Most have heard that toothpaste can clean certain types of jewelry…but ketchup? According to Reader’s Digest, condiments are just one of many household products you can use for jewelry cleaning.

[Thanks Reader’s Digest, providing helpful information since 1938.]

But vodka? Hmmm…

Alka-Seltzer

Drop your dull-looking jewelry in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out.

See more uses for Alka-Seltzer.

Aluminum Foil

To clean your jewelry, simply line a small bowl with aluminum foil. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in one tablespoon of bleach-free powdered laundry detergent (not liquid), like Tide. Put the jewelry in the solution and let it soak for one minute. Rinse well and air-dry. This procedure makes use of the chemical process known as ion exchange, which can also be used to clean silverware.

See more uses for Aluminum Foil.

Ammonia

Brighten up your gold and silver trinkets by soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup clear ammonia mixed in 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. Note: Do not do this with jewelry containing pearls, because it could dull or damage their delicate surface.

See more uses for Ammonia.

Baking Soda

To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse, and buff dry. To polish gold jewelry, cover with a light coating of baking soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it, and rinse clean.

Note: Do not use this technique with jewelry containing pearls or gem-stones, as it could damage their finish and loosen the glue.

See more uses for Baking Soda.

Beer

Get the shine back in your solid gold (i.e., minus any gemstones) rings and other jewelry by pouring a bit of beer (not dark ale!) onto a soft cloth and rubbing it gently over the piece. Use a clean second cloth or towel to dry.

See more uses for Beer.

Club Soda

Soak your diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in club soda to give them a bright sheen. Simply place them in a glass full of club soda and let them soak overnight.

See more uses for Club Soda.

Denture Tablets

Has your diamond ring lost its sparkle? Drop a denture tablet into a glass containing a cup of water. Follow that with your ring or diamond earrings. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove your jewelry and rinse to reveal the old sparkle and shine.

See more uses for Denture Tablets.

Ketchup

Let ketchup do the work of shining tarnished silver. If your ring, bracelet, or earring has a smooth surface, dunk it in a small bowl of ketchup for a few minutes. If it has a tooled or detailed surface, use an old toothbrush to work ketchup into the crevices. To avoid damaging the silver, don’t leave the ketchup on any longer than necessary. Rinse your jewelry clean, dry it, and it’s ready to wear.

See more uses for Ketchup.
Read more: http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/12-home-products-for-cleaning-jewelry/#ixzz2QjaKwWI5

Heart shaped jewelry has been around a long time. But does it read as a tad tacky or too “teenage” for grown-up tastes? This piece in My Jewelry blog addresses the ways in which heart jewelry can be worn tastefully and when to tone it down a bit:

Heart shaped jewelry remains classic. However, as we see all too often on the red carpet, too much of anything can be tacky. As with any variety of jewelry, it is important to practice moderation. Unless it is Valentine’s Day, avoid drenching yourself in heart-themed jewelry pieces and wear only one or two at a time. For a very understated look that can go all the way to the boardroom, try stud earrings in which the metal is in the form of a heart or that feature small gems in a diamond cut. If your workplace isn’t very formal, you may find that you can get more playful – consider a heart-shaped bangle or a bracelet that has a heavy heart theme. You may even be able to pull off a single piece of statement jewelry, such as a chunky ring featuring a gem in a heart cut or a sparkling, heart themed brooch. Also remember that heart shaped pendants and lockets never go out of style.

Read more here.

One of our heart-shaped pieces, assuredly untacky!

Style 10590S Heart Shape Pendant With Genuine Brazilian Garnets And Natural Diamonds Heart shape pendant in 14kt white gold featuring approximately .06ct t.w. of genuine Brazilian garnets and natural diamonds. (Pendant only, chain sold separately) Trade Up Our Guarantee

MSRP: $499.00
Our Price: $339.00

Some quick and easy tips for maximizing your jewelry ensemble:

The pope’s ring is also known as the The Fisherman’s Ring. It is an official seal, exclusive only to him. When the acting pope leaves, traditionally, the ring is broken with a hammer.

As vice president of the Roman Guild of Goldsmiths, Claudio Franchi was commissioned to make the ring when Benedict was elected in 2005. He said reports that the ring will be destroyed are a mistranslation of the Italian word “biffatura,” which means “to cross out.”

