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I love jewellery, not just because of the epic sentimental value that significant pieces can have but jewellery can completely change an outfit. It can make an old outfit look completely updated, just by adding a bit of statement jewellery. You can brighten up clothes, draw attention to or from aspects of your look and of course, you can’t go wrong with jewellery as a gift. But antique jewellery is something really special. Take a look at somewhere like www.carusjewellery.com. They have some absolute gems in their collection. I can imagine that every piece has a story behind it and I always wonder about previous owners, especially if it’s a particularly old piece. There’s something about antique jewellery which is just beautiful. The attention to detail along with the robust designs are always magnificent. I feel like my grandma when I say they don’t make them like that anymore! But it’s true! jewellery just doesn’t seem to last anymore. Just take a look at this beautiful Edwardian Amethyst and seed pearl ring. It’s just beautiful. It’s a piece of Edwardian Jewellery dated roughly between 1901 to 1914. Can you imagine the life this ring has had? The stories it could tell us? It’s a beautiful, delicate piece of jewellery and really needs to be looked after, but still worn and celebrated.
The key to owning antique jewellery is how you look after them in order to keep making them last. They have to be handled with a little more care than modern-day jewellery and looked after much more considerately compared to costume jewellery. Here are three top ways to look after your antique jewellery and keep your pieces looking as beautiful as ever.
Take them off
The whole point of having such beautiful jewellery is to wear them to make the most of them. I totally agree! But there are times when you should remove your jewellery, no matter how secure it feels on you don’t know the damage that’s being done. This relates to all jewellery from earrings to rings. You should attempt to remove your jewellery whenever a substance might come into contact with it. So when you go in the shower or bath, remove your jewellery. When you’re cooking, remove your jewellery so you don’t get covered in food, splattered with oil or covered in flour! As I said, any activity you’re doing which could result in getting your jewellery covered in something means you should be taking them off.
Wear them last
A great tip to help prolong the life of your antique jewellery is to put them on last. Once you’re dressed, hair and makeup done, just about to leave…. Now is the time to pop those gorgeous pieces on. Did you know that things like hair spray and perfume can corrode your jewellery? Plus, as you get dresses, the fabric runs over the jewellery and you don’t want any threads catching your delicate jewels! It’s a really simple way of looking after your pieces of antique jewellery. Once you start doing this, it will become second nature. Just keep your jewels somewhere safe when you’re not wearing them.
Clean Them Professionally
This one should be a no brainer. Every so often, get your antique jewellery cleaned professionally. I’ve heard about people doing it themselves with a toothbrush or lint-free cloth but just don’t risk it! Jewellery can be so delicate and the damage you can do by cleaning it yourself might not be seen at first but after a few years, it could be irreversible. Threads keeping jewels together can shrink and rot, plated and rolled gold will wear if rubbed too much and some gold jewellery shouldn’t be rubbed at all. Some gemstones can shatter when popped in warm water and some can fade over time if not looks after properly.
Whether you’ve invested in a piece of antique jewellery or have been fortunate enough to be handed down some lovely jewellery, make sure you give it the due care and attention it requires to make it last as long as possible and keep looking as gorgeous as it did the day it was made.
