Caring for Your Antique Glass & Crystal

Glass and crystal pieces are among the most luminous treasures in any collection, and with a little care, they will continue to sparkle for generations to come.

• Handwash only. Never place antique glass or crystal in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents can cloud, etch, or crack delicate pieces. Wash gently by hand in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
• Dry immediately. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry pieces right away — air drying can leave water spots and mineral deposits.
• Handle with care. Always hold glass and crystal pieces by the body, not the stem or handle, to avoid stress fractures.
• Store safely. Wrap pieces individually in acid-free tissue paper and store upright to prevent chipping.
• Display away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can cause discoloration or fading in colored glass pieces.

Caring for Your Antique Porcelain & Ceramics

Porcelain and ceramic antiques carry centuries of artistry within them. Proper care ensures their beauty endures.

• Dust regularly. Use a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth to gently remove dust. Avoid feather dusters, which can snag delicate gilding or raised decoration.
• Clean gently. For light cleaning, use a barely damp soft cloth. Avoid soaking pieces, as water can seep into hairline cracks and cause damage over time.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Never use bleach, abrasive cleaners, or solvents on porcelain or ceramics — they can strip gilding and damage glazes.
• Handle with clean hands. Natural oils from skin can dull finishes over time. Consider wearing soft cotton gloves when handling unglazed or matte pieces.
• Display on stable surfaces. Use museum putty or plate stands to secure pieces and prevent accidental tipping.

Caring for Brass, Silver & Metal Bases and Holders

Many of our most beautiful pieces feature brass, silver, or other metal bases, frames, and holders — a hallmark of fine Victorian and Art Nouveau craftsmanship. These metals deserve their own special attention.

• Dust gently and regularly. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from metal surfaces. Avoid abrasive cloths or scrubbing pads that can scratch.
• Polishing brass. Brass naturally develops a warm patina over time, which many collectors prize. If you prefer a brighter shine, use a brass-specific polish and a soft cloth, working in small circular motions. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Polishing silver. Use a quality silver polish or a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Store silver pieces wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth when not on display.
• Avoid moisture. Metal bases and holders are particularly susceptible to rust, tarnish, and corrosion when exposed to humidity. Keep pieces in a stable, dry environment and never leave them damp.
• Be mindful of mixed materials. When a piece combines metal with glass, crystal, or porcelain, clean each material separately and carefully — avoid getting metal polish on delicate ceramic or glass surfaces.
• Preserve the patina. On antique pieces, the natural aging of metal is part of its character and value. Over-polishing can diminish the antique finish. When in doubt, a gentle dusting is always the safest choice.

Display Tips for Your Collection

How you display your antiques is just as important as how you care for them. A thoughtfully arranged collection tells a story and becomes a focal point in any room.

• Group by era or theme. Clustering pieces from the same period or in complementary colors creates a cohesive, gallery-like effect.
• Vary heights. Use risers, stands, or stacked books to create visual interest at different levels.
• Avoid high-traffic areas. Display your most precious pieces away from doorways, hallways, or areas where they could be bumped or knocked.
• Control humidity. Extreme changes in humidity can cause ceramics to crack and metals to tarnish more quickly. Aim for a stable indoor environment.
• Use proper lighting. Soft, warm lighting enhances the beauty of glass, crystal, porcelain, and metal without causing heat damage. Avoid placing pieces directly under hot spotlights.

Have questions about caring for a specific piece? Contact us — we are always happy to share our expertise. 🏺