Jewelry Care

Proper care is essential to keep your beautiful vintage jewelry looking its best. Here's a guide to help you maintain the integrity and shine of your gold-filled, gold-plated, and raw brass pieces, along with the delicate vintage charms, cameos, cabochons, and gems that adorn them.

Gold-Filled & Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-filled jewelry is composed of a layer of gold bonded to a base metal, while gold-plated jewelry features a thin layer of gold applied to the surface. Both require extra care to preserve their luster:

• Keep Away from Moisture: Avoid wearing gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry in the shower, pool, or during activities that may cause sweating. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the gold layer to wear off over time.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products, which can tarnish or discolor the metal.
• Store Carefully: When not in use, store your gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratching and tarnishing.

Raw Brass Jewelry

Raw brass develops a unique patina over time, which can add to its vintage character. However, to maintain its appearance:

• Clean Gently: Wipe brass pieces with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and dirt. For a deeper clean, use a brass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to restore its shine.
• Avoid Moisture: Brass can tarnish when exposed to water or humidity, so try to keep it dry.
• Polish for Shine: If you prefer a shiny finish, you can polish your brass jewelry with a soft cloth and a brass polishing solution.

Vintage Charms, Cameos, Cabochons & Gems

Many of our vintage charms and pendants are made from delicate materials like glass, porcelain, pearls, ceramics, and other unique gemstones. Here's how to care for them:

• Handle with Care: Vintage charms, cameos, and cabochons are often fragile. Handle with gentle hands to avoid chipping or cracking, especially porcelain and glass pieces.
• Avoid Chemicals: Pearls and delicate gemstones can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Keep your jewelry free from perfumes, hairsprays, or cleaning agents that could cause discoloration or degradation.
• Keep Away from Water: While pearls and ceramic charms are beautiful, they are porous and can absorb moisture, leading to damage over time. Remove your jewelry before swimming or showering.
• Clean Gently: Use a soft cloth to wipe down your pieces after wearing. For pearls, a damp cloth with lukewarm water is best. Avoid soaking your vintage charms, cameos, and cabochons—especially if they feature delicate inlays or paint.

By following these simple care instructions, you’ll preserve the beauty and longevity of your precious vintage treasures, keeping them looking as stunning as the day you found them.