How to Clean Vintage Native American Jewelry

The reason why older Native American jewelry is sometimes a warm grey color is because silver starts to tarnish. It gets a "patina" on it as it starts to age. It gets this amazing patina actually, which is very sought after by certain collectors. 

Like here in our store, people want to see pieces that have this great patina to it. It is something that helps show age. Even though people try to (and do to a certain extent) replicate it, a trained eye can still spot the difference. The experienced collector knows how to spot the real patina and they appreciate it for what it represents. 

The best thing to do with vintage jewelry is just to wear it; wear it with love and pride. It will naturally keep from getting too dark on its own and will shine up just right (not to dark but not real shiny like new). If the patina drives you crazy, the best thing to do is to get a jewelry polishing cloth. 

We do polish some really dark pieces just a little bit. We just wipe things off once in a while if it has gotten to the point where it is almost black. But don't over do it. Really all you want to do is just gently clean the piece up with your jewelry polishing cloth, not rub it till it is all shiny like new. 

Whatever you do, don't dip it. Also, don't get it wet if it has turquoise settings. Because what we found out is underneath the stones, they generally used some sort of packing, and if they have that under there, it could swell and pop the stones out. 

So, first, I would recommend just wearing it, loving it, and enjoying it. AND if it drives you absolutely crazy because it is so dark, then just wipe it off gently with a jewelry cleaning cloth. Then enjoy it. It took years to get that nice warm patina that many try to replicate!