“The ring is marked with a cross on the upper part as a symbol of the end of the papacy,” he said. “It is not destroyed.”

The chosen design for Benedict ring was inspired by a Michelangelo painting. The final concept required more than 200 sketches and colored drawings. It depicts St. Peter, who was a fisherman, and carries the inscription “Benedictus XVI,” the pope’s official title in Latin. The elliptical shape represents the piazza in front of St Peter’s Basilica, laid out by the sculptor Bernini in the 17th century.

The ring is 35 grams of pure gold. It took eight artisans working 15 hours a day for two weeks to make it.

Source: CBS News

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day yesterday, we decided to focus on our favorite green gem: the emerald. The term emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as “marakata,” meaning “the green of growing things.”

Here’s a few other historical tidbits on this most mesmerizing gem according to Jewelsforme.com:

The Chaldeans believed the stone contained a goddess.

In the Islamic faith, an amulet of an emerald might be engraved with a verse from the Koran.

The ancient Egyptians believed the emerald stood for fertility and rebirth.

In Ancient Rome, Nero supposedly watched gladiator fights through a large transparent emerald as he found the color to be calming.

In some legends of King Arthur, the Holy Grail is described as being fashioned from an emerald.

In China, Thursday was the day for wearing green and emeralds for good luck.

The Romans once considered light-colored Emeralds to be unripe, and believed that an Emerald becomes a darker shade of green as it matures.

It was known that Emerald was a favorite gem of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, and the Emerald mine in Upper Egypt, rediscovered a hundred years ago near the Red Sea, was one of the earliest Emerald occurrences in the human history.

Legend has it that Hernando Cortes, the conqueror of Mexico, tried to bring huge chunks of Emerald that he took from the Aztecs back home with him. However, one of his ships was shipwrecked, and delicately carved Emeralds in the shape of flowers and fish and other rare Emeralds, including an Emerald the size of a man’s palm, became lost forever.

Necklace chain choice is surprisingly personal. Some actively dislike a herringbone style while others will only wear a traditional cable chain. Of course, the type of pendant you’re wearing with it matters too. Practically, the pendant needs to lay on the wearer’s chest just so, making chain choice that much more important.

Here’s a quick summary of chains…sans the one with the ball at the end of it:

Anchor Chain – This chain originates from the chain used to attach an anchor to a boat.  This is a popular chain and the flat anchor chain style is a sleek variation of this chain.

Bead or Ball Chain – This chain has round beads fixed along the chain, with some distance between each bead or the beads could be strung next to each other, with a tiny space linked in-between.

Box Chain – A box chain is made up of square links square, resembling a box, which are connected. It is a sturdy chain and would look great with a charm or pendant hanging from it.

Byzantine Chain – The Byzantine chain is a intricate group of links intermingling with each other. It is made up of round and oval shaped links, and looks lovely worn by itself, because of it’s detail.

Cable Chain – A cable chain, also known as link chain, is made up of round or oval links of the same size. It is a very popular and is the style that most people pick for a simple necklace with a pendant, or a charm.

Figaro Chain – The Figaro chain, has flattened links and does not have one uniform size links. It usually has 2 or 3 shorter links alternating with a longer link.

Panther Chain – A chain which is flat and has domed alternating links gradually spaced apart.

Popcorn Chain – This chain is rounded and a variation of the Panther Chain. This chain drapes on the neck, quite lovely.. and it’s silky smooth and lightweight too, which makes it a casual everyday wear choice.

Rolo Chain – No, it’s not named after Rolo chocolate candy… but this chain has round links which are connected together that are durable and come in different sizes, as well as designs.

Rope Chain – A rope chain consists of oval links that are linked so that they produce a woven rope like look, in a spiral effect. This chain is one of the most versatile and loved of all the many types of jewelry chains. It is sturdy and has an interwoven look.  This chain is a popular choice for men, because of it’s strength, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear.

Snake Chain – Another name for this chain is the Brazilian chain… The snake chain is not made up of traditional links. It has round wavy smooth metal plate looking links that are joined together forming a flexible chain. It looks like a smooth snake skin, hence it’s name.

