Antique gold jewelry holds not only its intrinsic value but also some historical and sentimental value. Proper care for these treasures maintains their sparkle for generations. At Judy’s Jewelry in Fort Myers, we specialize in the maintenance and preservation of antique gold and are here to share some care tips you can employ to maintain your cherished pieces.
Understanding Antique Gold
Before getting into maintenance techniques, let us start with what sets this gold apart. Most antique gold jewelry pieces have delicate and elaborate designs needing special techniques. Also, cleaning and handling these pieces requires a deft hand so as not to damage the delicate details.
Inspect the Gold Periodically
Have your antique gold jewelry checked for wear and damage regularly. Keep an eye out for loose stones or clasps weakened. Detecting potential problems early can avoid developing worse damage and expensive repairs. To make sure there are no serious issues, you should have your pieces professionally checked by a jeweler annually.
Polishing Antique Gold
When it comes to cleaning antique gold, gentleness is everything:
- Use a Soft Cloth: Rub the gold pieces to remove surface oils and grime accumulated through normal wear.
- Mild Soap: If necessary, mix some warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use this solution and hold the piece in the mixture briefly, then lightly brush with a soft toothbrush around the crevices. Be careful, some types of stones don’t like water, like Amethyst, and Onyx.
- Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse off the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth completely.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on antique gold! It will strip away layers of gold and damage the finish. Some cleaner to avoid are chlorine, bleach, or ammonia-based products.
Proper Storage
How you store your old gold can greatly influence its lifespan.
- Keep it Separate: Preferably, store each piece of jewelry separately to prevent them from scratching each other. Ideal storage is in soft-cloth pouches or lined jewelry boxes.
- Controlled Environment: Keep your jewelry away from direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken some gemstones.
Professional Care
Valuable or fragile pieces, as well as those needing more than ordinary cleaning, should be professionally cleaned. With a professional, the cleaning and repair of antique items is carried out without affecting their original condition.
Live Forever with Judy’s Jewelry
At Judy’s Jewelry, we understand how important it is to you for your antique gold to retain its beauty and strength. Our experts consider the delicateness of antique jewelry while cleaning and professionally taking care of these pieces at our Fort Myers shop.
So come down today, and we can help you keep gold shining for the years to come!
