Vintage Cleaning

I have recently been gifted a beautiful broach from my grandmother and it really needs a good cleaning. Do you have any suggestions as to how to properly clean my new jewelry addition?

It is always nice to receive a special jewelry item from someone that you love and it is important to take care of the item so that it remains in good condition. Because you did not include a picture of the pin or a description, it makes cleaning tips a little trickier. Storage in a soft, cloth bag and a cool, dry place is preferable for vintage jewelry. A Jewelry safe is a great option. Remember that dampening the piece could result in loosening any glue that might be holding in rhinestones or gemstones. Also, a toothbrush, which is often used to clean modern jewelry, could be too harsh and loosen any stones. If the piece cannot be cleaned with a jewelry cloth, it may be best to seek professional assistance. A jewelry or antique store should be able to assist you and it will certainly be less costly than replacing missing stones due to mishandling.