Protecting Vintage Jewelry Pieces & Family Heirlooms

A growing and popular jewelry trend is grandmothers, mothers and even aunts who pass down their special jewelry pieces to their children and loved ones. Today I'd like to share some tips with you on how you should be protecting those vintage jewelry pieces that are passed down to you from beloved family members.

You should always clean each piece of jewelry before placing it into storage and they should be completely dry from whatever cleaning method that you used.  If any piece is broken it is advised that you take it to a jeweler right away to be fixed.

Whenever possible your vintage jewelry pieces should be stored in fabric pouches that are lined with some fabric padding to help protect your heirloom pieces. You should only store one piece at a time in this type of fabric pouches; never place multiple pieces into the same pouch as the can bump up against each other causing permanent damage. The pouches with zipper closures or snaps work the best as they tend to keep your pieces secured nicely inside.

Once you have then nicely secured in a fabric pouch it is advised that you place your pouches in a nicely lined jewelry box or armoire as this will further protect your family heirlooms from damage and keep them all contained in one single place.

If you don't wear your vintage jewelry very often it is best to open up each pouch twice a year to check your pieces. If pieces were set into sterling silver they can tarnish even if protected in a fabric pouch and those pieces will need to be cleaned twice a  year.

Receiving beautiful heirloom antique jewelry is wonderful and the next generation to get these pieces will be thrilled to receive them in perfect condition.

by Jasmine Yesak, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online retailer of quality jewelry boxes, jewelry organizers and watch boxes. Jasmine is a Jewelry Enthusiast and Organization Consultant, she writes about Jewelry Care and Jewelry Storage Tips.