Fine pieces of jewelry, gifted to you by your mother, grandmother on special occasions have a unparalleled charm and magic. Undoubtedly the magnificent vintage jewelry assemble is for the keeps. But is keeping it locked in the deepest closet lockers the best way to preserve it? Are you clueless about how to take care of your antique jewelry ? If yes, this article is for you.



Heirloom jewelry is not just precious in terms of monetary value, but is a part of the ancestral heritage and has sentimental attachments. But most of us do not wear them often due to fear of breakage or getting it dirtied. Tips and suggestions in this article will help you take care of precious antique stones, the right way. Each metal and stone used in jewelry has different characteristics and thus needs different cleansing treatments.

So if you also belong to the lot that's got Antique jewelry in the closet for years? Take it out now ! Your antique metal and gems need special care and maintenance. Before the need for cleaning your jewelry arises, start with storing them the right way.

After you've flaunted them in your cousin's wedding, don't just dump it in your jewelry boxes outright.

• Check if all the stones, gems, clasps are tightly in place. Check for loose holds and dwindling stones if any. If they are even slightly moving just get it repaired by a professional. Don't try your craft skills on object d'art.
  
  
• Clean with a soft, damp cloth after each wear before putting it back. It will lessen the need for special cleaning sessions.
  
  
• Different metals and stones tend to react with each other. Give your antique ensemble some space. Store each set separately. Also it saves breakage and scratch caused by jewelry pieces getting entangled with each other.
  
  
• Silver has a tendency to get oxidized and becomes dark in the air. Store it in an airtight, cloth lined bag/box wrapped in acid free paper.
  
  
• Beaded jewelry tends to get tangled frequently. Take time to de-tangle it and place in a way that it doesn't get tangled till your next wear.
  
  
• Metal, or even plastic jewelry boxes are prone to reacting with your ancestral wealth. Instead store them in cloth bags or boxes lined with cloth fabrics specially designed for storing jewelry.
  
  
• Do not wear gems and stones to swimming pools. Chlorine content in water might harm your jewelry.
  
  
• Do not wear them while gardening.
  
  
• While wearing it for a party keep it away from perfumes, deodorants, nail paint removers, creams, sprays and other harsh chemicals.
  
  
• Do not even think of cleaning your prized possessions without complete information on the metals and gems used in it and their properties and points of caution. Don't dare touch till you are dead sure.
  

Take special note of all the points mentioned above. Don't keep it stuffed in some unknown, obscure almirah compartment. Wear it gracefully, take general cautions and check before you put in neatly back in place. Don't just store. Store it right !