Caring for minakari enamel, filigree and Iranian silver

Know the materials

Minakari is coloured glass enamel fired onto copper, silver or gold. Malileh is silver filigree made from fine twisted wire soldered into openwork. Iranian jewellery may combine silver, gold, turquoise and enamel. Each material reacts differently to cleaning.

Enamel

Enamel is hard but brittle. Knocks chip it, and sudden temperature changes can crack it. Wipe it with a soft cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners or the dishwasher. Chips can be filled by a specialist, but the repair will not be fired like the original.

Silver and filigree

• Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or with tarnish strips
• Clean lightly with a silver cloth; avoid dips on filigree, which trap liquid
• Keep filigree from catching on fabric; store it flat
• Avoid rubber bands and some foams, which speed tarnish

Turquoise and stones

Turquoise is porous and soaks up oils, perfume and soap. Put jewellery on after cosmetics and wipe it after wearing. Never soak it.

Buying tip

Ask for the metal content and any hallmark, and whether the enamel was fired. Painted ‘enamel effect’ or resin is cheaper and is not minakari.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. It is not a valuation, authentication or conservation treatment. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator or appraiser.