At Links London, we are passionate about preserving the legacy of iconic vintage jewellery—especially original Links of London pieces. Many of these charms, bracelets, and accessories were well-loved over the years and now deserve a second chance to shine.
In today’s restoration project, we bring back the brilliance of a vintage 2010 Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm—one of the brand’s most recognisable and lucky designs. Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our professional silver restoration process and show how this cherished charm is polished back to life.
Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm before restoration in a light box
Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm before restoration
A Closer Look at the Four Leaf Clover Charm
This charm was originally sold as part of Links of London’s charm collection and was a popular addition to Sweetie bracelets, traditional charm bracelets, and even necklaces.
- Material: Sterling Silver (.925)
- Original Finish: Highly polished, mirror-like surface
- Bail Size: 8mm x 6mm – perfect for bracelets and necklaces
- Wear & Condition: The charm had surface scratches, minor dents, and tarnish, but no structural damage
With a little care and expertise, this well-loved charm could be restored to near-original condition—and perhaps even better than new!
The Restoration Process: Bringing the Charm Back to Life
Restoring a vintage charm is a delicate balance between repairing visible wear while also preserving its character. Every step of the process ensures that we don’t just improve the appearance but also maintain the integrity of the original piece.
Step 1: Surface Preparation with Emery Paper
We start by removing deeper scratches and surface marks using emery paper. This smooths out imperfections without removing too much metal. Since silver is a soft metal, excessive sanding could distort the charm, so we work carefully in selective areas.
Jeweller using emery paper to smooth the charm’s surface.
Restoring a Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm
Step 2: Satin Wheel Refinement
Next, we use a satin polishing wheel to refine the surface and ensure an even texture. This step removes any visible scratches left behind by the emery paper while preparing the charm for barrel polishing.
Restoring a Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm
Step 3: Barrel Polishing – Ceramic & Steel Shot Treatment
- Ceramic Media Stage: The charm is placed into a barrel polisher with ceramic media. This step gently smooths the surface, preparing it for the next phase. The result is a uniform, matte finish that removes any last signs of deep imperfections.
- Steel Shot Stage: After the ceramic polish, we replace the media with steel shot—a combination of pins, balls, and satellites. This process is known as burnishing, where metal polishes metal to create a pre-mirror finish.
The Links of London charm in a barrel polisher with ceramic media.
Four leaf clover charm emerging from the ceramic media polishing process.
Jeweller inspecting the charm under magnification before further polishing.
Charm submerged in a stainless steel shot tumbler for burnishing.
Restoring a Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm
For some manufacturers, this would be the final step. However, at Links London, we take it further for a truly high-end finish.
Step 4: Hand Polishing to a Mirror Finish
The final and most important stage—hand finishing. We use a combination of Hyfin stainless steel polish and a soft reflex mop to bring out the mirror-like shine that makes silver jewellery so timeless.
The result? A flawless, high-gloss finish that reflects light beautifully.
Hand-finishing the charm with a soft mop polishing wheel.
Using a felt polishing wheel to refine the mirror finish.
Restoring a Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm
Restoring a Vintage Links of London Four Leaf Clover Charm
The Final Transformation: Before & After
After careful restoration, the Four Leaf Clover Charm is restored to its former glory, with a bright, reflective surface free of visible scratches and imperfections.
Close-up of scratches and wear on the silver four leaf clover charm.
This charm is now ready to wear again, whether as a classic bracelet charm or a pendant on a necklace.
How to Wear & Style Your Restored Charm
One of the best things about Links of London charms is their versatility. This Four Leaf Clover charm can be:
✅ Added to a Sweetie Bracelet using a split ring for an easy, no-fuss attachment.
✅ Soldered onto a Traditional Charm Bracelet for a permanent, secure setting.
✅ Worn as a Necklace Pendant—the generous 8mm x 6mm bail makes it ideal for chains.
Looking for more styling ideas? Check out our collection of vintage and restored Links of London charms in The Vault.
Final Thoughts: A Piece of Jewellery History, Restored
This restoration is just one example of how Links London is reviving the past, one vintage charm at a time. By carefully restoring, cleaning, and preserving these pieces, we ensure that the legacy of Links of London continues for years to come.
📢 Do you have a favorite Links of London charm? Let us know in the comments!
🔗 Shop our restored Links of London charms in The Vault
More from Links London
💎 Explore The Vault – Rare vintage and retro Links of London pieces.
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Jeweller holding the restored charm under bright light to check for imperfections.
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