Antique Brooches

Anything antique or vintage looking product these days is considered to be highly valuable legacy of the past and fetches a rather expensive price. This is especially true in the jewelry industry, where art collectors and top jewelers are constantly vying for great heirloom piece to add to their collections. Since brooches have been practically around for ages, and have been a fashion rage back in the Victorian era, you can just imagine the number of carefully preserved antique brooches that are truly considered as stunning works of art.

Brooches and pins have always been a staple accessory through the years, and have been made available from various materials and designs that are simply feast to the eyes. Most of the antique brooches mostly came from the Victorian period, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras, where colorful stones were incorporated in the lavish designs of brooches ranging from the intricate filigree designs to simple yet elegant antique diamond pearl brooch. The Victorian era ushered in a more flamboyant and whimsical patterns that usually depicts animals and flowers that easily offers a very interesting piece. A Victorian Antique Pin with natural pearls circa 1850, in particular costs around $ 1250, which may be a sizeable amount for a simple brooch but a product well worth the extra expense. This particular antique brooch features a dewy magnolia blossom with the milky pearls complementing the silken texture of the flower that celebrates the age of romanticism at its best. If you have a thing expertly crafted antique brooches with valuable stones, then an Edwardian brooch will definitely sate your appetite for ostentatious jewelry item. Edwardian brooches usually have a mirror effect style combining premium quality gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires with silver.

Since this jewelry items do not come cheap, you need to know some important factors to consider in its proper maintenance care. Antique brooches usually come in gold and silver metals, both are popular because of its malleability and ductility at the same time chemically stable. While these materials have the ability to retain luster and will not chip away over prolonged periods of time, this does not mean that they are virtually indestructible. Gold with high karats have a tendency to scratch easily. Hence it should be handle with care and stored with a protective covering to avoid abrasions with other jewelries. To clean your antique gold brooches, simply use warm water and mild soap and scrubbing the dirt using a soft bristled toothbrush. As for silver brooches, it’s best to store them wrapped in acid-free paper to avoid possible tarnishing and staining. If you have noticed development of slight tarnishing, there’s no need to fret. Rubbing and buffing the affected area with a soft cloth will easily restore its bright polish. However, for heavily tarnished pieces, it’s best to use a good silver cleaning solution that easily the trick with minimum fuss.

Of course there are brooches that are encrusted with precious stones. One of the common mistakes that people make is cleaning their jewelries in the sink, which open up a bigger possibility of loss especially with not so secure mounting. Just to be on the safe side use a bowl of water in cleaning so you will easily check on dislodged stones. Regularly check the claw mounting of your stones by simply nudging it gently with your fingernail. It you think it need tightening or repair, then its best not to use it until you had it checked by a jeweler. There are some stones that are quite soft and more prone to scratches so it’s best to gently clean it with a soft old toothbrush to avoid marring the surfaces.

Any antique material should always be handled with gentle care and regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and preserve its value. And when it comes to jewelry, its definitely one investment you want to protect.