Vintage Condition & Jewellery Care

Golden Girl Au specialises in vintage jewellery. These pieces have been worn and loved before finding their way to Golden Girl, and the traces of their history are part of what makes them special.

Vintage jewellery should not be expected to present in the same condition as newly manufactured jewellery. Depending on the age and history of a piece, you may see patina, fine scratches, softened edges, signs of previous wear, evidence of an old repair or other age-related characteristics.

I believe these details are part of the character of vintage jewellery rather than something that should automatically be polished away.

For this reason, I do not have vintage pieces professionally polished before they are sent to you. Patina and the gentle signs of previous wear are some of the things I treasure most about vintage jewellery, and I know many vintage collectors feel the same. Once patina and wear have been polished away, they cannot simply be put back.

I would rather preserve that choice for you. If you prefer a brighter, more highly polished finish, you can choose to have your piece professionally polished after it arrives. I recommend discussing the age, construction and condition of the piece with a suitably qualified jeweller before doing so.

Every piece is carefully inspected before being offered for sale and is examined by my jeweller. Any significant imperfection, damage, repair or condition issue identified will be disclosed in the individual listing under Details and photographed wherever reasonably possible.

Please remember that vintage jewellery requires care appropriate to its age, design and construction. Some pieces — particularly fine chains, hollow jewellery, articulated pieces, older clasps and delicate settings — naturally require more careful handling than others.

Caring for Your Vintage Jewellery

Treat your jewellery gently and avoid pulling, bending, crushing or placing unnecessary pressure on chains, links, clasps, hinges and settings.

Please take particular care when cleaning chains and bracelets. Jewellery polishing cloths and cleaning squares can create friction and tension if a piece is held tightly or pulled through the cloth. Fine links in particular can stretch, distort or break under this type of pressure.

Instead, lay the chain or bracelet gently across your open hand so that the piece is fully supported, then softly stroke the polishing cloth across the surface of each side. Never pull a chain or bracelet through a polishing cloth or cleaning square. Avoid tugging, vigorous rubbing or any cleaning technique that places tension on the links.

All Golden Girl Au earrings are hollow unless specifically stated otherwise in the individual listing. Hollow gold allows beautiful dimensional designs to be created without excessive weight, but it must be treated accordingly. Earrings should never be squeezed, crushed or subjected to pressure, as hollow gold can dent or deform. Please remove earrings before sleeping and store them where they cannot be compressed by other jewellery or objects.

Remove your jewellery before sleeping, showering, swimming, exercising, gardening, cleaning or undertaking activities where it may be caught, knocked, pulled or exposed to unnecessary pressure.

Avoid exposing your jewellery to harsh chemicals, chlorine, cleaning products, abrasives, perfumes, cosmetics and other substances that may affect the gold, gemstones, finishes or components of a vintage piece.

For routine cleaning, use a clean, soft cloth with a gentle touch. Vintage jewellery can contain gemstones, settings, finishes, solder and construction methods that require specialised care. Please seek professional advice before using jewellery dips, chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, abrasive products or other cleaning methods if you are unsure whether they are suitable for your particular piece.

Store pieces carefully when they are not being worn, ideally individually in a soft pouch or suitable jewellery box, to minimise scratching, tangling and contact with other jewellery.

Check clasps, links, settings and stones periodically, particularly on pieces that you wear regularly. If you notice movement, loosening, damage or a change in the way a clasp or component is functioning, stop wearing the piece and have it assessed by a suitably qualified jeweller before wearing it again.

Most importantly, vintage jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed — just with the care that comes from knowing you are looking after something that has already survived for decades.

Wear it, love it, and help preserve it for whoever is lucky enough to love it next.