Do you know what you are buying?

Customers have asked me so many times about metal differences in jewelry.  You want to know if what you are buying is worth the price, will last a lifetime or have to be discarded in a few years, and if it is REAL, meaning quality metal and stones.So here we go.   This is breakdown of metals used in jewelry and what you can expect.

Precious Metal Categories

Platinum - long revered for its quality and used frequently in high end wedding jewelry.  It is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, gray-white transition metal. Its name is derived from the Spanish term platina, which is literally translated into "little silver".[3][4]Platinum is one of the least reactive metals. It has remarkable resistance to corrosion, even at high temperatures, and is therefore considered a noble metal. Consequently, platinum is often found chemically uncombined as native platinum. Because it occurs naturally in the alluvial sands of various rivers, it was first used by pre-Columbian South American natives to produce artifacts. Its resistance to wear and tarnish is well suited to use in fine jewelry. 

24K Gold - Not generally used for jewelry as it is too soft.24k gold is also called pure gold or 100 per cent gold. This means that all 24 parts in the gold are all pure gold without traces of any other metals. It is known to be 99.9 per cent pure and takes on a distinct bright yellow color. There is no higher form of gold than 24K and you must be aware of this before you go to a dealer who might tell you that they’re selling you 25K or 26K gold. Since this is the purest form of gold, it is naturally more expensive than 22K or 18K gold. However, this type of gold is lesser in density as compared to gold of a lower karatage which makes it soft and pliable. Hence, it is not suited for regular forms of jewelry.  

22K Gold -  Used in granulation techniques (see Etruscan Jewelry) and when a bright gold is wanted.22K gold jewelry implies that 22 parts of the jewelry amounts to gold and the balance 2 parts are some other metals. This kind of gold is commonly used in jewelry making. In 22K gold, of the 100 per cent, only 91.67 per cent is pure gold. The other 8.33 per cent comprises metals like silver, zinc, nickel and other alloys. It is this addition of metals that make the texture of gold harder thereby making the jewelry durable. However, you must know that although this can be used to make plain gold jewelry, 22K gold isn’t preferable for diamonds and heavily studded jewelry.  To obtain price per ounce, multiply the 24K gold spot price by 91.67%.

18K Gold - Typically the European Standard for Gold Jewelry.18K gold is 75 per cent gold mixed with 25 per cent of other metals like copper or silver etc. Usually studded jewelry and other diamond jewelry is made in 18K gold. This kind of gold is less expensive compared to 24K and 22K. This one has a slightly dull gold colour. Recognizing 18K jewelry is rather simple – you will see the item stamped with 18K, 18Kt, 18k or a variation similar to these. At times, 18K gold is marked by 750, 0.75 or a stamp similar to these in order to symbolize that the jewelry contains 75 per cent gold.  To obtain price per ounce, multiple the 24K gold spot price by 75%.

14K Gold - The American standard for most engagement and wedding rings.14K gold contains 58.5% gold and is the perfect compromise for a gold metal: It is still quite durable and will not easily tarnish. It also has a nice yellow gold color and in fact you won’t be able to distinguish 14K and 18K yellow gold just by looking at it.  14K gold is a premium gold and is still comparably cheap. Especially compared to 18K gold.  The difference in durability between 14K and 18K gold is noticeable. It will usually take much longer for an 14K gold ring to show visible marks of wear and tear compared to an 18K gold ring.  It is the best choice for anyone looking for the best balance in durability, price and look. To obtain the price per ounce, multiply the 24K gold spot price by 58.5%

10K Gold - Economical and strong for jewelry, however less desirable.The first striking thing about 10K gold is the fact that it contains more alloy than gold. It contains 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. One advantage of 10K gold compared to 14K gold is that it is cheaper. 10K gold may actually be considered discount gold.10K gold looks slightly more pale than 14K gold but usually you won’t be able to see the difference with your bare eyes.10K gold will also tarnish more quickly than 14K or 18K gold but with regular care this should not be too much of an issue.  To obtain the price per ounce, multiply the 24K gold spot price by 41.7%.

