How to Clean and Polish Fine Pewter Jewelry
January 09, 2020
Fine pewter jewelry is relatively carefree to maintain as it does not easily rust, corrode, or tarnish. World-wide, pewter is the fourth most popular metal used in jewelry, ranking just behind gold, silver, and platinum. Before we get to our tips for cleaning and polishing your fine pewter jewelry, let's start with a few basics.
What is fine pewter?
Fine pewter is a tin based alloy consisting of at least 90% tin and 1-3% each of silver, copper, bismuth, and antimony. Because lead is known to have a harmful impact on the human body, virtually all pewter jewelry created in the U.S.A is now lead-free. Fine pewter jewelry is also nickel free, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from an allergic reaction or adverse skin sensitivity when exposed to nickel.
Why do jewelers use fine pewter?
Fine pewter is frequently used in jewelry designs as an affordable, maintenance free, alternative to sterling silver. Pewter is a sought after material for jewelry because it can be polished to a lustrous shine, chemically darkened for an antique look, or “brushed” to leave a beautiful satin finish.
How should I clean fine pewter jewelry?
Fine pewter jewelry will last for generations if cared for properly. Read on for a few tips on how to clean, polish, and store your fine pewter jewelry.
- Unlike sterling silver, lead-free fine pewter does not tarnish when exposed to air. Cleaning fine pewter jewelry involves nothing more than washing the surface of the jewelry with a mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth. DO NOT use a stiff brush or abrasive pad as pewter is a soft metal and these materials can create scratches in your pewter jewelry.
- Never wash your fine pewter in the dishwasher as the detergent and rough washing cycle will damage the finish.
- Fine pewter is not meant to look identical to sterling silver. Fine pewter jewelry tends to have a satin sheen rather than a mirror like finish. Polish your fine pewter jewelry infrequently and only if you feel that it has begun to appear dull.
How to naturally polish fine pewter jewelry:
- Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/4 cup white flour to create a paste (for satin finish pewter, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mixture create a gentle abrasive texture).
- Use a soft cloth to apply the cleanser, rubbing it in with a circular motion.
- Leave it in place for 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
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Note: Commercial pewter polish is available, however be sure to use a small amount as seldom as possible. DO NOT use brass or silver polish for cleaning pewter as these cleansers may cause your pewter pieces to discolor.
How to store fine pewter jewelry:
- Fine pewter jewelry should be kept away from sources of extreme heat and removed when working with any kind of chemicals.
- Pewter is a relatively soft metal, so when storing your fine pewter jewelry, we recommend wrapping items in a soft cloth to ensure enjoyment for years to come.
- Many historical pieces made from pewter have survived over the centuries. With proper care, your fine pewter jewelry will last a lifetime.
We welcome you to shop our collections of fine pewter necklaces, bracelets, lapel pins, and scripture verse pocket tokens. All of our fine pewter jewelry is proudly handcrafted in the USA.
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