How to Keep Your Heirloom Jewelry Preserved

The treasured asset of heirloom jewelry is more than just a material possession; it is a carried legacy which keeps cherished family stories and emotions preserved for future generations to come. By possessing and caring for these tangible pieces of heritage, you are actually doing a service to keep your family legacy alive. The tradition of storing and passing down heirloom jewelry to your heirs is a great practice in bridging the gap which may arise from time stretch. It strengthens the family bond and keep members connected to the tapestry of life. This article is a succinct guide on how to keep your heirloom jewelry preserved and spick and span. Read on to discover!

Understand the Value

Value of a possession could be best evaluated through its provenance. Heirloom jewelry is more like an intimate archive which encompasses the essence of our historical ancestry and family lineage. To preserve the legacy, it is important to establish a document of each and every jewelry piece. If you are uncertain about the origins, do some online surfing on the websites which have documented archives of jewelry pieces. You can also use a magnifying glass to look for any engravings in the inner sides of jewelry pieces. You may find a minute date or name engraved inside the piece which will help decide on the origins. Knowing the origins could also assist in estimating the value in case you desire to let go of the piece. However, keeping it transcribed and documented is the best way to serve your family traditions.

Maintaining Heirloom Jewelry

The ravages of time are unforgiving. With time, the intricate jewelry pieces may tarnish or develop discoloration. Before preserving the pieces, it is advisable to thoroughly clean and wipe off any residue that may have formed.

Cleaning at Home

If you are planning on cleaning the heirloom jewelry at home, certain SOPs must be followed in spirit to avoid further damage. These protocols are:

• Use a cotton pad to wipe the surface of the metal
• Instead of hard chemicals which can cause scraping and erosion, use mild soapy water
• Remember that gemstones like rubies, opals, and diamonds are highly porous. Dishwashing soap can help restore the shine
• Cleaning with chlorine, baking soda, and toothpaste can cause further damage. Avoid these cleaners at all costs
• In case of cameos made of gold and silver, avoid using harsh cleaners and brushes. For silver, silver dip works wonders

Professional Cleaning Services

If you are unconfident in tackling the issue, consulting a professional is the right option for you. Seek help from a jeweler who is expert in preserving antique jewelry pieces. However, remember to document the jewelry pieces before taking them to a jeweler for the purpose of keeping a record.

Storing for Archiving

Proper storage is important for successful archiving of vintage pieces. Given below are key take-ways if you want your vintage jewelry to stand the test of time:

• Temperature Control: Heirloom jewelry is made of valuable metals like sterling, pearl, and gold. If the surface of the metal remains exposed to dampness and harsh weather conditions, the surface may develop tarnish or get scraped from links, clasps, and chains. To avoid this, keeping your vintage pieces in a cool, dry area could help extending their lives.
• Get Individual Pouches: If jewelry boxes and pouches would not be compartmentalized, the pieces may get scratched from friction. Get separate cloth pouches and plastic boxes for each piece.
• No Splitting: When choosing the heir, try to keep the pieces in set. Individual pieces are more valuable when they are together in a set. Giving one daughter a chain and another a ring could relegate the elegance of a jewelry piece.
• Protecting Gel Packs: Silica gel is mostly kept to keep the moisture at bay. Remember to keep them in boxes and pouches.
• Hang when necessary: Chains and necklaces can get tangled when kept in pouches. Always hang them in a flat box.

Insurance and Choosing an Heir

Getting heirloom pieces insured is important as it assists to retrieve them in case of theft and loss. Getting the pieces certified not only keeps them safe but also helps keep a record. Further, choosing the right heir to the treasured piece is mandatory. For this purpose, it is crucial to carefully inspect an individual’s appreciation of the vintage pieces. Usually, the elders of the family are well-aware of the value and legacy. Mostly the pieces go to grandchildren, family members who keep the family traditions in high regard, and the ones who embody ancestral traits. To perform the ritual of passing down the vintage pieces, a family gathering when everyone is there in full spirit and vigor can help settle down the matter for good!

Styling the Heirloom

Of course, you can’t keep your treasured pieces shut off in a dark box. You have to get them to see the light of the day. Now we know the ancestral pieces may not fit you as they are not tailored to your size. Take the pieces to a jeweler if you want to get your grandmother’s ring resized or your mother’s necklace repolished. You can even get them personalized with a change of chain style or a stone set. However, there are certain protocols that must be observed if you want to keep them preserved:

• Do not wear your treasured vintage pieces during every day work as this could mar the piece due to poor handling
• Take them off when actively engaging in cloth or dishwashing to prevent abrasion
• Avoid exposing the pieces to lotion, serums, and sprays

FAQs

Q1: Can you make your heirloom jewelry shine like new?

Yes, use a soapy solution and gently wipe the surface of jewelry pieces with a lint-free cotton pad. Dry them immediately to prevent any build-up.

Q2: Can I ask for help in jewelry evaluation?

Find a professional jewelry evaluator who has a good reputation in assessing and fixing heirloom jewelry. Ask someone you think would know.

Conclusion

In the garden of family traditions and values, heirloom jewelry is a scented flower which keeps the ground fertile and ever-green. It’s a testimony of enduring bond and timeless elegance. Hislon Jewelers is a trusted name in the world of bling and heirloom. You can book an appointment to get your heirloom pieces appraised, evaluated, and refurbished. This guide on how to keep your heirloom jewelry preserved is a promise to your progeny that the elegance and love must pass on!