White Gold - An alternative choice in color - available in same Karating as Yellow Gold.
The main difference between yellow gold and white gold is that white gold is an alloy of gold and a white metal such as palladium, manganese, or nickel. Like yellow gold, white gold’s purity is defined in karats. White gold rings often contain nickel, which provides the strength needed for a durable setting that lasts.  The nickel alloy may be problematic to those with skin allergies.   If you are allergic,  it is best to ask about the alloy, and request white gold made with something other than nickel.

Rose Gold - Becoming more popular, particularly for people who want a romantic look.
Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy that is sometimes referred to as red gold or pink gold. As it was popular in Russia at the turn of the nineteenth century, was once commonly referred to as Russian Gold, although the term is rarely heard these days. Like yellow gold and white gold, rose gold is a very popular choice for rings. Though it is seen less often, it is gaining popularity, particularly among people who want their wedding and engagement rings to have a unique, romantic look. Rose gold works well in all types of settings but is particularly appealing in vintage-inspired engagement rings and wedding rings. It can be combined with white or yellow gold to create a unique multi-colored setting that appeals to the wearer’s artistic side. Durability is another consideration to keep in mind when comparing rose gold vs. yellow gold vs. white gold. Incredibly, this softly romantic colored gold is the strongest of the three, as copper is very sturdy and the resulting alloy is tougher than yellow or white gold. On the downside, copper can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and is not considered to be a hypo-allergenic metal. If shopping for someone with very sensitive skin, yellow gold may be your best choice.

Fine Silver - Very soft and malleable - not used for rings but okay for pendants/earrings

Fine silver, sometimes stamped .999, is at least 99.9% pure silver, which means it is softer and more malleable than sterling. It also tends to take longer to tarnish. 

Sterling Silver - Extensively used for jewelry, Tarnishes.

Sterling silver, sometimes stamped .925, is an alloy of at least 92.5% silver, and (usually) copper. It is a soft, easy to work with metal, which can be antiqued to a dark black or polished to a bright shine.

Argentium Silver - Harder, Less tarnish, great for all jewelry

Argentium® sterling silver is a tarnish-resistant variety of sterling that consists of 1.2% germanium, 6.3% copper and 92.5% silver. For the end user, Argentium's main attraction is its tarnish-resistance which requires much less maintenance than traditional sterling silvers. For metal workers, Argentium offers additional benefits. It does not develop firescale, which both saves artisans time and makes it environmentally friendlier than traditional sterling. Argentium can be made nearly twice as hard as standard annealed sterling silver by a simple heat treatment, and it is laser weldable. These properties allow for expanded design possibilities. 

Filled Metal Categories

Silver Fill - Used in a lot of costume jewelry.

Silver fill is made by using heat and pressure to apply a layer of .925 sterling or .999 finer silver to a base of less costly metal. This produces a surface of sterling silver or fine silver that is hundreds of times thicker than a silver plating. There are no industry standards yet for silver fill.

Vermeil - Gold Colored- Used in costume jewelry.

Vermeil, pronounced "vehr-MAY," is a plating of karat gold over sterling silver.  

Gold Fill - Used in costume jewelry
Gold fill (also called gold overlay) is made by using heat and pressure to apply a layer of karat gold to a base of less costly metal. This produces a surface with karat gold. The minimum layer of karat gold must equal at least 1/20 of the total weight of the item. 
Gold-filled tubing and wire are usually seamless, so only gold touches the body. Gold-filled sheets of base metal, used to make other findings, can be either single clad (gold on visible side only) or double clad (gold on both sides and sometimes the edge). Seamless and double clad gold-filled items are less likely to discolor, since the base metal is sealed inside the gold. However, the layer of gold on a single clad 1/20 gold-filled item is as thick (and the same total weight) as the two layers of gold on a double clad 1/20 gold-filled item. Use care when buffing gold-filled items, to avoid removing the gold layer.

