Posts Tagged ‘Soft Cloth’

Even if you purchase costume jewelry that is high quality, a general rule of thumb, is that no costume jewelry will be as durable and reliable as fine jewelry. fashion jewelry does, however, allow you to follow the newest trends without having to spend the hundreds of dollars fine jewelry may cost you. It would be unreasonable to expect costume jewelry to last indefinitely; even fine jewelry will not look new forever.

However, with proper usage and care, you can prolong the life of your jewelry. You need to make sure that a cleaner doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar, or any other acids or alcohols. Read the label and make sure you are using a cleaner safe for whatever material your costume jewelry is made from (silver, gold, brass, bronze, copper, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, pearls, opals, marble and any gems.) Don’t use soap and water, because most soaps will leave a residue on the metal and make the stones look dull. Windex can damage delicate stones and finishes. Vinegar is also harmful to the gemstones. Use a very soft cloth to clean the surface of stones and gold or silver, using a bit of water. Do not submerge your jewelry entirely.

I. Keep your jewelry away from the following as much as possible: Water, lotion, perfume, or other harsh chemicals.

II. Perspiration will also shorten the life of your costume jewelry.

III. For Rhodium Plated Silver and Vermeil Jewelry – Do not use soap/water or jewelry cleaner to clean your jewelry as the soap will leave a film clouding your jewelry. This plating is known to prevent tarnishing but can certainly be compromised when exposed to harsh chemicals. Again, a soft jewelry cloth should do just fine!

IV. Most importantly, after you have cleaned your jewelry, you must make sure your jewelry is completely dried before wearing it or storing it.

Storing

How you store your costume jewelry depends upon the space that you have available, your budget, and whether you want to display them, wear them, or simply protect them. Here are some tips for safely storing your jewelry:

I. Temperature change – Any extreme change in temperature can affect stone settings and glue.

II. Moisture – Moisture is the worst enemy of costume jewelry. Not only can it destroy the foil backing of rhinestones; it can also damage the metals used.

III. Space – Vintage jewelry must never be allowed to rest on top of another piece or be jostled together. This can dislodge or scratch stones.

IV. Oak – Oak cabinets or boxes can release fumes that damage costume jewelry.

V. Cardboard boxes – Even the cute little boxes that jewelry is sold in has been treated with sulpher, which tarnishes gold and silver.

Good storage choices:

1. Ziplock bags
2. Metal drawers
3. Plastic boxes
4. Soft cloth
5. Curio cabinets

Fashion Jewelry, sterling silver jewelry and faux gold jewelry or vermeil jewelry can certainly last for years and years with proper care. There are many vintage costume jewelry pieces that have been passed from generation to generation and many stunning pieces can be found in historical museums all over the world!

PortiaJewelry.com Jewelry Information, Care Guide & Jewelry Rulers

Author: Isabel Manzo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates

Buying jewelry is not just for pleasure. A piece of jewelry is an investment and, therefore, it must be cared for so that its beauty and value will not diminish. This means that there are instances when jewelry should never be worn. For example, jewelry must be taken off when cleaning the house, especially when abrasive and strong chemicals are utilized. The surfaces of the jewelry will most likely be scratched or corroded when exposed to chemicals. This also applies to beauty products such as cleansing creams and lotions. Other chemicals, such as hairspray and perfume should also be away from jewelry.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, water can have a damaging effect. Thus, it is a sensible idea to remove jewelry when taking a bath, swimming in the beach or in the pool, or even walking under the rain. All these precautions are needed to keep the jewelry intact. These precautions cannot, however, keep the jewelry clean and shining. The owner of jewelry must take the time and effort to regularly clean his or her treasures. Some very expensive pieces of jewelry need the professional cleaning skills of a jeweler but most fine jewelry can be happy with this basic cleaning method.

The basic method of cleaning jewelry involves four simple steps. First, the jewelry must be wiped with soft cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Using harsh detergents and stain removers is not advisable for fine jewelry. Second, the jewelry must be rinsed, using warm water again. But the jewelry must not be soaked in water. Some types of jewelry, such as those made of silver and gold may tarnish because of water. Third, the jewelry must be polished with soft cloth. Using brushes or any bristled tool is no way to treat fine jewelry. And fourth, the jewelry must be thoroughly dried before it gets stored away in a pouch or box.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, there are unique approaches to cleaning. For example, lapis lazuli must be cleaned with a mixture of cold water with a small portion of mild soap. The other gemstones that do not react well with hot water are emeralds, jade, marcasite, and turquoise. Jewelry made of jade, as well as pearls, should only be wiped with soft moist cloth. They should be rubbed gently. Emeralds and opals, on the other hand, can withstand a few minutes of soaking in cold water.

