How To Clean Your Estate Jewelry for Maximum Resale Value

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Inheriting a loved one’s jewelry is often very meaningful, but sometimes the jewelry isn’t to your taste and would be better put to use being sold for cash. If you’re searching for the best places to sell gold jewelry in Orange, CA, then it’s important to know that cleaning your estate jewelry before you sell it can help you increase its price and earn you a higher appraisal value.

However, cleaning antique estate jewelry is a delicate process that requires patience and an eye for detail. Therefore, it’s important to understand what type of jewelry you have before you begin the cleaning process. Before you seek out the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash, take these steps to properly clean your antiques and increase the value of your estate jewelry.

How to Clean Antique Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry is a classic choice for antique estate jewelry. While gold jewelry is durable, it can still get tarnished over time. The only gold that will not tarnish is pure 24-carat gold, which is rare to find in contemporary and estate jewelry pieces.

The good news is that if you have worn and tarnished gold jewelry, it’s extremely easy to clean and restore to a gleaming finish. Begin by placing your estate jewelry in a strainer and run warm water over the item. After you’ve rinsed the jewelry and dislodged any stubborn dirt, use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub away residue and imperfections.

If you have stubborn stains that aren’t removed during this process, add a drop of mild dish soap to a clean cloth and gently rub your estate jewelry with it. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes, then gently brush it with the toothbrush once more. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and buff it with a dry cloth for a like-new finish.

How to Clean Antique Silver Jewelry

Another popular choice for antique estate jewelry, silver is prone to tarnishing and needs to be regularly cleaned to keep it looking its best. Depending on how worn your silver estate jewelry is, there are several steps you can take to polish the pieces and restore their original luster before you visit places to sell jewelry for cash.

If your silver estate jewelry is dull or only slightly discolored, you can clean it in a matter of minutes using a mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap. Dip a soft microfiber cloth into a soap mixture and run it along your silver estate jewelry to remove any residue or discoloration. Once the item has been cleaned to your satisfaction, rinse the jewelry using cool water and dry it with a clean cloth.

If your silver estate jewelry is heavily tarnished, you’ll need to create a baking soda paste. Mix one part water and three parts baking soda, and apply a small dab of the paste to your estate jewelry with a clean cloth. Work the paste into any discolored areas with a cloth or soft toothbrush. Each time the paste turns gray, rinse the jewelry with cool water and begin the process again until the paste stops turning gray or until you’re satisfied with the look of your silver estate jewelry. Buff with a clean, soft cloth to finish.

How to Clean Antique Diamond Jewelry

If your diamonds look dull and flat, it’s easy to restore their sparkle with a mixture of club soda and mild dishwashing soap. Just make sure that all of your diamond settings are secure before you begin to avoid losing any precious stones.

Once you’ve verified that all of your diamonds are securely in place, fill a small bowl with club soda and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Mix the solution thoroughly, and submerge your diamond estate jewelry into the bowl inside of a small strainer. Allow your jewelry to soak for up to 10 minutes, and swirl it around occasionally to dislodge any stubborn dirt. You can also scrub it gently with a soft toothbrush to help further dislodge any grime or residue. Once you’re happy with its finish, run the strainer underneath cool water to rinse your estate jewelry, and buff it with a dry cloth.

Cleaning antique estate jewelry is a delicate process, and gold, silver and diamond jewelry require different cleaning methods to achieve the best result. If you have estate jewelry that’s seen better days, trusting your restoration to a professional jewelry repair store will ensure that you get the best results possible with no risk of further damage to your beloved estate jewelry. 

Here at Watch & Wares, our team of trained professionals has been performing watch, estate jewelry, and handbag repair services for decades. We understand luxury, and we always strive to provide the best service in the Orange, CA area. Our master jeweler has over 40 years of industry experience and is the jeweler that other local jewelers go to for answers. 

We’re also known as the best place to sell gold jewelry for cash in Orange, CA and the surrounding area. Since 1992, we’ve been the premier source for estate jewelry buying, selling and collateral loans. We’re confident you won’t find anyone better to restore your luxury goods, especially at our competitive price point. To receive a free estimate on one of our luxury repair services, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or contact us via our online form today.