dry, and softly-lined box. Don’t just throw an antique piece in with your other items. You want to keep them separate and tucked away safely in a fabric-lined slot or small compartment. This will help prevent them from becoming scratched or damaged. It also helps avoid unnecessary rusting that causes more harm to antique jewelry than any other element.
Having older pieces professionally cleaned is another big necessity. Store-bought cleaners can cause more harm than good to older metals. Build up, discolored enamel, and rust should always be cleaned away and handled by a professional. They have tools and chemicals that the general public doesn’t normally have access too, not to mention their highly trained eye and valuable experience with working on older fine jewelry.
When it comes to caring for newer, more modern family jewelry, employing the same tactics just mentioned is never a bad idea. However, you can get away with a little more home maintenance if need be. Using a soft brush and warm, soapy water is okay to use on diamonds and gold. However, some softer items like pearls and sterling silver should never be scrubbed. Small cleaning cloths can be used for these items.
With older jewelry, this can mean several things. First and foremost you always want to keep your jewelry in a clean, dry, and softly-lined box. Don’t just throw an antique piece in with your other items. You want to keep them separate and tucked away safely in a fabric-lined slot or small compartment. This will help prevent them from becoming scratched or damaged. It also helps avoid unnecessary rusting that causes more harm to antique jewelry than any other element.
Having older pieces professionally cleaned is another big necessity. Store-bought cleaners can cause more harm than good to older metals. Build up, discolored enamel, and rust should always be cleaned away and handled by a professional. They have tools and chemicals that the general public doesn’t normally have access too, not to mention their highly trained eye and valuable experience with working on older fine jewelry.
When it comes to caring for newer, more modern family jewelry, employing the same tactics just mentioned is never a bad idea. However, you can get away with a little more home maintenance if need be. Using a soft brush and warm, soapy water is okay to use on diamonds and gold. However, some softer items like pearls and sterling silver should never be scrubbed. Small cleaning cloths can be used for these items.
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