The surface layer of karat gold on gold-filled items is usually 10kt, 12kt or 14kt . To know the thickness of the layer, look for a fraction, such as 1/10 or 1/20. It will be 1/20 unless otherwise stamped. Examples:

• 1/10 10kt GF: 1/10 of the total weight must be 10kt gold.
• 1/20 12kt GF: 1/20 of the total weight must be 12kt gold

Platings - a fine layer of precious metal over base metal - used for inexpensive costume jewelry
A plating is a thin deposit of metal that is electro-chemically or otherwise applied to the surface of a different metal base. Other materials, like plastic, can also be plated. Many plated items are plated with copper first, then the final color.   The following are some platings available to you:

White Plating  White plate is the "silver" color most often see on costume jewelry and base-metal findings. White-plated components are generally grayer, but also more durable, than silver-plated components. They generally do not tarnish. The plating is typically an imitation rhodium made of copper, tin, zinc, and/or nickel. 

Silver Plating Silver plate is a thin surface layer of actual silver. It nicely matches the color of sterling silver; it doesn't quite match our white findings. Like sterling silver, silver plate can tarnish. For this reason, it's frequently lacquered to prevent tarnish (until the lacquer wears off). 

Antique Silver Plating Antiqued silver plate is a thin surface layer of silver that has been darkened to provide a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance.

Antique Pewter Plating Antiqued pewter plate is a pewter-colored plating that has been darkened to provide a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance. Some antiqued pewter beads and findings are matte, while others are shiny.

Yellow Plating Yellow plate is a gold-colored plating that is slightly brassier than gold plate, and is sometimes longer lasting. Yellow finishes go best with raw brass.

Gold Plating  Gold plate is a very thin deposit of actual gold (about 1/1,000 - 1/1,000,000 of an inch). The color matches 14kt gold. Heavy gold electroplate might be 2 or 3/1000s of an inch thick (this can also be written as 2 or 3 mils). Many gold-plated items have a white nickel plate under the final gold plate. Warning: hand lotion will accelerate tarnish on gold plated components, and can result in a black color within days of handling. 

Antique Gold Plating Antiqued gold plate is a very thin surface layer of actual gold (about 1/1,000 - 1/1,000,000 of an inch) that has been darkened to provide a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance. Warning: hand lotion will accelerate tarnish on gold plated components, and can result in a black color within days of handling.

Antique Brass Plating Antiqued brass components typically have a brass or zinc base with a brass plating. The crevices of antiqued brass beads, charms and findings are darkened to give them a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance.

Copper Plating  Copper plate is a bright, shiny copper plating. Because the metal underneath the plating is usually a harder metal than copper, copper-plated components tend to be more durable than solid copper parts.

Antique Copper Plating  Antiqued copper plate is a copper plating that has been darkened to provide a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance.

Gunmetal Plating  Gunmetal plating varies in color from gun blue to matte dark gray to shiny black metal. It often consists of black nickel plated over brass, but we also carry gunmetal components that meet the EU Nickel Directive. It's also possible to find gunmetal coated Czech glass beads.

What's the Difference between Gold Plate and Gold Fill?

Gold fill is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and about 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate. Similarly, silver fill is 100's of times thicker than a silver plating.

What are Base Metals?

