Jewellery are considered to be fragile. But, with antique jewellery, you really have to be very careful of it. It may have lasted over 100 years and is made of high quality materials. But, if you want it to last longer, you should take extra steps to avoid damaging it.



Remember the following points:



Avoid prolonged exposure to light.



Old gemstones are sensitive to light. Exposing your antique jewellery to strong light for long periods of time can cause damage to it. For example, opals and ivory will crack while pearls darken and lose its lustre. The same thing applies to certain metals. Copper can corrode over time when exposed to strong light.



Check the settings of the jewellery.



If your jewellery is adorned with gemstones or fastened together, make sure that you always check its settings and fastenings. The gemstones should still be securely set in the jewellery. The fastenings should not be weak. If ever there are problems with the setting or fastening, take it to a professional that offers repairs and restorations.



Apply perfume or lotion before you wear jewellery.



If you plan on wearing your antique jewellery, apply perfume or lotion first. Your perfume and lotion contain chemicals or substances that can cause a reaction to old jewellery. It can cause the metal to fade or corrode.



Do not combine them in one storage box.



When storing antique jewellery, do not mix them in one box. Other pieces may cause damage on other pieces. It can scratch or get intertwined with other jewellery. Invest in proper storage boxes for your antique jewellery collection.



Consult a professional.



The cleaning solution you use for modern jewellery should not be the same solution you use for cleaning antique jewellery. Antique jewellery is very fragile so you should not just clean it on your own. It would be best to take it to a professional who offers cleaning services.





Bear those tips in mind and ensure that your antique jewellery will last for many years. If you want to add more antique jewellery to your collection, check out what Kalmar Antiques have on offer.