A piece of jewelry which has diamonds will involve a different approach. Diamonds, despite their strength, can easily lose their shine and brilliance because they attract grease and dust. The oils that are naturally released by the skin can be deposited on the diamond, making the jewelry’s luster dissipate. To prevent this, it must be regularly cleaned, such as once every week. A quick cleaning of the diamond can be done by using a toothbrush with gentle bristles. The toothbrush must be first soaked in a cleaner fluid for diamond. This fluid is usually ammonia-based. For stubborn dirt, the diamond can be soaked overnight in such fluid. But other types of cleaning liquids, such as those that contain chlorine and abrasives, should not be used on diamond.

And finally, the brushing and the soaking of the diamond jewelry may not be a good idea if the diamond is in a setting. The cleaning fluid and the bristles of the toothbrush may weaken the jeweler’s cement that holds the diamond. If in a setting, the diamond jewelry may need a professional jeweler.

If you enjoy reading this, you may enjoy to read more about Brighton Jewelry and Jared Jewelers or One of A Kind Designer Jewelry [http://www.oneofakinddesignerjewelry.net]

Author: Puripong Koomsin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: car rear view camera, back up camera

Cleaning and correctly storing your jewelry will help it keep sparkling, increase the longevity of the piece and enhance its wearing pleasure.

Let’s first take a look at how to effectively and safely clean various types of jewelry.

Gold Jewelry

One of the simplest and economical ways to clean gold jewelry is to take a bowl of lukewarm to warm water, mix in a little mild detergent soap, immerse the jewelry piece and let it sit for a few minutes which will help dislodge residue and grime. Then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the piece. Put the piece under running water to wash of the soapy solution, then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry should be cleaned using the least abrasive silver polish. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and gently rub the piece, wipe away any excess polish. You can also use spray polish.

Diamond Jewelry

To clean diamond jewelry use a mix of 1 cup water and ¼ cup of ammonia. Immerse the piece for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then brush gently with a soft toothbrush, taking special care to brush the back mounting and the culet (tip of the diamond) as that is where most of the grime sticks reducing the amount of light passing through the stone thus reducing its luster.

Rinse the piece under running water and dry using a soft chamois skin cloth or a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Porous stones

Porous stones such as Emeralds, Jade, Onyx etc. use water and a very mild detergent to gently clean with a toothbrush, rinse under running water then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

Organic Stones

To clean organic stones such as Pearls, Amber, Coral, Jet etc. use only a soft damp cloth to wipe.

Never use any cleaning liquids or solutions on these stones.

Pearls can also be cleaned using a soft cloth with a little olive oil and then buffing with a dry soft cloth. This will improve the sheen and luster of the Pearl.

Antique and Ethnic jewelry

Antique jewelry and ethnic jewelry such a Kundan and Polki (Jewelry of India)
should not be cleaned at home as they are very delicate and liable to break and discolor easily.

These pieces should be taken to a trusted jewelry professional for periodic cleaning.

Note

Before starting the cleaning process of mounted and set stones please check the prongs, bail, earring posts, hooks and clasps for damage or wear and tear. If they are loose or missing please take the piece to a jewelry professional to get it fixed as the stone may dislodge during the cleaning process.

When rinsing under a tap, keep a sieve under the tap to trap a stone if it dislodges during cleaning.

Storing your jewelry

Correctly storing your jewelry is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your cherished jewelry.

Try to store your jewelry in individual hard boxes lined with soft cloth.

You can also wrap your jewelry in polishing paper or soft tissues and put them in plastic zip lock pouches.

Porous gemstones and organic gemstones such as Emerald, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Pearls, Coral, and Amber etc. should not be stored in direct sunlight.

Store your jewelry in dark and cool place away from extreme heat or cold.

Always store your jewelry away from chemicals and cosmetics.

Don’t put any heavy objects on top of your jewelry boxes or pouches.

Links and clasps of chains, bracelets and strings should be closed to avoid entanglement and breakage.

Always insure that your jewelry is completely dry before storing them.

The above mentioned cleaning and storage tips will ensure that you enjoy for years your favorite and often expensive jewelry.

