Restore the luster and shine or keep the authentic look?

[Rubymal]

I've only recently started diving into antique jewelry and have decided to clean some of my finds. I came across a great concoction for removing tarnish from silver. Before and after photo of a horse brooch I picked up and cleaned recently.


Do you all typically clean your vintage jewelry? Or do you like to keep that antiqued look? Interested to hear others preferences!

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

Depends on the piece. I have some old silver drop filigree earrings with heavy patina that I wouldn't want to shine up. The patina accentuates the filigree and the vintage feel. I don't think they'd be as interesting/ beautiful if I shined them.

 

[JPie]

I agree with @CHRISTY-DANIELLE that it depends on the piece. In general I want to keep the patina on pieces over 100 years old, but if it's encrusted with dirt and the materials will allow it, then I will gladly give it a bath.

Some vintage pieces really benefit from a deep clean and polish, like this one:

 

[CHRISTY-DANIELLE]

Yes, exactly @JPie . I love Manor Jewels' before and afters. Crusty, filthy, w/dull lifetimes gems...clean that up. Patina that brings out details? I'm leaving that as is.
Last year, I bought a vintage ruby cab ring for my sister, but when it arrived. ..yuck the greenish waxy goo in the crevices. THAT mess I cleaned up.

 

[stracci2000]

I've only recently started diving into antique jewelry and have decided to clean some of my finds. I came across a great concoction for removing tarnish from silver. Before and after photo of a horse brooch I picked up and cleaned recently.


Do you all typically clean your vintage jewelry? Or do you like to keep that antiqued look? Interested to hear others preferences!

The horse looks great!
So what is this concoction? Can you share?

 

[Bron357]

Personally I don’t like “tarnish” so I always polish my pieces. Some people on the other hand really value and enjoy the “patina” that antique pieces often have.

 

[axelrich]

I've only recently started diving into antique jewelry and have decided to clean some of my finds. I came across a great concoction for removing tarnish from silver. Before and after photo of a horse brooch I picked up and cleaned recently.


Do you all typically clean your vintage jewelry? Or do you like to keep that antiqued look? Interested to hear others preferences!

I do as it keep it a newer.

 

[Rubymal]

The horse looks great!
So what is this concoction? Can you share?

Oh, yes! Sorry I missed this. I'll find the actual link, but it was a mixture of hot water, vinegar and baking soda mixed in a tin foil lined bowl. Apparently, the reaction with the foil is what "pulls" the tarnish away. Once I dig up the link, I'll post the instructions/recipe here!

 

[VRBeauty]

I generally prefer to hand polish silver rather than using a dip. Hand polishing with a polishing cloth brings out the luster but retains patina in nooks and crannies where it helps bring out details. I also like Hand polishing with Haggerty’s Silver Foam and soft, fine sponge - again taking care not to remove patina from crevices etc where it might enhance the look of the piece. Of course there are times when a dip is called for too... it just usually isn’t my first choice.