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Don’t call the plumber. And don’t run the water.

DIY jewelry recovery at your service!

Most jewelry that’s fallen down a drain is recoverable so breathe deeply and don’t worry.

This video details a fast and easy way to recover a piece of jewelry that’s found its way down a drain.

The world of metals is vast and confusing. But we’re about to make it a little easier. Prepare yourself for some metal education !

What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Stainless Steel?

Well, let’s talk about what stainless steel and sterling silver have in common first: both are alloys (meaning they are metals made up a combination of two other metals).

Now for the differences:

Stainless steel is made up of steel and chromium. It contains within it the strength and durability of steel with the luster, easy maintenance and resistance to corrosion of chromium. Stainless steel is used in surgical equipment, cookware, architecture and jewelry, among many other uses.

Sterling silver is made up of silver and another metal, most commonly copper, though potentially zinc or platinum. Silver by itself is too soft for most functional purposes, hence why its alloyed with another metal. This means it has the strength and functionality of the alloyed metal with the beautiful and lustrous appearance of silver.

Sterling silver is used to produce cutlery, jewelry, musical instruments (some manufacturers prefer to use sterling silver over brass).

Differences between sterling silver and stainless steel also include:

Stainless Steel:

More scratch resistant than silver

Doesn’t tarnish

Less lustrous

Sterling silver:

Less scratch resistant than steel

Tarnishes

More lustrous

Lighter in weight

One of the main benefits of sterling silver is its appearance; it looks brighter and shinier. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more durable and can last longer; it doesn’t tarnish but its also not as shiny.

Sterling Silver Tip: If you see a marking on that reads “.925,” this signifies the minimum fineness required for an object to be considered sterling silver.

A pure silver business card.

It’s a special occasion and you’re dressed to kill! Every hair is in place, your outfit is to die for and…you keep itching your neck all evening long.

Why? Your necklace (while it looks fabulous) is a piece of costume jewelry and not hypo-allergenic. Let the hives begin! 

If your earrings, necklace or other piece of jewelry causes an itch or a rash on your skin, chances are you may be allergic to nickel.

It’s considered one of the most common skin allergies, mainly because nickel is used in so many items, including jewelry, cell phones, zippers, eyeglass frames, belt buckles and keys.

If you have a nickel allergy, you’ll notice symptoms 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with it (though some notice symptoms earlier). Generally, the rash is specific to the area where the jewelry made contact but it can spread (sweat can worsen it, for example).

What can be done about a nickel allergy? 

Take steps to avoid nickel contact. If you want piercings or tattoos, have it done with sterile, surgical-grade, stainless steel instruments. Take care to avoid piercing guns (since they can contain nickel and cause bacterial infections).

When you purchase jewelry, make sure its made of surgical grade stainless steel or either 24-karat yellow gold. Beware of white gold (which may contain nickel).

Other nickel-free metals? Pure sterling silver, copper, titanium and platinum. If you simply must wear earrings that have nickel in them, add plastic covers.

Nickel chunk.

What is a garnet?

Garnet is not one single mineral per se but is used to encompass a group of several closely related silicate minerals. Garnets are widely known as dark red though come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and colorless.

According to Middle English, the word itself means “dark red.” In Latin, garnet is derived from the word “granum” meaning “seed” possibly referring to a pomegranate seed for which it is quite similar in color and shape.

The garnet’s history extends back to the Bronze age. Garnets were used as beads in a jewelry dating back to 3000 B.C. This gives us an idea of its durability and strength.

Symbolically, it represents the feminine nature (some say that only women should wear garnet). During medieval times, garnets were believed to cure depression, protect dreamers from nightmares and relieve diseases of the liver. It was also thought to be potent against poisons.

Garnet is the official birthstone for January. It is also used to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of marriage.

Below: a heart shape pendant in 14kt white gold featuring approximately .06ct t.w. of genuine Brazilian garnets and natural diamonds. (Pendant only, chain sold separately)