How to Fix Wear on a Vintage Metal Brooch

Jewelry can last for centuries if it's properly taken care of. Jewelry needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain good condition. Without proper care, metal can rust or turn green, plating can flake, stones can loosen and glue can dry out. Polish metal jewelry with polishing cloths. If you notice any green metal, clean the affected area and keep the piece away from the rest of your jewelry until it has been restored.

Instructions

1

Examine the parts of the brooch, especially around the clasp. To fix bent clasps or pin closures, hold the closure in place while bending the pin or clasp back into position with needle-nose pliers.

2

Brush away any dust or grit with a small toothbrush or makeup brush. Apply a small amount of jewelry cleaner to a polishing cloth and wipe the metal. Purchase jewelry cleaner specific to the metal you are cleaning. Use a cotton swab to get into small areas. Use a toothpick to scrape away gunk in corners.

3

Soak jewelry in lemon juice for about 15 minutes to remove green stains. Remove the jewelry and brush or scrape off the green stain from the piece. Repeat the procedure until the green is removed. Do not soak rhinestone jewelry; the lemon juice can damage the glue. For rhinestone jewelry, use cotton swabs to "paint" juice over the damaged spot.

4

Dry jewelry before replacing it in the case. Moisture is one of the main causes of jewelry damage, so make sure the cleaning solution has dried completely before putting the piece away. Lay the piece face down on a cloth to dry.