How to Care for an Antique Cameo

Apply baby oil or mineral oil to the cameo with the tip of your finger or a cotton swab and let sit overnight a couple of times each year. Cameos made of shell or coral can become discolored and need moisturizing to prevent color change. In addition, cameos need to be moisturized in this way after each cleaning.

Remove any excess oil from the cameo after moisturizing by washing it with a mild dish washing detergent and warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Clean your cameos with a gentle jewelry cleanser that is appropriate for pearls and a soft cloth or soak your cameo in the solution for no more that 30 seconds. Rinse your cameo under warm water after cleaning and dry thorough with a soft cloth. Many jewelry cleansers have harsh chemicals that can damage delicate cameos, so it̵7;s important to read the directions and make sure the cleanser is safe.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean away stubborn dirt from your cameo with the cleanser designed for pearls. After soaking the cameo in the cleanser, rub the toothbrush over the surface gently in a circular motion. Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly.

Place your cleaned and moisturized cameo in a velvet jewelry bag to prevent scratches or breaks. Never store your cameo in a jewelry box with other pieces unless it is in a velvet bag.

Store cameos in a cool dry place. They are sensitive to heat and can become brittle.