How to Care for Antique Jewellery

Antique jewellery may combine metals, stones, enamel, pearls, hair, glass, foil backings and old repairs. One cleaning method cannot suit all.

Safe routine care

Inspect clasps, settings and strings before handling. Put jewellery on over a soft surface and keep pieces in separate padded compartments.

What not to do

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners unless a specialist has identified every component as suitable. Perfume, hairspray and skin products can damage porous materials.

Storage and specialist help

Have wearable pieces checked by a jeweller experienced in antiques, while preserving old fittings and repair evidence.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.