How To Clean and Maintain Your Antique Jewellery

Simple steps to keep your gemstones and precious metals shining their brightest

One of the most incredible things about antique jewellery is that it has already survived the wear and tear of time - sometimes thousands of years. Here's how to maintain antique jewellery so it lasts for thousands more. 

When you add a vintage ring to your collection, we recommend bearing a few things in mind:

• Precious metals and gemstones can be fragile
• Remove your jewellery when it could be exposed to water, chemicals, or harsh conditions
• Avoid kickboxing or other impact activities while wearing antique rings

• Maintenance is required
• Gentle care, cleaning, and storage are key factors
• Periodic professional inspections promote proper preservation
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, extreme temperatures, and strong cleansers

• Different materials require different techniques
• Identify metals and stones before cleaning
• Use extra caution when handling delicate stones or organic items 

• Ensure your ring is the correct size
• A loose ring can easily become a damaged or lost ring
• Your finger size can expand and contract throughout the day, so your ring should be snug without being too tight. You should feel a slight amount of resistance when pushing or pulling it over your knuckle, but it shouldn't be difficult to remove

• When in doubt, ask a pro
• If you have any questions about caring for a piece you've purchases from us, please feel free to reach out at hello@antiquejewellers.com

 

Daily Wear, Daily Care

Vintage rings can be dazzling fashion statements or subtle accessories, but depending on their age and how they were manufactured, they may require a bit more care than modern jewellery.

• Take your ring off for bathing, swimming, kayaking, or other situations where it may become submerged
• Chemicals like bleach, vinegar, baking soda, and other acidic or alkaline substances might cause damage
• Remove your ring when exercising, in high-impact situations, or while handling heavy, hard, or abrasive materials
• Apply lotions and cosmetics before putting on your ring

Cleaning can usually be done with a very soft toothbrush or microfibre cloth, but some materials like pearls or quartz are soft enough to be scratched by bristles.

• Choose your cleaning method based on the materials
•  Glass, quartz, organic materials, and other soft things should be polished only with a cloth
• Gold and other precious metals can be cleaned with mild soap and water
• Diamonds and other robust materials can be soaked in water if necessary, then softly scrubbed and polished, but avoid harsh chemicals and solvents.
• Some more delicate or intricate rings should be taken to a professional

• Do not use water to clean foil-backed or closed-back jewellery
• Water can get trapped behind the setting and cause damage

• Dirt, cosmetics, and your skin's natural oils may accumulate on your ring's surface
• Gently remove built-up dirt and oil with a clean, soft cloth
• Do not use harsh cleansers
• Daily cleaning can accelerate ageing unnecessarily. Consider weekly or monthly cleanings depending on frequency of wear.
• Use caution around stones and mountings. Contact a professional if any prongs or stones feel loose.
  
  

Storing Shiny Things

Whether your antique ring is a dazzling piece for special occasions or a wedding band, it will have to spend some amount of time not on your finger. Some best practices are:

• Store it in a dedicated container
• A ring box or microfiber bag can prevent damage from jostling among other jewellery
• Sunlight can cause fading or cracking of certain materials
• A clear display box can showcase your ring while protecting it from humidity, dust, and other conditions

• Use extra care while travelling
• Secure your ring in a box so it can't rub against other items in your luggage
• Be cautious at the beach! Sandy and wet locations increase the likelihood of scratching, water damage, or loss.
  
  

Professional Maintenance - Keep Your Diamonds From Looking Rough

If you wear your ring frequently, you'll want to give it regular, thorough cleanings and make sure the stones and centrepieces are securely mounted.

• Precious stones and prongs can shift with wear
• Inspect your gemstones and mountings periodically
• Look for signs of cracking, scratching, fading, or other damage
• Immediately reach out to a professional with any concerns

• It's easier and more economical to repair intact pieces
• Antique stones are one-of-a-kind, replacing them can be difficult and costly
• Likewise, metals and other materials can be challenging to match if they're from centuries ago.
  
  

Coming Full Circle

Your unique ring has made it this long, simply follow a few tips to share it with future generations.

• Be gentle while wearing it
• Store it carefully
• Inspect and maintain it regularly
• Always feel free to contact us with any questions!