Tips Of The Trade
5 Ways to Preserve Your Antique Heirlooms
Our very own Consignment Expert, Sophia Gossard, is here to teach us a little bit more about some antique no-nos and tips to preserve your most coveted pieces. Here’s 5 easy ways to keep your antique heirlooms looking brand new!
1. How to Protect Your Silver
“Let’s talk about silver. One thing you might come across in inheritance is silverware. It comes in all kinds of forms: flatware, hollowware, even jewelry. Put a little silver polish on an old cloth and go over the black and yellow. Just use your thumb to do the work. It’s almost satisfying to see a piece go from black to beautiful, shining silver. Also, avoid storing silver in plastic at all costs as it can stain the silver.”
Gorham Sterling Shell Bon Bon Bowl with Baldwin & Miller Revere Bowl
International Silver Co. "Richelieu" Sterling Silver Serving Utensils
International Silver Co. and K. Brown Sterling Julep Cups, Mid-Century
Gorham "Puritan" Weighted Sterling Silver Candelabra Pair
2. How to Care for Your China
“One thing I inherited from my English Grandmother was a china tea set. An important tip for caring for your China is dishwasher or no dishwasher? Most likely, no dishwasher. Always hand wash your antique china it helps keep the legacy alive!”
Vintage Wedgwood "Gold Florentine" Bone China Dinnerware c. 1961-86
Royal Doulton "Baronet" Bone China Tea and Demitasse Set
Vintage Wedgwood "Gold Florentine" Bone China Creamer and Lidded Sugar Bowl
Various Vintage Bone China and Porcelain Tea Cups and Saucers
3. How to Keep Your Rug Fresh
“So grandma left you a rug and it’s a really nice rug. You love the colors and you want to keep it, but it’s been in storage for a while and smells like mothballs. You can salvage it by using a common household cleaner: baking soda. Just sprinkle generously over the rug, leave it to sit for 24 hours, and vacuum it all up.”
4. How to Know if You’ve Inherited Crystal
“Inherited crystal is not the kind of crystal you want to put in the dishwasher because it contains lead. That’s what makes crystal a bit heavier than glass. So remember: don’t wash it in the dishwasher because the lead will leach.”
5. How to Look After Your Pearls
“A common inheritance is a strand of cultured pearls. There’s a right way and a lot of wrong ways to take care of them. Don’t store them with other jewelry items because they’ll get beat up and scratched. Make sure to avoid showering with them and never wear them during a workout! Remember to wipe them down after wearing them to remove any oils from your skin.”
