| duction | | | | stored in a cool place. Heat and moisture can wreck |
| Heirloom or vintage jewelry holds a special magic for | | | | havoc on jewelry. Moisture specifically can cause a |
| those who appreciate the artistry and history it | | | | bluish-green chemical called verdigris to grow on |
| represents. Heirloom jewelry can be especially | | | | vintage jewelry, especially on metal surfaces such as |
| meaningful as it represents perhaps a special | | | | the neckline of a jewelry necklace. |
| grandmother or aunt. The fine jewelry may be a piece | | | | Step Three |
| passed down from one generation to another. A | | | | Avoid jewelry cleaning products containing alcohol, acid |
| collection of vintage jewelry may have been | | | | or ammonia when cleaning heirloom jewelry. Make |
| assembled over the years from estate sales, antique | | | | sure to use cleaning products that have been designed |
| shops or dealers. While it may not have been owned | | | | for a specific purpose, such as using sterling silver |
| by a family member, vintage jewelry is also a | | | | cleaner only on sterling silver. Always dry jewelry |
| connection to our past. Whatever the origin and | | | | completely before storing. Even the smallest traces of |
| significance of your antique jewelry, special care and | | | | moisture can cause damage on heirloom or vintage |
| maintenance are required to prolong the life of | | | | jewelry. Use a soft chamois cloth to dry pieces. Drying |
| heirloom or vintage jewelry and to keep it looking | | | | jewelry with paper towel is not a good idea as it can |
| beautiful. | | | | scratch surfaces. |
| Level of Difficulty | | | | Step Four |
| Simple to Moderate | | | | Pieces such as turquoise, which is very porous, should |
| Steps | | | | not be cleaned with soap or cleaning solution. Instead, |
| Step One | | | | clean your turquoise jewelry necklaces, earrings and |
| To ensure that fine jewelry necklaces, bracelets, | | | | rings with a soft, dry cloth. Since most turquoise |
| earrings and rings are in the best shape, it's a good | | | | jewelry is set in silver, frequent wearing helps keep the |
| idea to have a jeweler check them over periodically. | | | | silver from tarnishing. |
| Your jeweler will make sure settings are tight and can | | | | Step Five |
| determine if a pearl jewelry necklace or bracelet might | | | | Jewelry such as pearls and opals should be handled |
| need to be restrung. Any pieces containing precious | | | | and worn carefully. Opals are prone to chipping so |
| stones should be examined as years of wear can | | | | special care should be used when wearing. Real and |
| loosen the settings. In addition to repairs, a jeweler will | | | | cultured pearls are especially delicate and lose their |
| also clean the pieces with appropriate cleaning agents. | | | | luster easily. Avoid applying lotions, cosmetics and |
| Step Two | | | | perfumes while wearing your pearl heirloom jewelry. |
| Storage is one of the most important elements for | | | | Jewelry necklaces, rings and earrings should be put on |
| preserving the life of your heirloom jewelry collection. | | | | only after these other products have been applied and |
| Tossing vintage jewelry into a drawer or storing | | | | you have washed your hands. |
| pieces on top of each other will result in a tangled | | | | Step Six |
| mess, broken jewelry, and a loss of value. All fine | | | | Diamond jewelry is especially beloved by many and |
| jewelry, old or new, should be stored separately to | | | | the antique counterpart, such as grandmother's |
| prevent scratching and tangles. You may choose to | | | | diamond ring, is finding a new resurgence with brides |
| keep jewelry in a jewelry box lined with velvet or felt. | | | | who appreciate vintage style. The hardest known |
| Soft pouches or cloth are another good alternative. Zip | | | | gemstone, diamonds must be stored separately to |
| lock bags also provide a safe option, especially for | | | | keep surfaces from being scratched. Heirloom |
| pieces with stones that may come loose. | | | | diamond settings in jewelry necklaces, earrings and |
| Also, beaded pieces such as jewelry necklaces or | | | | rings should be carefully examined by a jeweler to |
| bracelets strung on silk should be stored flat, as the silk | | | | ensure they are secure prior to daily or occasional |
| can stretch over time. Heirloom jewelry should be | | | | wear. |