How To Care For Pearls

Treat your pearls gently. They are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and dry, hot air. Although pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant, they rank only 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so may be scratched by contact with sharp objects or other gemstones.

~Perfume, hairspray, which contain alcohol and harmful acids, should be avoided on the areas where pearls are worn.

~Perspiration can also harm the beauty of pearls, dulling their beautiful luster. After wearing them, wipe with a damp (not wet), soft cloth or a silicon cloth.

~If make-up and perfume accumulate, a very mild non-phosphate soap may be used. Be careful not to dip pearls in water or wear them while bathing or swimming, as water can weaken the silk thread.

~Do not leave them in direct sunlight or expose them to high temperatures.

~If pearls happen to come into contact with substances such as vinegar, fruit juices or detergents, immediately wipe these substances off.

~Be sure to store your pearls in their own soft cloth bag in a compartmentalized jewelry box so that they don't come into contact with other jewelry.

~Do not store your pearl jewelry in a security box for long periods of time, since this may cause the pearls to dehydrate. Dehydrated pearls will decline, eventually becoming powdery. Never store your pearls in plastic bags or plastic boxes. Your pearls need exposure to the moisture that is present in the air.

~If you wear your pearls frequently, it's advisable to have them restrung once a year. Ask your jeweler to check them for needed restringing.

The more you wear your pearls, the more beautiful they become. Each time you wear your pearls, the outer layers of pearl nacre absorb the natural oil from your body. This interaction with your skin develops and deepens the luster and color of the pearls.

How To Care For Silver Jewelry

All silver (with the exception of Argentium Silver and the new platinum/silver alloys) will tarnish. The silver in your jewelry, daily comes into contact with various chemicals which will increase the tarnish rate. One of the biggest activators of silver tarnish is sulpher in the air we breathe. Your jewelry will acquire various of "patinas", depending on the silver and alloy content. A faint gold appearance is common, but darkening to a slate silver color is also considered tarnish.

1. Clean your silver with a phosphate free detergent, using the softest toothbrush bristle available. It's not advisable to use toothpaste to clean sterling silver. Most silver experts caution against it because toothpaste is too abrasive and can leave dulling scratches. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely. Never use paper towels or tissues to dry your jewelry as they contain fibers that can scratch. Use a soft cotton cloth.

Certain things like rubber, latex, chlorine and sulfur (from candle fire, matches) can actually burn your silver, so keep them as far apart from each other as possible.

2. Highly Recommended. The Sunshine Polishing Cloth:

http://www.sunshinepolishingcloth.com/ This cloth will not scratch your silver or your gemstones and is great for a quick polish, after you've worn the piece and before returning it to your jewelry box.

3. Never store your silver jewelry pieces where they can touch. This increases the chances for accidental scratching. Store each piece in a seperate bag.

4. Slider lock plastic baggies are an almost perfect storage solution for silver. Storing silver in baggies reduces exposure to the majority of air sulphers.

5. Add an anti-tarnish paper to your baggie and you will be all set. http://www.interceptjewelrycare.com/

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If you're unable to bring your silver jewelry back to an acceptable shine using the above techniques, take the pieces to your jeweler. Most jewelers have the necessary polishing equipment and polishing compounds to restore the beauty of high luster to your silver.

How To Clean and Care For Gold

1. Not so good to wear your gold jewelry 24/7.
The most effective way to preserve gold jewelry is to limit its exposure to the daily elements. For example, many personal care products can be harmful to gold jewelry. These include lotion, make-up, perfume, shaving cream, and hairspray. These products can form a dull film that covers the gold and it is hard to remove. To prevent this, remove your gold jewelry prior to grooming.

2. Always avoid chlorine when wearing your jewelry
Never clean your gold jewelry with chlorine bleach. Bleach ruins gold by oxidizing the metal and turning it black. To be on the safe side, you should remove gold jewelry before doing any household chores. Many common household cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals that may adversely affect gold jewelry. In addition, don't swim or go in a hot tub wearing gold because prolonged exposure to chlorine in a swimming pool can turn it black.

3. Clean gold jewelry properly
Light tarnish on gold can be removed by using soapy water and a soft bristle brush.
A soft toothbrush and a non-phosphate dishwashing liquid also work well.
DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE - it will scratch gold.
Here is how to do it:
Dip the toothbrush in the water and get the bristles into all of the crevices. Then rinse the piece in warm water until the water runs clear. After gentle scrubbing, buff the piece dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to make it shine. You can also use a specially treated cloth or other cleaning jewelry cleaning products. If your gold jewelry does not contain colored gemstones you can clean it with an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Finally, if you have a problem with heavy tarnish, consult a jeweler.

4. Store gold jewelry properly
Dry your gold jewelry before putting it away for storage. Moisture can weaken springs and clasps, increasing likelihood of damage. It is also important to provide enough storage space. Keep diamond jewelry separate because it can easily scratch gold. Most jewelry boxes have separate compartments to keep all your jewelry separate however, if you don’t have a jewelry box with separators, wrap each piece in tissue paper and keep the items in small bags or pouches.

Insider Tips For Buying Jewelry

~Are your baubles tucked away in a dark jewelry box, silently gathering dust?
~Are many of your jewelry pieces dated - bought during the height of long past fashion trend waves?
~Do you have favorite pieces with sentimental value, but you never wear them because they don't fit your present wardrobe?
~Would you like to renew and improve your jewelry collection?


If you answer yes to any of these questions, then it's time for a redirect in the way you choose your personal adornment.
Insider tips for freshening up your collection of jewelry:

1. The paramount reason for making a jewelry purchase is because you love it! When you first lay eyes on that spectacular piece, you are immediately and thoroughly seduced by it. It is a must have. Buy it! Don't walk away without that piece of new treasure.
2. Collect jewelry that makes a statement! All jewelry has a story to tell...it may be details of extraordinary craftsmanship or the ingenious use of exotic materials. Can you see the dreams of the artist who made this jewelry?
3. Be adventurous! Don't wait for a special occasion to buy jewelry. Purchase your jewels with the intent to take daily pleasure in them. Make everyday a champagne and jewelry celebration!
4. Develop your personal style. This will never go out of fashion. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find that chord of self authenticity...be a true original. Your jewelry language will only get better as you define and refine your own life story.
5. Repurpose your older jewelry. Pick out several of your sentimental favorites (the pieces you never wear) and take them to a jeweler who will create one new redesigned piece using your old pieces of jewelry. This is an excellent way to breathe new life into your valuable gemstones and precious metals.
5. Buy luxurious quality in your jewelry. This is never an extravagance. The value of fine art luxury jewelry is long lived, appreciating over time. If it makes you feel good, if it makes you happy, if you desire it, buy it! You are worth it.
6. Inspiration! Great art, whether in couture, jewelry or master paintings has the ability to stir the soul. Let yourself and those around you be inspired by the jewelry you choose to wear.