Name: Cavalier Antiques
Address: 744 - 746 Anzac Highway, Glenelg, SA, 5045, AU
Telephone: 0411 667 419

If you want to invest your money into a valuable accessory, consider vintage jewellery. Antique jewellery, especially centuries-old, increases in value over time, mainly due to the high demand and scarcity of the piece. However, it would only be worth that much if you manage to take care of it well. While they are unique finds, their value could also deteriorate based on their condition.

If you have vintage jewellery pieces at home or plan to invest in one, here are the steps to clean them properly:

Step 1: Find the Right Cleaning Product

There is no one-time big-time formula for cleaning antique jewellery. The correct method depends on the type of material you have. Before buying any cleaning product or performing any cleaning methods, make sure that you do your research first. Find out what kind of metals and stones are in your jewellery.

Here is how they would differ:

Gold: Use a cleaning solution with ammonia and water to prevent it from darkening. However, when using this method, make sure to do it quickly, as ammonia could also permanently damage your gold jewellery. An alternative is buying professional cleaning products made for gold jewellery by a reputable brand.
Silver: Gently clean your silver jewellery with a diluted baking soda solution.
Platinum: If your platinum jewellery does not have stones, you can use a dish detergent to clean it.

Step 2: Brush Off the Dust and Dirt

Finding a suitable cleaning material does not mean you can use it directly. Before using it, make sure that you remove all dust and dirt in your jewellery. Using a soft brush, gently brush away the debris and dirt. Using magnifying glass or loupe can help you perform this task better when cleaning tiny jewellery pieces. This step can ensure that your jewellery is safely and thoroughly cleaned.

Step 3: Only Use Soft Cloth

Once everything is ready, it is time to do the cleaning. For this step, you need to use a soft cloth when applying the solution. Rub the damp cloth gently onto the jewellery piece. If there are parts that you cannot reach with your fingers, try using a Q tip.

Note: If the solution recommends or is gentle enough, you can also soak the piece. Make sure to read the instructions properly.

Step 4: Dry It Thoroughly

Before storing the jewellery, make sure that it is thoroughly dry. Forgetting to dry it can damage the jewellery. Moisture can make metal alloys lose their lustre, and any trapped water in its crevices and mechanical parts can affect the material differently. Water can oxidise silver, while other wet metals like bronze, brass, and copper can turn your skin green.

Step 5: Do Not Forget to Polish

The last step for successful cleaning of jewellery is polishing. It makes your jewellery piece look brand new and removes its imperfections. You can buy polishing cloth from jewellery shops or online.

Keep Your Vintage Jewellery Look Beautiful

Cleaning your jewellery every few weeks is essential should you want it to stay beautiful for a long time. Forgetting to do this step could result in degradation. Keeping it in good condition could help you sell it at a reasonable price in the future or pass it down to your family. Make sure that you keep the mentioned tips in mind whenever you clean your vintage jewellery.

If you are looking for antique jewellery in Adelaide to add to your collection, or you plan to sell yours, contact us at Cavalier Antiques. We buy and sell antique jewellery, furniture, and other collectibles in the area. You can reach us through 0411 667 419 or cavantique@adam.com.au, or visit us at our store.