Old Costume Jewelry

[ejones76]

I have some of my granny's old costume jewelry. I was wondering if I should clean it or not. It not really what I would call dirty but I was wondering if I should try and how would I go about cleaning it? Any suggestions? I'm a little out of my depth when it comes to jewelry. Thanks.
 

[greenacres]

Post some pictures and let us see.

[mart]

Yes please post pics of it

[ejones76]

Here are the pics

[ejones76]

I can only get one at a time posted

[icedgold10]

To clean mine I use warm soapy water gently under the running water and then take a towel and dry them.  They always sparkle after.

[mart]

Very pretty !!  Or you could spend $20. and get an untrasonic jewelry cleaner !!

[greenacres]

I do both depending on the time I have. Are the pieces signed by any chance?

[ejones76]

None of the pieces are signed or even marked

[greenacres]

It would have helped the value.

[ejones76]

Not really interested in value (priceless to me). I just wanted to know the best way to take care of them.

[wendy177]

 Beautiful pieces!!! Please do not place these under running water or in an ultra sonic cleaner if the stones are foil backed the water will destroy this thin backing and cause it to peel!! water trapped behind rhinestones in solid backed setting can cause the stones to become what they call dead stones  they turn gray/ black and can not be cleaned again, This may not show immediately but will happen.  simply wipe with a very soft only damp cloth being very careful of any prongs in the settings.  

[mart]

Thanks Wendy,, never thought about that !!

[ejones76]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[KC]

Beat me to it Wendy!!! 

So many of the older pieces were made with foil backing and the ultrasonic cleaner can RUIN them!

Love this priceless pieces of family past!!!  Warm water on a soft rag is wonderful!!!