Cleaning Instructions

Many pieces of vintage jewelry, especially rhinestone settings are glued in place.  Unless you can clearly see that all the stones are set with prongs do not soak your vintage jewelry. If you have pearl or porous stone jewelry, do not soak.

IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT SOAK!

The only time I have ever soaked anything was when it was a non-precious metal with no stones. On precious metal I choose to use the appropriate cleaning cloth. I stay away from chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

It is important to clean your jewelry after you wear it. Continued build-up of body oil, lotion, perfume and debris can accumulate and harm vintage jewelry. It can eventually form verdigris, a green corrosion that can literally spread to other pieces. If you see a green hued dirt on your vintage piece, immediately separate it from other jewelry until it can be properly cleaned.

So what do you do? For normal daily cleaning all you need is lukewarm water, a soft toothbrush and a dry cloth. Be sure to thoroughly dry your jewelry after brushing with the water.

Sparingly, for more difficult jobs (except on pearls and porous materials) I use a soft toothbrush and 80% to 90% alcohol.  Because alcohol has solvent properties you cannot let it sit or pool. Lightly spray the alcohol on the toothbrush and gently clean the grime from your jewelry. I use alcohol because it evaporates quickly, and as I said before, all jewelry must be thoroughly dry before you store it.

For pearls or porous stones (opal, turquoise, bone, etc.) gently wipe them with a soft cloth and lukewarm water, (not with alcohol) and then dry. If you have specific questions, please contact me.