Caring for Your Heirloom Jewelry Across the Years

Owning heirloom jewelry can be exciting and anxiety-provoking all at once. Some pieces look extremely fragile and may seem difficult to clean. Whether someone gifted you the new accessory or you purchased it, knowing how to best look after your jewelry will keep it (and you) looking good for years to come.
Know What Your Jewelry Is
Do you have a pearl or an opal? Can you tell the difference between jade and emerald? Is the metal gold, sterling silver, or platinum? Maybe your jewelry is 18-karat gold and soft, making it more easily damaged than a harder white gold. Whenever you get a new piece of antique jewelry, make sure you get it appraised by a qualified professional. Knowing what type of piece you have will help you understand how to properly care for it.
Understand Where To Store It
Jewelry that’s just tossed on the counter or into a drawer is jewelry that ends up scratched, bent, or in a tangled mess. This can be even more true for pieces that have been passed down through the years, making how you store your jewelry extremely important. A personalized jewelry tray is one of the best options for storing your valuable assets. These trays are made specifically to protect your heirlooms while also keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Keep the Shine On
Cleaning your jewelry starts with knowing what it is. This is essential for heirloom jewelry as there are certain qualities, such as the patina of the metal, that you don’t want to remove while cleaning. Make sure not to soak your jewelry for a long time, if at all. This can damage stones, such as pearls. Also, don’t use strong chemicals. Often, a polishing cloth or very soft brush is all that is needed to keep the sparkle and shine going.
Protect Your Investment
While modern-day jewelry can typically be worn in almost any situation, antique jewelry is often a bit more fragile. When you’re adventuring, traveling, or working out, it’s a good idea to leave your precious heirlooms at home. Also, do not shower or wash your hands with your vintage jewelry on – soap and other cleaners can damage it. Pieces can also be damaged by getting caught on fabric, so be careful when changing. With a few simple precautions, you can prevent losing something that is very precious to you.
Having heirloom jewelry is a wonderful way to maintain family history and memories. Collecting it is also a fun hobby and allows you to relive some of the past. Maybe after you have enjoyed your special pieces for a while, you will be able to share them with someone you love and continue to pass down the antiques.