I was a bad girl today!

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Ratnapur

Ratnapur

Gem rescuer!
O.G.
Jan 9, 2011
736
3
#1
I reenact the 1700's. You know me: having the clothing is not enough; I must have the correct jewelry (oh, the sacrifices I make for the hobby). I've been wanting an antique piece of jewelry from the 18th C./Georgian era, but, boy, are they pricey (considering most of the "diamonds" are paste). today, I found a pendant, formerly an earring, that was affordable:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130592325120?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

What's nice about it is, I can wear it with modern clothing AND 18th C. clothing. For modern wear, I'd put it on a silver chain. (It's sterling, but the back is gold-plated; they did that so that tarnish wouldn't stain your clothing/skin). While in costume, I can somehow temporarily attach it to a strand of pearls, or thread a black silk ribbon through, and wear as a choker necklace, high on my neck. A few weeks ago, I bought diamond/pearl/silver chandelier earrings to wear for hyper-formal reenacting costumes. This will go nicely with those.

My question is: it looks pretty dirty in the pics, but I think I can clean it up somewhat. Those diamonds won't sparkle much, given the style, but they look a bit dirty on the surface. The pearls are natural, not cultured. Any suggestions on cleaning it, at least the diamonds, without damaging the pearls? Thanks.
 
#3
Thanks, Hermesaholic! One more question: should I use a mild dish detergent (such as Ivory) also? I've never cleaned my pearls before, except for using a damp chamois cloth. I know they are very delicate, and shouldn't be exposed to chemical, vingear, etc. types of cleaning. Thanks.
 
#5
I got it yesterday, and used an automotive chamois cloth (the real, not synthetic, kind) wetted with warm water. After about 40 minutes of very gentle polishing, it did sparkle up nicely. I had to be careful not to scratch the long pearl with my fingernail. Of course, since the diamonds are not very clear in color (many 18th C. pieces contain rather drab diamonds), and are small, there's not much sparkle (they're also table-cut, I think).

It's still very nice. The crimped setting around each diamond gives the effect of tiny stars. It looks best in dimmer light. I suspect that the candlelight used back then really showed the diamonds off to the best advantage.

I also say all of this to warn the gentleman who posted about his girlfriend. Just be aware that 18th C. jewelry often does not have very good quality diamonds, and the crimped-over setting is common--and crude-looking, compared to modern settings. They usually are closed-back settings, too--so the light doesn't shine through the stones (some can even be foil-backed stones). Also, the diamonds are not fully-faceted, like modern ones. In other words, if your lady is expecting modern ideals of diamond jewelry, she may be very disappointed. Not to discourage you, but just so you know.
 
#6
Honestly I would suggest you simply take it to a local jewelry store, every jewelry store I have ever been in (including my own) will simply clean your jewelry for free. They do this so you will browse at their items while you wait. Otherwise if you want to do it at home, be very gentle with warm water and a soft brush.
 
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