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My family's antique ring was nearly ruined because I waited
The details had faded after decades in a drawer. Don't wait like I did to take care of yours.
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emery_hall1mo agoMost Upvoted
Some wear gives antiques their charm though... that soft tarnish in the grooves or tiny scratches tell its story. I'd worry more about losing stones or a cracked band than a bit of faded detail. My great-aunt's locket looks loved, not ruined, because she actually wore it.
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finleyc421mo ago
My grandma's 1920s brooch has scratches all over the back from decades of wear. Like @emery_hall said, that kind of tarnish and detail loss just means it was loved, or at least used a lot. The real worry is stuff you can't see, like weak springs in clasps or thin metal on bands. I had a locket where the hinge gave out because the pin was worn down from opening it so much. Always give those moving parts and stone settings a close look before you buy or wear an antique piece. Cosmetic scratches won't ruin it, but a broken clasp will leave you heartbroken and locket-less.
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