Antique Jewelry Tips from Elizabeth Taylor

OK, so these tips aren't really from Elizabeth Taylor, but are still very helpful. Currently, I'm reading Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century about their much-discussed Hollywood love affair. I highly recommend. Richard Burton showered Liz with lots of jewelry over the course of their relationship (including two marriages) and while you may not have the diamonds that Elizabeth Taylor does, you should still care for your pieces.

There are plenty of products specifically geared for cleaning antique jewelry. You need to make sure that the cleaner doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar, or any other acids or alcohols. 


1) Don’t use soap and water, because most soaps will leave a residue on the metal and make the stones look dull. Windex can damage delicate stones and finishes. Vinegar is also harmful to the gemstones.

2) To get dust and dirt off of your antique jewelry, use the softest toothbrush that you can fine. Or use a very soft cloth to clean the surface of stones and gold or silver.

3) Thoroughly dry all of your jewelry after cleaning! Keep moisture away from stored jewelry also, because dampness is a culprit that encourages verdigris, rust, pitting of plated metals, and other damaging conditions.

4) If you wear it daily or often, clean your jewelry weekly. For pieces you pull out of the jewelry box and wear only once for special occasions, clean after you’ve worn them or just before you put them back into storage.

5) To avoid scratching your antique jewelry, keep it separated from other jewelry in a jewelry pouch.

Wishing you a very happy St. Valentine's Day!

Photos from Google Images