Gold and silver are two
metals that are easily malleable and ductile. They are chemically stable by
themselves and can be recycled and remodeled into many items. Gold, when
remodeled into jewellery tend to retain its luster over a longer period of time
and will not chip, corrode or flake. Silver, when it is highly polished is the
best reflector of light and tend to retain its strength despite the possibility
getting distorted. However, this does not mean that antique jewellery made of
gold and silver are indestructible.
1.
Caring for gold – Most
gold jewellery in its antique form can be cleaned with warm, soapy water which
can be around any angular areas around the stones or the back of the item. If
it is indented can be cleaned with an old, soft cloth or toothbrush that is
dipped in a soapy solution. Gold jewellery can also be cleaned with a rough
cloth but with a light rubbing which gives it a shine and is available in the
market easily. However, jewellery made with high carat gold should not be
cleaned with the same.
2. Storing antique sliver
– When putting away silver antique jewellery into storage, it is not really
necessary to clean or even polish it cause after a prolonged storage silver
jewellery need to be cleaned anyway. Or store in nice box from store like fashion Plaza or ebay. However, do not use newspaper to wrap the silver
or rubber bands to bind several items together. With the passing of time, the
rubber will bond to the silver as the band deteriorates and rots, thus leaving
a stain. You can instead choose an acid-free paper to wrap items and store
where it’s not damp.
Silver
jewellery that has been slightly tarnished will easily renew with a bright
polish which can be achieved by simply rubbing or buffing with a soft cloth.
For cleaning silver antique jewellery, a proprietary silver cleaning solution
such as Goddadard’s Silver Dip will do the job.
3. Diamond
and gemstones care and cleaning – The most important thing to be taken into
account while cleaning antique diamond or gemstone jewellery is the potential
of getting lost. Thus, always use a bowl of water to clean your items and not
the sink. A soft cloth or an old soft toothbrush with a soapy solution will
cleanse off dirt, grease and dead skin that gets accumulated in the gaps and
indentations.
Apart from the care,
cleaning and safety tips mentioned above, any type of pearl
jewellery needs to be stored in a lined jewellery
box or a soft pouch, especially the ones provided when you purchased the item.
Also, take care that you don’t store them together since they might get easily
tangled together and scratched.
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