website

How to Care for Vintage and Secondhand Jewellery Naturally

Preloved jewellery often carries a unique charm that newer pieces cannot always match, but looking after it requires a gentler, more thoughtful approach. Whether you have picked up an antique gold ring, a vintage silver chain or a secondhand gemstone pendant, proper care helps protect both its beauty and its story.

In this guide, I will show you how to care for vintage and secondhand jewellery using simple, natural methods that are safe for both your jewellery and the planet. With the right approach, each piece can continue its journey for many years to come.

 

Table of Contents

 

Why Use Natural Cleaning Methods?

Vintage and antique pieces are often more delicate than newly made jewellery. They may feature soft solder joins, patina finishes, old cut gemstones, enamel or filigree work, foiled or closed back settings and organic materials such as coral, shell or pearls.

These details make them special, but they also need extra care. Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic machines or abrasive polishes can damage finishes or loosen settings in seconds. Natural care helps preserve the integrity of your jewellery and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Gently Clean with Warm Water and Mild Soap

One of the safest ways to clean vintage jewellery is with warm water and a little natural soap. This suits most metals and many gemstones for general maintenance.

  • Fill a small bowl with warm, not hot, water
  • Add a few drops of unscented natural soap such as castile
  • Gently wipe with a soft cloth or a baby toothbrush
  • Avoid soaking pieces for long periods, especially if they include glued stones, enamel or foil backs
  • Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth

Tip: Clean one piece at a time and ensure it is completely dry before storing.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Use Bicarbonate of Soda with Caution

Bicarbonate of soda can help remove tarnish from silver, but it should be used with care.

  • Mix a small amount with water to create a soft paste
  • Rub onto tarnished areas with your fingers or a soft cloth
  • Rinse and dry thoroughly

Do not use on gold, gold plated items or soft gemstones such as turquoise, opal, amber or pearls. Avoid on detailed engraving or patinated finishes. Always test a small, discreet area first.

Keep Silver Looking Its Best with a Polishing Cloth

For regular upkeep, a silver polishing cloth is ideal. The Town Talk Silver Polishing Cloth is a natural, dry method that removes tarnish without harsh chemicals.

Care for Gold Gently

For gold, a gold polishing cloth restores shine without scratching. Use a light touch, especially on engraved or hollow items. Avoid over polishing.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Store Jewellery Correctly

Storage is as important as cleaning. Help protect your pieces with simple habits:

  • Store each item separately in a soft lined pouch or jewellery box
  • Keep silver with anti tarnish tabs or cloths
  • Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
  • Do not store silver and gold together
  • Use dividers to prevent chains tangling and stones scratching

If you rotate jewellery seasonally, wrap pieces in acid free tissue or keep in individual zip pouches for extra protection.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Avoid Water, Perfume and Sweat

Everyday activities can expose vintage jewellery to moisture, oils and chemicals that cause damage over time. Remove jewellery when washing hands or showering, applying perfume, lotions or hairspray, exercising in humid conditions or cooking and using household cleaners.

Older pieces are especially vulnerable, particularly those with enamel, glued settings, pearls, foils or porous stones.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Embrace the Patina

Not every piece is meant to shine like new. A natural patina adds depth and character. Over polishing can remove this, as well as soften engraving. Start with a soft cloth and a light touch. You can always clean more later, but once patina is gone it cannot be put back.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Know When Not to DIY

Sometimes it is best to leave things to an expert vintage jeweller. Avoid home cleaning if the piece is highly valuable or sentimental, includes enamel, shell or inlay, has cracked or loose stones, may be gold plated or has a non solid core, or you are unsure whether it is safe to get wet.

An expert can advise on the safest way to clean or repair without risk.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Build a Simple Jewellery Care Kit

You do not need many products to keep jewellery in good shape. A few basics go a long way:

  • Unscented natural soap such as castile
  • Soft cotton cloths
  • Bamboo or baby toothbrush
  • Silver polishing cloth
  • Gold polishing cloth
  • Anti tarnish strips or pouches
  • Small soft lined boxes or bags for storage
  • Bicarbonate of soda used sparingly

Explore the current collection of preloved, vintage and antique jewellery

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

FAQ

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on vintage jewellery?

It is not recommended for older or delicate pieces. Ultrasonics can loosen settings, damage enamel and harm glued or foiled stones.

Is bicarbonate of soda safe for all silver?

Use sparingly on plain silver only. Avoid on plated items, soft stones, heavy patina or detailed engraving. Always test a small area first.

How often should I clean vintage jewellery?

Clean only when needed. Regular gentle buffing with a polishing cloth and correct storage often reduces the need for washing.

What is the safest daily care routine?

Put jewellery on last, take it off first, avoid contact with water and chemicals and store pieces separately in soft pouches.

Should I try to remove patina?

Only if you prefer a brighter look. Many collectors value patina. Start with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive products.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

You Might Also Like

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Final Thought

Caring for vintage and secondhand jewellery does not need to be complicated. With a few natural tools, a soft cloth and some care, you can keep each piece looking its best for years while staying true to sustainable values. Treat it gently, store it wisely and clean only when needed.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

About Ps Its Vintage

Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you are refreshing a family piece or choosing a thoughtful gift, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

References

  1. International Gem Society – How to Clean Pearls and Opals
  2. International Gem Society – Polishing Silver Jewellery Recommendations
⬆ Back to Table of Contents

 

Special instructions for seller
Add A Coupon

What are you looking for?

Join Our Mailing List

Sign up to receive early exclusive discounts