For more articles about jewelry reviews, news and resources visit Jagmala’s blog Jewelry Reviews

Author: Jagmala Singh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rate

Why we love fashion jewelry?

Fashion jewelry, also referred to as costume jewelry, is a fun and inexpensive way to express your individual style. Its low cost composition means that it is easy to get your moneys worth of use out of it and allows for a much greater variety of bolder, attention grabbing styles and colors that can be mixed and matched according to your mood or wardrobe.

Caring for your fashion jewelry

Although fashion jewelry doesn’t require much of an investment, it is still important to get the most bang for your buck by taking proper care of your costume jewelry by following a few simple steps:

- NEVER allow fashion jewelry to come in contact with oils, soaps, perfumes, or any harsh chemicals which can fade or even ruin the item.

- ALWAYS remove jewelry before sports, swimming, exercising, washing hands, showering, cleaning, doing laundry, or applying lotions or creams.

- NEVER store jewelry wet. Always dry with a soft cloth before storing.

- When cleaning, be gentle! Use a soft toothbrush and jewelry cleaner that specifically states that it is safe for costume jewelry. Make sure it does not contain acid, alcohol, or ammonia. Only use jewelry cleaner as directed. DO NOT over scrub.

- Store jewelry in a plastic ziploc bag or soft jewelry pouch away from other objects and jewelry items to avoid scratching.

- Store jewelry in a clean, dry, cool, not cold place away from heat and dust.

- Use a jewelry cloth for buffing.

- Regularly check for loose stones.

Fashion jewelry typically consists of three elements:

1. A base alloy such as brass, nickel, aluminum, tin or a combination of metals that has been altered to resemble more precious metals such as silver, gold, or platinum. This is achieved by a variety of methods including:

· tone: Have you ever heard of fashion jewelry that is referred to as silver or gold tone? This means just what the name implies. Tone refers to the color of the metal only. Gold and silver tone jewelry are silver and gold in color but contain no actual gold or silver.

· electroplating: This is probably the most common method. In this process an electric current is used to deposit a thin layer, as little as 2 micro inches (a micro inch is one millionth of an inch) onto the base alloy metal which is immersed in a salt bath solution of the precious metal that will be used to plate the object.

· layering: This method also utilizes the process of electroplating. However, the plated object is immersed for a longer period of time allowing for a much thicker layer of precious metal to be deposited. Layered gold or silver consists of approximately 20-50 micro inches of gold or silver. Although it doesn’t sound like much. This thicker layer results in a much more durable, longer lasting jewelry piece.

· overlay: This method utilizes heat rather than electricity to combine the base metal with the precious metal to form a new alloy. This creates a permanent bond between the metals which creates jewelry that can be as durable and long lasting as the real thing with proper care. Gold overlay jewelry is also sometimes referred to as gold filled. It is generally safer for sensitive skin than costume jewelry made by other methods.

· Technibond: This is considered to be one of the most desirable methods of gold plating because it uses a full 40 micro inches of 14kt gold over .925 sterling silver rather than a typical base alloy. It is the best of both worlds.

· vermeil: This is the top of the line in gold plating. This method uses as much as 100 micro inches of gold over .925 sterling silver and as you can expect is also a bit pricier. It may be worth it for someone looking for something closer to the real thing without paying the exorbitant price for solid gold.

2. Man made stones such as cubic zirconia, crystals, rhinestone, glass, or epoxy are the second component of most fashion jewelry The most popular of which is cubic zirconia because of its physical characteristics. It is used to create simulated versions of precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Its sparkly appeal and inexpensive price tag allow for much larger, more glitzy fashion pieces that instantly attract attention. Colored glass can also be used to simulate precious stones and faux pearls. Rhinestone and crystal jewelry is also popular because of its glitzy appeal and color choices. Epoxy and acrylic are plastics that is often used to make inexpensive bead jewelry.

Although typical fashion jewelry consists of man made stones sometimes natural crystals and semiprecious stones such as pearls, topaz, black opal, amethyst, or peridot is used to provide a more fine jewelry appeal.

3. Fashion jewelry may also consist of unusual materials such as wood, stone, and shell which can be either natural or colored.

Whether your taste be classic, hip hop, or trendy fashion Windfall Costume Jewelry has something to fit your unique style without hurting your wallet. Take a moment to browse the gorgeous fashion jewelry selection at WFE Fashion Jewelry Prices start at just $2.00.

Author: Tanisha Howard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news