The blown glass ornaments that adorn your tree are created using methods which have been passed from one generation of artisans to the next. With a little attention to care, you can pass your special ornaments on to future generations of your family or friends.
Cleaning Your Ornaments | Packing Your Ornaments

The Ornament's Enemies

There are three enemies to the finishes on and in your ornament: moisture, light, and fluctuating temperatures.

Moisture has two effects on an ornament; first, when trapped inside the ornament, it causes a darkening of the silver which coats the inside of the ornament; this can cause the silver to peel from the glass. When this happens, the ornament becomes transparent and loses the rich, deep shine that makes it so brilliant. Moisture can also soften or dissolve the lacquers that are used to finish the ornaments.

Extended exposure to sun light can cause the lacquers to fade. This is not something to be concerned with when hanging your ornaments on the tree for the holiday season unless you place your tree in a window with direct sun shining through it and you leave your ornaments out for more than the holiday season.

Fluctuating temperatures can cause problems with moisture condensation on the ornaments and packing materials. Storing your ornaments in uninsulated attics and garages should be avoided.

 

A Little Extra Care

Most people dread taking the tree down. The ornaments must come off the tree and get packed, lights stripped then coiled and boxed, the tree hauled out of the house and the needles that seem to be throughout the house must then be cleaned up. If we may suggest adding one more step to this arduous process; dusting the ornaments before wrapping them up. Use a soft artist's paint brush or a make-up brush that is used to apply blush. Removing the dust that has accumulated will help protect the finish on the ornament and your ornaments will sparkle that much brighter next year.

 

Packing The Ornaments

The most common packing material for ornaments is tissue; this is also the most common cause of damage to ornaments. People have brought us ornaments that have been scratched by thick or stiff tissue or stained by colored tissue. When using tissue, be sure it is either natural or white in color and very soft. We will often crumple up new tissue several times before wrapping and storing our ornaments. This helps to soften the tissue. Some collectors we know use acid free tissue to ensure the finishes on the ornaments won't be affected by the paper.

Many of the best artists are now wrapping their ornaments in soft plastic bags and then wrapping them in tissue; this seems to give them additional protection.

It is best to pack the ornaments in sturdy containers or boxes. When possible, store your ornaments with the tops pointed down. This helps prevent water from puddling in the ornament if there is ever a problem with condensation.