Everything you need to know about caring for your custom, estate, and vintage jewelry.
If your jewelry has lost its sparkle or feels grimy despite your best at-home efforts, it’s probably time for a professional cleaning. Stones can become cloudy from dirt and oils, and metals may tarnish or show discoloration over time. Even well-worn prongs or loose settings can be signs that your jewelry needs a little expert TLC. Professional cleanings not only restore the beauty of your pieces, but make sure they’re safe
Protecting your jewelry comes down to being mindful of where and when you wear it. Harsh chemicals like bleach, cleaning products, or even perfume can damage stones and metals. Swimming pools are another no-go, as chlorine can discolor or weaken certain materials. And while it’s tempting to keep jewelry on 24/7, activities like exercising or gardening can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Storing your pieces in soft, separate pouches also keeps them safe from scratches.
Soft stones like emeralds and opals are stunning but require a gentle touch. For starters, store them separately in padded pouches to avoid scratches. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat, which can cause fading or cracking. When cleaning, a damp cloth is your best friend—skip ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals entirely. If your piece is worn daily, regular inspections by a jeweler can also help prevent damage.
Caring for jewelry made with different metals or multiple gemstones can be tricky, as each material may require a different cleaning method. While polishing cloths, mild soap, and soft brushes can work for basic upkeep, a more effective and safe all-in-one solution is the Speed Brite Ionic Jewelry Cleaner. It’s gentle enough for delicate stones like opals and pearls, yet powerful enough to remove tarnish from silver and restore brilliance to any piece. Trusted by professionals, it’s the ideal at-home tool to keep your entire collection looking its best.
Caring for vintage jewelry starts with understanding its materials. Older pieces may use more delicate metals or settings, so handle them gently. Clean with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage fragile finishes. Always store vintage jewelry separately, preferably in fabric-lined boxes or pouches, to prevent scratching. If something feels loose or unstable, don’t wait—bring it in for repair before wearing it.
Reach out to The Windsor Gallery for expert advice or professional cleaning and repair services. Let’s keep your treasures sparkling for years to come.
30 years ago, Kirsten’s father, the founder of Windsor Gallery, designed a jewelry cleaner to make it easier to clean delicate pieces with soft stones like emeralds, opals, and pearls. That cleaner, Speed Brite, is now sold across America, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It remains Kirsten’s go-to method for cleaning both her own jewelry and her customers’ pieces.
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