Tips for Preserving Antiques

By Melinda L. Wilson
Certified Appraiser and Consultant

Do You Have Chips on Your Cut/Pressed/Depression Glass?

I appraise a lot of glass, most of which is fine antique cut glass. Many times there are "sliver" chips on the rim. They are sharp and cut you easily. If you take an Emory board (NOT A METAL ONE!) and use the "buffing side", you can gently remove or greatly decrease the appearance of the chip. The main thing to remember is to take your time and do not apply pressure. Gently rub the soft side, buffing side, to the chip and it will either disappear or at least take the "edge" off the sharpness. Be careful and watch what you are doing at all times. You want to stop if it is not working, but it takes time for it too work and a lot of gentleness. There are professionals in the field that will do this for you by different methods, but they are costly. Why not do it your self, save a ton of money, and enjoy the time it takes to improve the appearance of a fine antique.

File Under:

Saving Antique Cut Glass
Appraising Antique Cut Glass
Preserving Antique Cut Glass