How to Restore Old Necklaces & Pendants

Pair a vintage necklace with modern dresses to create an interesting look.

Vintage jewelry is worn as part of a fashionable ensemble or to complement a costume. These pieces can be inherited or purchased at garage sales, estate sales or antique stores. Sometimes shoppers find tarnished or damaged antique necklaces and pendants, and in many cases the pieces can be restored and preserved for years to come. Consult a jeweler if you are unsure of your ability to repair a piece, as you can accidentally damage jewelry through improper restoration.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Soft toothbrush
• Window cleaner or jewelry cleaner
• Soft cloth
• Cotton swab
• Clasps and other hardware (optional)
• Needle-nose pliers (optional)
• Paint
• Small paintbrush
• Jewelry polishing cloth

Instructions

1. Examine the jewelry to determine the extent of damage or tarnish. Check for dust, grit and loose stones or settings. Lightly brush away the dust or grit from all of the piece's surfaces and crevices with the soft toothbrush.

2. Spray a small amount of window cleaner or jewelry cleaner on a soft cloth and gently wipe away any grime or oxidation on the surface of the jewelry. If needed, dab a small amount of cleaner on a cotton swab and clean the inside of crevices or other hard-to-access areas.

3. Allow the piece to dry upside down for at least 15 minutes, or until all the moisture has evaporated.

4. Replace any clasps or other missing hardware. Open a jump ring with needle-nose pliers, attach the hardware to the jump ring and then to the jewelry. Squeeze the jump ring closed.

5. Paint any chips or cracks in the enamel of the piece, if it is painted. Select a paint that matches the color and finish of your jewelry. Use the smallest brush and the smallest amount of paint possible. If you cannot match the color, coat the crack or chip with clear enamel to prevent further deterioration. Allow the paint or clear enamel to dry completely.

6. Polish the piece with a polishing cloth by buffing in small circles on the jewelry, paying special attention to any stones or settings. Store the jewelry in a dry place out of direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase new hardware from craft stores, or use some from unsalvageable vintage jewelry.

• Loose stones or settings should be repaired by a professional jeweler.

• If you cannot determine the best way to replace missing hardware, consult a jeweler.

• Cleaning jewelry with soap and water can leave dulling residues on stones and metals.

• Leaving moisture on jewelry before storage can lead to rust and other damaging corrosion.

References

• Vintage Jewelry Lane: Jewelry Repair