Before you clean or store anything, it helps to know what you're working with. Here is a quick rundown of the most common types you'll find in my shop:

Milk Glass - That creamy white opaque glass you know and love. Made from the late 1800s through the 1970s, it's durable but can chip at the edges. Brands like Fenton, Westmoreland, and Anchor Hocking are the most collectible.

Depression Glass - Produced during the 1920s-1940s, this machine-made glass comes in beautiful colors like pink, green, amber and clear. It's thinner than it looks so handle with care.

Ironstone - A heavy, durable white pottery that was the everyday china of the 19th century. It's sturdy but the glaze can craze (some people find this highly collectible) over time, which is part of its charm.

Transferware - Pottery decorated with printed patterns (think Blue Willow or Strawberry Hills). The transfer design sits under the glaze on older pieces, but on some later pieces it can be on top — those pieces need extra gentle handling.

Fine China & Porcelain - Thin, translucent and often gilded. Never place these pieces in a dishwasher.

Cleaning: Gentle Is Always the Right Answer

The number one rule with vintage/antique pieces is: hand wash only. Even if a piece looks sturdy, dishwashers are often too harsh. Patterns can fade, glass becomes cloudy and old glazes can weaken.

This is what I do:

• Warm (not hot) water and a small amount of dish soap — Dawn works well.

• Use a soft cloth or sponge — never an abrasive scrubber. I have a dedicated 'cleaning toothbrush' for any nooks and crannies.

• Always support the piece from the bottom while washing. Sometimes I'll line my sink with folded towels to act as a cushion just in case. I've lost a couple pieces when they become slippery!

• Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft towel. Air drying can sometimes leave water spots on glassware.

• For stubborn stains or mineral deposits inside vases or pitchers, try soaking with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes before washing.

• For any pieces with gold or platinum trim, skip the soap entirely and just use warm water with a very soft cloth.

Storage: Protect What You Love

How you store your vintage pieces matters just as much as how you clean them.

• Stack carefully — if you must stack plates, place a soft cloth, felt pad or paper plate between each one to prevent scratching.

• Store cups and mugs right side up, not hanging by the handle. Handles are the most vulnerable point.

• Keep glassware upright — never rim down, which can cause chipping and traps moisture.

• Avoid storing in direct sunlight — UV exposure can fade colored glass and some transferware patterns over time.

What to Look for When Buying Vintage or Antiques Online

I know buying online can feel like a leap of faith — you can't hold the piece or examine it in person. Here's how I try to make that easier for you:

• Read the condition notes carefully. I am careful to describe every flaw I see — chips, crazing, fading, repairs — I want you to love what arrives at your door!

• Look at all the photos, including any close-ups of the base, rim, and any noted flaws.

• Ask questions! I'm always happy to take additional photos or answer questions before you buy. Just reach out!

• Crazing is normal on ironstone and older pottery — it's not a structural flaw. It is however a personal preference. You may not mind crazing while someone else prefers minimal to no crazing.

• Fading on transferware is expected on very old pieces and is part of their history.

A Note from Me

Every piece in my shop has been chosen because I genuinely love it. I handle, photograph and pack each item myself — and I treat your order the way I'd want my own vintage finds treated. Quite a few pieces have been part of my personal collections at one time or another, so you can be sure these are all pieces I would use in my own home!

If something ever arrives and isn't what you expected, please reach out. I'm a real person on the other end of this shop who wants you to be happy!

Also, if you need any inspiration on how to style your treasures, please visit my Instagram account, Gem-City-Mercantile, where I share styled photos of vintage/antique treasures, sometimes a recipe or two, and other fun things.

Happy collecting!

-Cori, Gem City Mercantile