Care Instructions

Antique Item Care Instructions

Thank you for purchasing a unique piece of history. To ensure your treasured antique remains in pristine condition, please follow these detailed care and handling instructions:

Handpainted China Care

1. Cleaning:
• Gentle Hand-Washing: Handpainted china is often delicate. Clean your pieces by hand using warm water and mild dish soap.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the paint or gold trim. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe the surface.
• Rinse Carefully: After washing, rinse with lukewarm water, ensuring all soap residue is removed.
• Drying: Gently dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels or harsh fabrics that can scratch the painted surface.
2. Handling:
• Hold by the Base: When handling handpainted china, always hold pieces by their base or edges, not by the delicate painted areas or handles.
• Avoid Contact with Sharp Objects: Be mindful not to let any sharp items come into contact with painted surfaces, as this could cause scratching or chipping.
3. Storage:
• Protect from Abrasive Surfaces: Store your handpainted china on soft, padded shelves or in display cabinets with secure placement to avoid knocking or scraping.
• Avoid Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading, so display these items in a shaded area or behind glass.

Gilded China Care

1. Cleaning:
• Use Lukewarm Water: For gilded china, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish detergent. Gilding can be especially vulnerable to harsh chemicals, so avoid using any abrasives or strong cleaners.
• Soft Cloth or Brush: Gently wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also use a soft brush to remove dust from intricate gold details.
• Drying: After cleaning, pat gently with a soft cloth to dry. Never rub too vigorously as this can cause the gilding to wear away.
2. Handling:
• Handle with Care: When holding gilded china, ensure that you don’t touch the gold accents directly. Always hold pieces by the base, edges, or handles.
• Avoid Abrasive Materials: Avoid putting gilded china in contact with abrasive surfaces or cleaning materials, as this can damage or dull the gold trim.
3. Storage:
• Avoid Scratching: Store pieces in cushioned cabinets or display cases where they are unlikely to touch other items that might scratch or rub against the gilding.
• Temperature Control: Extreme temperatures can affect the gold, so avoid placing gilded china in areas prone to heat or moisture, such as near stoves or windows.

Lead Crystal Care

1. Cleaning:
• Hand-Wash Only: Lead crystal is more fragile than regular glass, and the intricate cutting can trap dust. Hand-wash with warm water and a mild detergent, avoiding abrasive sponges.
• Avoid Dishwashers: Do not place lead crystal in the dishwasher, as high heat and pressure can cause cracks or chips.
• Drying: Dry gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. If the piece is intricate or has delicate cuts, use a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving any fibers behind.
2. Handling:
• Support the Base: When handling lead crystal, always hold by the base or bottom to avoid applying pressure to the fragile neck or top.
• Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Crystal can be vulnerable to cracking under sudden temperature shifts, so avoid placing lead crystal pieces near hot surfaces or cold drafts.
3. Storage:
• Display Safely: Store lead crystal on a stable, cushioned surface. If not in use, store it in a padded box or display case to avoid accidental falls or scratches.
• Protect from Dust: Lead crystal can attract dust and fingerprints. Keep it in a dust-free environment or use glass domes to protect it from the elements.

Solid Silver & Gold Care

1. Cleaning:
• Polishing: To maintain the shine of solid silver or gold, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth specifically designed for silver or gold polishing. Avoid using silver polish on gilded or antique gold pieces that may have a patina.
• Mild Soap Solution: For a more thorough cleaning, wash your silver or gold pieces in warm, soapy water with a mild dish detergent. Avoid using ammonia or harsh chemicals.
• Drying: Dry with a soft cloth immediately after cleaning to avoid water spots.
2. Handling:
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never expose solid silver or gold to chemicals such as chlorine or sulfur, as they can tarnish or discolor the metal.
• Store with Care: If not in use, store silver and gold pieces in cloth bags or anti-tarnish pouches to prevent tarnishing.
3. Storage:
• Avoid Humidity: Store silver and gold away from high humidity areas, as this can accelerate tarnishing.
• Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: If storing for long periods, consider using anti-tarnish strips or cloths to protect the finish.

Blown Glass Care

1. Cleaning:
• Gentle Hand-Washing: Blown glass items can be more fragile than machine-made glass, so hand wash them in warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface.
• Avoid Abrasives: Use only soft sponges or cloths to clean. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads that can scratch or chip the glass.
• Drying: After washing, dry your blown glass item with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.
2. Handling:
• Handle by the Base: Always hold blown glass by its base or sturdy sections, never by delicate or thin areas like stems or thin rims.
• Be Mindful of Weight: Blown glass can sometimes be heavier than it appears due to the air bubbles and structure. Be careful not to apply pressure that could lead to cracking.
3. Storage:
• Keep in a Safe Place: Store blown glass items in a stable location where they won’t be at risk of being knocked over or bumped. Consider using a display case to protect from dust and accidental impacts.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose blown glass to extreme temperature changes, as it can cause cracking or breakage. Store in a place with a steady temperature and away from heating vents or direct sunlight.

Additional Tips

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your antiques for any signs of wear, cracks, or discoloration. Early detection can help preserve their value.
• Repairs: If your piece shows signs of damage, always consult a professional specializing in antique restoration to maintain the item's historical integrity.

By following these care instructions, you can preserve the beauty, value, and integrity of your antique pieces for years to come. If you have further questions or need specific advice, please feel free to reach out.