To be officially classified as “antique,” jewelry must have weathered a century of time. Whether an heirloom passed down through generations or a cherished find from an antique store, these historical artifacts warrant meticulous care and attention to preserve their unique narratives. George Peralta, a seasoned expert from M.S. Rau, a distinguished antique shop in New Orleans, advocates for the careful upkeep of antique jewelry, encouraging owners to showcase these storied pieces with pride.
“The main reason that cleaning antique jewelry is important is that it motivates you to wear it more,” emphasizes Peralta. “When clients come in for a cleaning, we hear all the time their excitement because we’ve brought life back to the jewelry piece.”
Failure to engage in regular cleaning and maintenance may result in the aging process taking a toll on antique jewelry. However, here in the South, where we appreciate graceful aging, we prefer our jewels to reflect the same. To assist in this endeavor, Peralta shares his expert tips on how to rejuvenate mature jewelry and maintain its vitality.
What You’ll Need:
- 10x loupe or magnifying glass
- Ultrasonic cleaner
- Ultrasonic cleaning solution
- Windex
- Toothbrush
- Jewelry cleaning cloth
How to Revive Antique Jewelry
Step 1: Inspect
Before delving into the cleaning process, closely examine your antique jewelry using a 10x jewelry loupe or a magnifying glass. Peralta advises focusing on loose stones, testing diamonds, gems, and pearls for security under magnification. A helpful trick involves placing the jewelry by your ear and lightly tapping it to detect any loose components by sound. If all is secure, proceed; if not, consult a professional jeweler to prevent loss of precious pieces.
Step 2: Clean
Peralta categorizes antique jewelry cleaning into heavy, moderate, and light levels. For heavily soiled jewelry requiring professional expertise, consult a jewelry professional. For moderately dirty pieces, use an ultrasonic machine with a specialty solution for a thorough yet gentle cleaning. For a lighter refresh, delicately scrub the jewelry with a toothbrush and a mixture of Windex and water.
Step 3: Polish
After cleaning, enhance the sparkle of your jewelry using a jewelry cleaning cloth and a bit of elbow grease. Peralta emphasizes using cloths specifically designed for jewelry, containing compounds similar to those used by professional jewelers.
Antique Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes
Antique jewelry is delicate and requires careful handling. Avoid damaging it by refraining from aggressive scrubbing or leaving it in an ultrasonic cleaner for an extended period.
How Often to Clean Antique Jewelry
Regularly worn antique jewelry, especially pieces like rings that encounter frequent contact with substances like hand soap, should undergo the cleaning process every two days to once a week, according to Peralta.
How to Maintain Antique Jewelry
Between cleanings, shield your antique jewelry from factors that contribute to dulling and tarnishing. Remove jewelry when washing hands, using hand sanitizer, or at the beach. When storing, use the original box or a custom box for a secure fit. Avoid storing antique pieces together without dividers, as this may lead to scratching. Stored and maintained properly, antique jewelry can endure and shine for another century or more.
