How do I clean cameo glass safely?

Dusting with a soft bristle brush is the safest approach. The raised carving on cameo glass catches dust easily, but aggressive scrubbing can damage the thinner layers. If it needs a wash, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as old glass is prone to thermal shock. Never put a historic piece in a dishwasher.

What makes an iridescent vase lose its shine?

The metallic layer on iridescent glass is quite thin. Hard scrubbing or harsh chemical cleaners will gradually abrade that surface, dulling the colours over time. Keep it away from abrasive sponges and acidic solutions. A simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth is usually enough to maintain the finish.

I have a vase with metal mounts shaped like vines, but the pewter has turned quite dark and dull. Should I try to polish it back to a bright silver colour?

Most dealers prefer to leave pewter and bronze mounts exactly as they are. That dark, oxidised layer is called patina, and it develops naturally over a century of exposure to the air. Polishing it aggressively will strip away the age and leave the metal looking harsh and new. It can also risk scratching the glass or ceramic body held within the mount. If the metal is genuinely dirty, a gentle wipe with a soft cloth and a dab of mineral spirits removes surface grime without stripping the patina.

A ceramic vase I was looking at has a pattern of tiny cracks all over the clear glaze on the outside, though the clay underneath seems fine. Is this normal?

That network of fine lines is known as crazing. It happens when the glaze and the clay body expand and contract at different rates as the temperature changes over decades. It is very common on art pottery from this period and is generally accepted as a normal sign of age. It does not affect the structural stability of the vessel. You do need to be careful with water. Crazing allows moisture to seep under the glaze, which can sometimes stain the clay beneath if dirty water sits in the vase for long periods.

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Antique Art Nouveau Vases

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Emerging at the end of the nineteenth century, Antique Art Nouveau vases were decorative vessels designed to bring the organic, flowing lines of nature into the domestic interior.