Gems or Glass?

Gemstones are colder to the touch than glass. Colored gems like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires should not appear scratched. If there are scratches, the “stone” is probably colored glass.

Wool on the Walls

Wool rugs that are hung on the wall should be treated with moth repellent, perhaps even put in the sun for a few hours in the spring and fall. 

Protecting Limited-Edition Plates

Never throw out your limited-edition plate’s original box or papers. They add to the resale value. Your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover your plates or figurines. You will need a fine arts policy with a breakage clause. 

Protect Wooden Floors

Protect your wooden floors by keeping dirt out of the house. Use floor mats inside and outside the doors. 

Not Just for Teeth Anymore

Use a cheap electric toothbrush to get at stubborn grime in hard-to-reach places. The electric vibrations will save you some scouring. 

Check Jewelry for Marks

A mark on a piece of jewelry adds 30 percent to the value. Look at the pin shank, pinback and catch for the mark.

Displaying Silver

Do not display silver on unsealed wood, felt, wool or velvet. They all contain sulfides that will tarnish the silver.

 

Wrapping Tin Toys

Never wrap bubble pack directly on tin litho toy collections or antique cast iron toys. The surface of the bubble wrap disintegrates, leaves a bubble pattern on the toy and ruins it. This can happen in as little as six months.  To wrap and store a toy in bubble pack, first wrap it in tissue paper, then use the bubble wrap over the tissue paper.

 

Labels Under Glass

Anything with reverse glass or label under glass cannot tolerate temperature changes. The paint on the glass will flake off. You will get more damage cold to warm than warm to cold—but both are bad. Be very careful moving or shipping these painted glass. In transit the piece may experience the temperature changes and all the paint can come off.

 

 

Removing Stains from Rugs, Upholstery

To remove fresh food stains from rugs and upholstery, sprinkle cornstarch on the spot. It will act as a blotter. Vacuum.