When a Cleaning Isn't Enough
For many, an old piece of jewelry is more than a fashion statement – it's a family heirloom or a reminder of someone. Yet old jewelry, like other antiques, requires specialized care and an expertise that extends beyond a steady hand. That's because jewelry is often time made of materials like gold and silver, and these materials can be easily damaged. In fact, gold is so malleable that in its purest forms can actually be bent by hand, so you can imagine what power tools could do to it.
So if you have an old piece, it's best to have it professionally restored, not only for that reason but also:
A professional jeweler can make repairs. Sometimes, a piece's prongs can be damaged, do you know the correct solder to use? Or, if you lost a stone, do you know what is period-accurate? Either way, a professional jeweler can make recommendations on repairing on updating a piece. They'll also be able to sharpen engravings or repair millegrain that might have worn, and that can make a piece go from "oh that's nice" to "wow, that looks absolutely stunning."
Lastly, a professional jeweler will have the tools and know-how to get that illustrious shine. Having your jewelry professionally cleaned and polished will always prove best. Think of it like your car. Sure, you can wash it -- you can even wax it -- but a professional detailer will always be able to make it look that much better. Often times, they'll even clean areas in ways you never thought of, and the same is true with jewelry. Remember, if you try to polish your jewelry on your own using power tools, it's easy to damage the piece.
We recommend just making the investment. After all, if a piece is meaningful to you, then why not give it a proper restoration?
What are your thoughts? Have you ever had a piece restored? Was it worth it? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!