Venetian Link Chain – This chain is much like the box chain, which is also made up of square links flattened together.

Wheat Chain – Wheat Chains are normally created with four stands of oval and twisted oval links. The links are braided and woven together to make a lovely looking chain that is quite eye-catching!

Blog post  by ~ Jelene at Jewelry Warehouse

There are many different types of chain necklaces but one major consideration before choosing type is the length. A necklace that fits too snugly around your neck can be plain uncomfortable. Conversely one that hangs too long might “lose” your pendant under necklines of clothes. Here’s a quick guide found in RedEnvelope.com.

16-Inch Choker Length

The 16-inch choker length chain necklace is designed to draw attention to the neck and collarbone and can be worn as a standalone chain or with a small pendant. These necklaces fit snugly against the skin and can be worn with a strapless dress or strapless top, or with a shirt or dress with a deep neckline.

18-Inch Princess Length

The 18-inch princess length chain is the most common length for necklaces, and hangs just at or below the collarbone. They are typically made with very skinny link designs so that they can accommodate a pendant. They usually serve more of a functional purpose than a visual one, and very delicate styles are almost invisible to the eye.

24-Inch Opera Length

The 24-inch opera length chain is among the most dramatic types of necklaces and is typically worn outside of the outfit with a large pendant, or as a set of chains to become the focal point of the ensemble. This type is designed in a variety of link styles, including the classic Figaro, cable, box, herringbone and serpentine.

30-Inch Below Bust Line Length

A necklace chain that is between 30 and 36 inches in length hangs just below the bust line and is typically worn over a shirt or blouse. Chain necklaces of this length can be made with a variety of lengths and widths, with link styles including the box, cable, curb, Figaro, foxtail and herringbone. Many chain necklaces of this length are designed with several chains to create a layered look.

36-Inch Navel Length

Chain necklaces that are 36 inches or longer are designed to be worn outside of the outfit and can complement a dress with a very deep plunging neckline, or a blouse or cardigan that is layered with a tank top underneath. These necklaces can be made with larger link designs such as ropes, serpentine, foxtail, snakes and Byzantine styles to serve as the focal point of the outfit.

You can always buy necklaces by the yard (or a specific length not listed above) at our store:

18″ Diamonds by the yard bezel set necklace in either 14kt white, yellow or rose gold in three different diamond total weights. The cable chain is approximately 1.2mm wide and has approximately 1 inch between diamonds. Price $695 – $1695

I heard the scarab mentioned a few days ago in a jewelry blog and had to say I was perplexed…what is a scarab and how is it used in jewelry making? Here’s a quick description and some examples:

The scarab beetle has been a symbolic motif in Egyptian jewelry for thousands of years. The scarab is a symbol of regeneration and rebirth, thus scarab jewelry was thought to bring protection, luck and vitality to the wearer. Egyptian soldiers were given scarabs before going into battle. Women were given scarabs for fertility. Scarab beads and designs were commonly fashioned into bracelets, pendants and rings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3680720

 

Tutanhkamun lapis scarab (J. Bodsworth)

 

We love history here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. Since we’ve been in business for over 100 years, we’ve seen many styles come and go…then come back again.

Here’s one of the oldest cuts of diamonds: the pointed cut, also referred to as a writing diamond.

Polished with very few facets, almost the entire original eight sided crystal of the diamond is left intact. There are usually four facets which lead to a pyramid shape. Popular in the 15th – 16th centuries, this cut flourished for generations.

Source: GeorgianJewelry.com

Last week we wrote about the devastating effects of losing a prized piece of jewelry. One option to keep in mind is ring insurance, which can be easily added to your homeowner’s policy and provide you with some peace of mind if the worst should happen. And its generally affordable.

Some questions to ask before purchasing engagement or wedding ring insurance:

Questions To Ask Before You Choose a Policy:

* Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it’s stolen?

* How will the company replace the ring — with a check? Or will they require you to purchase a replacement through a specified jeweler?

* What if it’s a vintage ring or other unique piece? How will the quality and size of your diamond — and that of a replacement if needed — be documented?

* Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?

* How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?

* Are there any circumstances that aren’t covered? (What if your ring flies off at the circus and gets trampled by elephants, for example?

Read more at The Knot.