Jewelry and other metals are an important part of most antique collections. Many pieces of jewelry have been handed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms, while others may have drawn attention at an auction or store window. Since a great deal of antiques contain some type of metal, it is important to learn proper care techniques.
Gold is one of the most common type of metal found in antique jewelry. A karat rating is used to determine the true gold count in a piece, which also affects its softness or hardness. Although softer gold tarnishes the easiest, both types are prone to scratches. Abrasive cleaners should never be used to polish gold, especially if it contains gems or stones of any kind. For at-home cleaning, using a baby toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water is ideal.
Silver should be kept in a cool, dark location and wrapped in acid-free paper for long-term storage. Jewelry that is silver-plated is less durable and great care should be taken not to remove the finish when cleaning. Silver should only be polished with a soft cloth, which should remove tarnish and add shine. It should never be soaked in water. For stubborn marks, professional jewelry cleaning is always an option for any type of jewelry.
Throughout the years, many design techniques have been used on silver antiques. Embossing creates raised details, such as flowers or patterns, by pushing the shape out from the inside. Piercing, a method of producing parallel lines, originated in the 18th Century, while engraving requires the removal of silver pieces to create a detailed effect.
If the jewelry contains precious stones, the casings should be treated with extra care. In antique pieces, the casings sometimes weaken over time and the slightest movement can release a stone and significantly diminish the value of a piece.
Many antiques are made of pewter, which is composed mostly of tin. In earlier times, only the rich owned pewter pieces, although lead was usually added as a component. While pewter provides a unique, silver-type finish, it is susceptible to stains from certain foods and cannot be used at high temperatures.
Pewter requires little cleaning, since it doesn't tarnish. Depending on the finish of a particular piece, various polishing techniques are used. The shiny finish of polished pewter only needs to be cleaned once or twice per year, using a soft-cloth and commercial polish. Satin pewter contains a duller finish and can be cleaned with soap and warm water, as can the dark finish of oxidized pewter.
For people who value and collect antique jewelry, it is a real treasure to find just the right ring, necklace, earrings, and other pieces of wearable ornaments. Ideally, any jewelry older than 50 years is considered antique, however, the older the jewel piece is, the more the value it holds as antique. Colonial, Victorian, Edwardian pieces of jewelry are considered to be extremely valuable among collectors, reason being their uniqueness as they are handmade.
Such antique jewelry can be found at collectors auctions, sales when old estates are sold, and in peoples personal collections. Historical records show that many antique jewelry pieces are missing, especially those of Napoleons and Georgian era. This is because of the numerous wars which were held in those times, and many pieces were lost, stolen, or destroyed during war.
Victorian jewelry is unique because it comes in many different styles, metals, and gems. This is because Queen Victorians life was in a constant change of moods and events. When her husband died, she had different types of jewelry made, when he was in mourning, another set was made. After the dark period, she came out of morning, and then yet another set of artifacts were designed and created. Her era had jewels which consisted of everything from shiny gold, to dark plain designs. The diamond rush of South Africa was towards the end of her regime, but even then spectacular pieces were created using diamonds.
American antiques are also known for their unique design, and cutting. Costume jewelry became very popular in the early 1900s, and many designers created their own brand and style. They created all forms of jewelry, from simple, traditional styles to big pieces, which would stand out. Many people had their own jewelry designed, which was for them and them alone. They would have the satisfaction of wearing something which only they have in the whole world. This could be any item, i.e. bracelets, earrings, rings, tie pins, wrist watches, belt buckles, and so on.
Traditional Cherokee jewelry also contributes a great deal to the collection of antique ornaments. They can be found at many tribal shops, and at many collections.
Antique jewelry is often signed by the designer and creator, and this increases the worth of the item. However, such jewelry becomes extremely expensive, and is unaffordable for many people. Many jewelers create copies of antiques, i.e. they create a relative cheap reproduction of the original item. They have on display a variety of antique jewelry, and customers can come in and place an order for an item they like. This order is for a copy of the antique item they liked, and selected.
All those people who are into valuable trinkets, but cannot afford the original item which the collector has set at, be on the lookout for jewelry at auctions, estate sales, and most importantly, flea markets. There are many chances that someone discards an old trinket, simply because it is not useful, but in fact is a treasure.
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