How To Clean Old Jewelry
Vintage jewelry is a beauty to behold and a delicate item to maintain! When it comes to cleaning vintage, antique, or old costume jewelry, knowing the material types, gems, and best cleaning methods is important for avoiding further damage and maintaining its original look. Find out all you need to know about how to clean antique jewelry, vintage jewelry, and costume jewelry.
Know Your Jewelry Type
Before you start cleaning, first identify these essential aspects of your jewelry:
Style
- Vintage. This indicates that a piece is at least 20 years old and often tied to a specific era. The material is usually a mix of valuable and cheap, and the product is likely more mass-produced overall. While most vintage pieces can be cleaned with a simple soapy solution, you should be cautious of submerging them as it can damage or loosen materials.
- Antique. This implies that a piece is at least 100 years old. They are often made with rare and valuable materials that require more delicate cleaning.
- Costume. No age limit defines costume jewelry, but it’s often identified as vintage or antique. The material is of little or no value but reflects the look of luxury designs. While it may seem that cheaper materials will hold up better to various cleaning methods, you may actually need to be more cautious of looser settings, glue, or fragile stones.
Material
- Gold and Platinum. Gold and platinum metal rarely tarnish and can typically withstand heavier cleaning methods. Generally, a simple solution of warm soapy water will do the job. If this doesn’t work, we recommend a professional gold cleaning solution.
- Gold-plated. Because gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold that can be damaged by soaking or polishing, it’s best to use a damp, dark polishing cloth to clean it.
- Silver. Silver is more likely to tarnish, often requiring a little more cleaning and polishing than other metals. Similar to gold, you can use a soapy solution to clean your silver. We recommend only using silver cleaners and cloths for additional cleaning or polishing solutions.
- Sterling Silver. Sterling silver is not as durable as pure gold or silver. Therefore, a diluted solution of baking soda and water would be best for this material.
Stone
- Pearls, Turquoise, Opals, or Amber. These types of stones are very porous, which means soaking or applying too much cleaning solution can break them. Instead, lightly dampen a cloth or soft brush in a soapy solution to clean them.
- Gemstones. Most other gemstones can hold up to more robust cleaning methods and solutions. But first, research the type of gemstone you’re cleaning before soaking or applying cleaners. While most gemstones can be cleaned with a mild soapy solution, you may find that using a professional jewelry cleaner is better for removing dirt and grime.
- Rhinestones. This type of stone can be damaged very easily for many reasons, including:
- Most rhinestones are secured onto old jewelry with glue. Therefore, soaking this type of jewelry in any solution can easily loosen the rhinestone from its setting.
- They have a foil backing which allows light to reflect and create a shimmering effect. A water-damaged foil backing won’t be able to produce this sparkle.
- Some rhinestones have a coating, and polishing cloths can damage or remove that coating. Instead, use a dry bristle brush and a lightly dampened Q-tip to remove dirt.
Secret Treasures
Especially with antique jewelry, check for hidden treasures like makeup, perfume, or pictures before you start the cleaning process. Remove any of these hidden treasures before you start soaking your locket, brooch, or pin. This will eliminate the risk of further deterioration or chemicals interacting unfavorably with these materials.
Cleaning Antique Jewelry
- First, assess the material and stone types based on the guidelines above. A soapy solution or soaking may not be the best method for your antique jewelry cleaning.
- Repeat steps 1-4 in the vintage jewelry cleaning steps.
- Based on the metal and stone type, use the appropriate jewelry cleaner on a soft cloth to further remove buildup.
- Use a solution-soaked Q-tip to get into any hard-to-reach crevices.
- Repeat steps 7-10 in the vintage jewelry cleaning steps.
Cleaning Costume Jewelry
- Create the soapy solution mentioned previously.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth in the solution and ring it out.
- Use the damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt, grime, or buildup on the jewelry.
- Use another microfiber cloth lightly dampened with warm water to wipe away any residue.
- Fully dry off the jewelry and lay the pieces upside down on a dry towel.
Can You Clean Tarnished Jewelry?
Most tarnished jewelry can be cleaned using the simple methods listed above. The best way to clean tarnished gold or silver is to use a professional cleaning solution or cloth specific to each metal. However, depending on how heavily tarnished or damaged the piece of old jewelry is, you may need a professional to determine the best cleaning method.
Related Content: How to Clean Picture Frames, Collectibles and Art Items
Can Tarnished Jewelry Be Restored?
Yes! Tarnished, damaged, or broken jewelry can be restored to its pre-loss condition. Our experts at Prism Specialties have decades of experience restoring these unique items. We carefully assess each piece of jewelry’s quality, materials, and history to restore it to its original condition. We then use gentle cleaners and specialized technology to repair and clean.
Bring Your Vintage Jewelry Back to Its Glory Days
Knowing the value, quality, material, stones, and best cleaning methods for your vintage or antique jewelry can be a hassle! Don’t take the risk of damaging your delicate pieces. Let Prism Specialties restore your old jewelry to its pre-loss condition. Call (888) 826-9429 or submit your claim online.
