How to care for antique and vintage jewellery

Antique and vintage jewellery has already been loved for a lifetime or two — with a little care, it will happily go on being worn and treasured for generations more. Old settings and soft stones need a gentler hand than modern pieces, so here’s how to keep yours at its best.

Wear it last, take it off first

Put jewellery on after your perfume, hairspray and hand cream, and take it off before washing up, gardening or swimming. Cosmetics dull stones and chlorine can damage settings and soft metals. A good habit is “last thing on, first thing off”.

Clean gently — and know when not to

For most gold and hard stones, a soft brush and warm water with a drop of mild soap is plenty; pat dry with a soft cloth. But go carefully: never put pearls, opals, emeralds, coral or anything with foil-backed stones or old glued settings anywhere near an ultrasonic cleaner or harsh chemicals. Pearls in particular hate perfume and acid — wipe them with a soft damp cloth only.

Store it kindly

Keep pieces apart so they can’t scratch one another — a lined box with compartments, or soft pouches, is ideal. Pearls and opals like a little humidity and shouldn’t be sealed up airtight for years. Silver jewellery tarnishes less if stored with an anti-tarnish strip.

Check the settings

Every so often, hold a piece to your ear and give it a gentle shake — a faint rattle can mean a loose stone. Worn claws and thinning ring shanks are common in older jewellery and easily put right by a jeweller before a stone is lost. A yearly once-over saves heartache.

Handle with clean, dry hands

Pick pieces up by the band or edges rather than the stones, so you’re not leaving oils on the very part that should sparkle. It’s a small thing that makes a real difference.

We love a characterful piece of jewellery — have a look at what’s in ourjewellery collection, and if you have something you’re curious about, do bring it in or send a photograph. We’re always happy to take a look.