Antiques and Collectibles

purbeckgazette.co.uk In with the old this New Year

By Amy Brenan, Director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

AS the New Year starts, it’s a great time to take a look at your jewellery collection and look at any much-loved pieces you no longer wear because they’re broken but got put away with every intention to get them repaired.

Jewellery repairs have moved on since the 1980s and, due to modern technology, much more is now possible.

For instance, using a laser which allows the most delicate of items in metals, including base metals, to be mended.

This means a lot of costume jewellery, vintage and modern, can now be repaired.

Laser has no heat application, so it’s perfect for use in enamels or mother of pearl which could easily burn.

It is also possible to use other bits of your jewellery in the repair process – for example, we often melt old wedding bands to make new shanks.

Sometimes, if a stone needs replacing, so will the claws that hold it in place.

Likewise, if a shank is split, it may need a replacement rather than a solder repair.

We would recommend that you find a specialist who can keep all repairs and restorations authentic, and who will go out of their way to keep the original integrity of a piece.

For instance, we use recycled metals to keep the gold colour to match the original, and we match the cut and colour of replacement stones.

Old-cut stones from the 19th century and earlier have a totally different appearance to modern brilliant-cut stones, so it’s important to get as precise a match as you can.

Breathing new life into something broken and never worn is an economical way to refresh your wearable, everyday jewellery.

Expertly curated Antique, Pre-owned and Modern Jewellery

B E S P O K E C O M M I S S I O N S V A L U A T I O N S J E W E L L E R Y A N D S I L V E R R E P A I R S E N G R A V I N G . R E S T R I N G I N G C L O C K & W A T C H S E R V I C I N G

Antiques & Collectibles Lots of goodies in store – and online

QUIRKY homeware and giftware store @sixtyone’s sale is still on.

Why not drop into the shop at 61 High Street, Swanage – opposite Love Cake – and check out the new and pre-loved stock.

Alternatively, visit the website at www. sixtyonehighstreet.co.uk

WANTED Coins and Coin Collections 07754 058850

Our sale is now on. Pop in to pick up some fabulous gifts or if you are entertaining this festive season you may be looking for additional seating or table space.

@sixtyone

Quirky shop Homeware • Giftware

61 High St, Swanage, BH19 2LY opposite Love Cake