Mogul Interior Designs: Christmas Gift For Her- Victorian Necklace

When storing Victorian Jewelry, keep each item in its own breathable soft jewelry pouch. This will protect the jewelry and prevent the jewelry items from damaging each other in the jewelry box. Jewelry can also be stored in plastic bags, just punch a small hole in the bag for air circulation. Moisture (and humidity) is damaging to crystals and metal, so a cool and dry storage area is preferred. Bathrooms are not a good place to store the jewelry. Even dust can be corrosive, so keeping jewelry in a jewelry box that is protective is preferred to keeping jewelry out on a dresser where it can collect dust. A unique way to store and showcase your Victorian Jewelry, is to display the items in a shadowbox. The jewelry is not only protected, but it can be enjoyed even if not being worn.

Victorian Jewelry, if worn, should be considered a dress up accessory and not an all occasion all the time item. Because Victorian Jewelry should be treated with care, it's best if its not worn when doing chores or sports or rough work. Keep your jewelry from getting wet or being immersed in liquids, as moisture can damage non-precious metals and crystals. Remove jewelry when showering, washing hands, or swimming. Also, avoid contact with cosmetics and perfume as the chemicals in these products can damage metals and stones.

If your Victorian Jewelry needs to be cleaned, wipe carefully with a soft cloth or use a damp Q-tip. Do not immerse in liquid jewelry cleaner or use harsh chemical cleaners. Moisture can darken crystals, separate the foil backing from crystals, lift epoxy set stones, and lead to metal damage on non-precious metal settings. Be careful if using a polishing cloth, as they should only be used for solid precious metals. The coating on polishing cloths is like very fine sandpaper, great for polishing gold or silver or platinum but damaging to the finish on stones, enamel, or plated metal settings. After wearing Victorian Jewelry, if any areas of the jewelry touched your skin, wipe off the perspiration and body oils as it is best to store jewelry in a clean condition. Body acids can wear away at metal over time, that is why most damage is seen to areas with high skin contact.

If you notice green gunk on your Victorian Jewelry, this is evidence of a metal reaction called verdigris. Over time, the metals in costume jewelry can become damaged, either in the plating or in the base material. This damage affects the integrity of the metal, and results in disintegration, crumbling, and brittleness. The metal is weakened and does not remain strong enough to support the stones or keep its shape. Verdigris is commonly seen in copper, brass, or bronze that is exposed to moisture in the air. Some products used to treat verdigris are catsup, vinegar, and lemon juice, although they need to be used with caution on the non-precious materials.

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