Happy Stories From our customers

On a blindingly hot summer day, your first thought is cooling off in the ocean (or pool) and often, your last thought is the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater on your precious jewelry.

This article breaks it down in no uncertain terms; take it off first! A gold ring placed in undiluted chlorine can disintegrate in minutes!

Chlorine and Gold Jewelry

One chemical that is often found in daily life is not usually thought of as harmful or destructive to something as solidly built as jewelry. Chlorine, whether it is found in chlorine bleach used for cleaning, in the swimming pool or in the hot tub can degrade gold jewelry to the point of disintegration. The actual damage to the jewelry piece is due to something commonly called stress corrosion cracking. Whether there is already stress in the joints of the jewelry or it has been repaired, these existing stress points cause a failure in the integrity of the jewelry when exposed to chlorine. A gold ring, placed in undiluted bleach, can disintegrate within minutes of exposure. The higher the karat of the gold in the jewelry, the longer it takes for the chlorine to cause stress fractures.

Read more about the effects of chlorine and saltwater on your jewelry.

 

Most of us have a piece of jewelry that tends to elicits compliments from others. That piece just naturally attracts the eye. But guess what? It’s not just the jewelry–it’s you and the jewelry. So if there’s a necklace or pair of earrings that always garners compliments, ask yourself why. Does the color of the metal suit match the undertones of your skin? Is the piece distinctive in its design and match your personality?

Conversely, what have you noticed a friend of family member wearing that always catches your attention? Why?

These kind of indicators inform your next jewelry purchase. In short:

Work with what’s already working!

 Below: Always an eyecatcher.

Style 9026GM Filigree Diamond Pendant Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter. Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum Available Stone Size: 3/4ct Trade Up Our Guarantee Call For Pricing!

This video offers some fun, non-traditional and practical tips to store your jewelry using straws, buttons and an oven mitt…yes, an oven mitt!

Most of us think only in terms of clothing when it comes to matching our skin tone, but instinctually we gravitate toward one metal or another because we know silver or gold simply looks better. If you’re unsure, here’s a smart chart to guide you:

Determining Skin Tone

Look at the skin in natural light. Try to find a spot where the veins are easily noticeable. For most people, the wrists are their best bet. Use the table below to determine one’s skin tone.

Matching Skin Tone to Metals

Metals are easy to divide into cool and warm categories. The following table highlights the most common cool and warm metals found in jewelry.

Matching Skin Tone to Gem Colors

Metals are the base of jewelry. They need to match the skin tone so as not to distract, but the metal itself is usually not the focus of a piece of jewelry. Whether artificial or real, gems need to match one’s skin tone in order to create a cohesive look. Pale skin can look great with the right jewelry, but the wrong jewelry can make such skin look washed out and even unhealthy. Use the following table to find the right gem colors.

Source: eBay

Image: Fire Mountains Gems

Joan Rivers, one of the E Network’s “Fashion Police” has officially declared ear cuffs as a “gotta have” for the summer. And why wouldn’t they be? Not only have they been seen on the likes of Rhianna, Michelle Williams, Emma Watson and Miley Cyrus, but they don’t require piercing, so anyone can give them a try. Jewelers like Roberto Cavalli, Repossi, and Annelise Michelson have been jumping on the bandwagon as well.

http://youtu.be/VTxoUPcuW7g