The Special Responsibility of Owning Antique Jewellery
Vintage and antique jewellery carries history, craftsmanship, and stories within every piece. Whether you have inherited a family heirloom or discovered a treasure at auction, caring for old jewellery requires a more sensitive approach than caring for modern pieces. At Corelune Jewellery, we have significant experience in the assessment and restoration of vintage and antique pieces.
Why Antique Jewellery Needs Special Care
Old jewellery has often been worn and stored through many decades. Settings may be worn or weakened, stones may be loose, and the metalwork may be more fragile than it appears. Some vintage pieces use now-unusual metals (such as low-carat gold alloys or pinchbeck) or now-discontinued gemstone cuts (such as Old Mine cut or Rose cut diamonds) that need specialist handling.
Cleaning Vintage Jewellery
- Always start with the gentlest possible approach: a soft, dry cloth for surface dust and fingerprints.
- For light cleaning, use lukewarm (not hot) water with a tiny drop of mild soap and a very soft brush. Dry immediately and thoroughly.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners on antique pieces — the vibrations can loosen old settings, crack fragile stones, and damage delicate metalwork.
- Never use steam cleaners on antique jewellery, particularly pieces containing foil-backed stones, enamel, or hair work (common in Victorian mourning jewellery).
Having Antique Jewellery Professionally Assessed
Before cleaning or wearing a newly acquired antique piece, it is well worth having it assessed by a professional jeweller with experience in antique and estate jewellery. A jeweller can check the security of stones, the condition of prongs and settings, and the overall structural integrity of the piece.
Storing Antique Jewellery
Store antique pieces individually in soft-lined boxes or pouches to prevent scratching. Keep them away from extremes of temperature and humidity, which can affect enamel, organic materials (such as coral, ivory, and hair), and some gemstones.
Restoration vs Preservation
When having antique jewellery restored or repaired, choose a jeweller who understands and respects the original craftsmanship. Over-polishing can destroy the patina and character of an antique piece — a skilled restorer knows when to clean and when to leave well alone.
Bring your vintage and antique pieces to Corelune Jewellery for a professional assessment and care advice.