CARING FOR FINE LEATHER GOODS

We carefully examine and consider the kinds of skins we use for our bags and accessories. Every piece of leather has its own unique character and this is what makes every bag unique.

If you want to minimize the wear to your leather bag, we recommend treating it with care and avoiding excessive moisture, abrasion, and attempting to carry excessively heavy objects with it.

Leather bags are susceptible to absorbing grease and oils. Wipe the surface of a leather tote with a slightly damp white cotton cloth, but be careful not to use too much water, because leather takes time to dry. DO NOT rub – gently wipe.

We recommend having leather bags cleaned and repaired by a professional. However, some may wish to consider using a leather-specific protective spray for suedes or finished leather. Test this product first in an inconspicuous area to see if the finish darkens.

Keep cosmetics inside a pouch. Cap all pens and anything that leaks. Get a small pencil case to protect the leather and keep small items from spilling or damaging the fabric.

Store your leather purse in the dust bag we provided or a plain cotton pillowcase. Go the extra mile wrap any chrome or metallic parts in clean, acid-free tissue paper.

If you’re storing the item over the long-term, ease open the buckles and straps so impressions are released. This helps to avoid rubbing or permanent creases in unwanted areas.

CARING FOR VINTAGE JEWELRY

We have personally cleaned and inspected every piece we sell. We source our vintage pieces from all over the world, and many are from private collections.

Vintage jewelry is appreciated for its unique patina. Any small variations in gem colours, light surface wear, and other imperfections are part of the charm of vintage pieces.

Some of our pieces are only a few decades old, others a century. No matter what their age, it is important to take proper care of your cherished pieces.

Always return jewelry to its padded case or jewelry box when not in use.

Avoid cleaning jewelry with commercially available cleaners and chemicals. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, bring your cherished pieces to a jewelry professional.

Some perfumes or chemicals containing acid or alkaline can affect the character and quality of any kind of jewelry. We recommend that you put on jewelry after you have applied makeup, perfume, or hair products. 

Avoid wearing jewelry while engaging in intense activities, such sports or housework, and never wear your jewelry when bathing or swimming.

 

Avoid washing gemstones with commercially available jewelry cleaners. Do not use any kind of ultrasonic cleaner. 

Natural body oils and dirt can sometimes affect the appearance of jewelry. Use a clean and soft cloth to clean the surface. If you note excessive tarnish, we recommend bringing your piece to a jewelry professional.

Extreme temperatures such as steam or prolonged exposure to the sun can sometimes affect the character of delicate stones. Do not leave your jewelry in a hot car or exposed to the elements.

 

We recommend storing your jewelry individually, in the protective pouches we provide with each purchase. Never allow jewelry pieces to rub against one another.

CARING FOR VINTAGE HOME DÉCOR

Please note that any natural wear or patina is characteristic of vintage pieces. Some might have small flaws from previous use. Most items should not be used for their original purpose, rather, as purely decorative items.

For exceptionally rare or antique pieces, we recommend displaying them in a secure place where they will not be excessively handled or prone to falling.

To clean, use only a dampened soft cloth. Do not put in a dishwasher.

Please note that barware, cookware, and others items should be carefully inspected to ascertain if they are still able to function for the purpose they were intended for. We sell such pieces for their historical, cultural, or artistic significance. Some metals, for instance, are no longer deemed safe for cooking or serving.

For decorative porcelain pieces, we recommend using a commercial museum putty in order to safely stabilize the item.

Ideally, silver or copper should only be cleaned with a natural product rather than harsh chemicals. We recommend you research the techniques of collectors before doing it yourself.

Wood pieces can be sensitive to changes in temperature and even direct sunlight. With polished wood, make sure to keep the item lightly oiled.

CARING FOR RARE BOOKS

We source our collections from private libraries around the world.

Most if not all of our books and periodicals are first or limited editions or rare imprints. Some individual volumes may show signs of aging to the spines, covers, or yellowing of the pages. This is characteristic of rare books and periodicals.

Taking the proper care precautions will allow you to pass it along to future generations.

Until recently, most books were not printed on acid-free paper. We encourage you to store a rare volume in an acid-free storage box, such as can be found at art stores.

Bright sunlight can cause fading to a book jacket or exposed spine. We recommend keeping treasured volumes out of direct sunlight and preferably in a well-shaded room.

Do not leave rare books and periodicals outdoors, and take care that they are not exposed to humidity or dampness as this will cause damage to the papers.

Rare books should be stored vertically on a shelf and snug (but not too tight) against other books of similar size or a book end. ,A book with a dust jacket should always be protected by a clear archival quality, acid-free mylar cover. For first editions, much of the book’s value is derived from the condition of the jacket.

In some cases, certain volumes we sell no longer possess their original book jacket. If possible, we will provide a facsimile cover and this will be clearly noted in the item description. If you should decide to sell your book, it is your responsibility to ensure that the buyer is aware that the cover is not original.