Base metal is a catch-all term in the jewelry industry for metals used in costume jewelry. In metal working, base metal is any metal that is not one of the noble or precious metals. In costume jewelry, base metals are often plated with a very thin layer of gold, silver, nickel, rhodium or other metal on the surface of the bead, finding, chain or other component.  Common base metals include: Brass is an alloy of copper, zinc and sometimes other metals. It is typically 70% copper and 30% zinc. Our red brass wire is 90% copper, and 10% zinc, which gives it a slightly warmer color. Raw (unplated) brass components are usually the same color as yellow (plated) findings, although they will vary in color and may also work with gold plate. Their surfaces may be imperfect and their finish may change with age.  Anti-tarnish brass (a proprietary alloy) looks very close to the color of 14kt gold. Another name for it is tarnish-resistant brass.  Copper is an element that's bright reddish-orange in color. Over time, it will darken and gain a patina, sometimes with a greenish hue. Copper can also discolor skin, most commonly when it is worn snugly like a finger ring or tight-fitting bracelet. Copper is a soft metal, which makes it great for wire wrapping. Because of copper's softness, solid copper components are less durable than copper-plated beads and findings.  Nickel silver is sometimes also called German silver. It is a base-metal alloy of nickel, copper and zinc. While nickel is silver in color, it does not contain any sterling silver. Nickel silver wire is 65% copper, 18% nickel, and 17% zinc. The relatively inexpensive cost of nickel silver compared with sterling makes it an attractive option for jewelry components. Just be aware that some people are allergic to nickel. Niobium is highly resistant to corrosion and other reactions, and is used in medical implants. Niobium jewelry findings come in several anodized colors. Anodizing is a way to color metal by dipping it into an electrically charged "bath" that creates bright colors without plating or painting the surface. The colors don't flake or chip like plated or painted surfaces can. The main drawback of anodized niobium is that it doesn't match basic silver and gold colors. On the upside, niobium is an inert element, with no nickel, lead, or other additives, most people with metal allergies can safely wear niobium.  Pewter includes any of the numerous silver-gray alloys of tin with various amounts of antimony and copper. TierraCast products are made with a lead-free pewter called Britannia pewter, which consists of tin, antimony, and copper. Most TierraCast Britannia pewter beads and jewelry findings have a surface finish ( plating) of a different color over the pewter base. Other base-metal items marked "antiqued pewter" may be brass or zinc with an antiqued pewter plating. In nearly all cases, these zinc or brass alloys meet lead-free criteria.  Steel is a blanket term for a wide variety of iron-based alloys that are very tough and hard.  Cold-rolled steel is shaped when the metal is below its recrystallization temperature (usually room temperature). The metal is literally pressed between rollers in a mill to flatten and thin the steel. This cold processing method work hardens the metal and strengthens it up to 20% more than hot processing. It also creates a very smooth surface with a uniform finish. It allows for the creation of small products with great strength.  AFNOR XC45 steel is a specific type of cold-rolled steel, and is a combination of XC45 and XC75 (AFNOR) steel — also known as 1045 steel and AISI 1078 steel, respectively. The alloy is a carbon steel with no nickel added, meaning it meets the strict standard of the EU Nickel Directive. Jewelry findings made of AFNOR XC45 steel include superior-quality French barrette backs and shoe clips. Stainless steel (a.k.a. corrosion-resistant steel) is a generic name for any steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5 wt% chromium. Common types or grades include 440, 304L, 316L and 904A. In all types of stainless steel, the chromium creates a very thin chromium-oxide layer on the surface of the metal which prevents it from rusting.  The advantage of stainless steels over plated steels is that, if scratched or damaged, the stainless steel 'self-repairs' as a new chromium-oxide layer is formed. In plated steels, scratches in the plating can lead to corrosion of the steel underneath. In general, the higher percentage of chromium, the stronger the corrosion resistance of the steel. Other metals are added to the alloy to give the steel other properties, such as strength and malleability. Nickel is added to strengthen the protective oxide layer.  Stainless steel findings are slightly more gray than white findings, but the difference is barely noticeable, especially on finished jewelry. Stainless steels do not match sterling or silver plate well.  304 stainless steel is the most popular grade of stainless steel. It is 18-20% chromium, 8-10.5% nickel, 0.08% carbon, plus iron and the trace elements listed above. It is commonly used in the food industry (sinks, coffee urns, dairy storage and hauling, beer/brewing, citrus and fruit juice handling, etc). The same corrosion and stain resistance that make it great for food handling, also make it popular for jewelry.  304L stainless steel is almost the same as 304, but has a lower carbon content (0.03%), and may contain a slightly higher amount of nickel (8-12%). This alloy has increased weldability and resistance to corrosion (great for men's jewelry).  430 stainless steel contains less than 0.75% nickel, and some forms of 430 stainless steel meet the EU nickel directive (less than .05% nickel ion migration). 430 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance compared to non-stainless steel, but not as good as the 304 and 316 alloys. This makes it less popular for jewelry than you would expect from its low nickel content. Surgical stainless steel is a specific type of stainless steel which, while wearable by the majority of the population, does contain a small amount of nickel (to which some people are allergic), usually 8% in jewelry.  316 and 316L surgical stainless steel contain 2-3% molybdenum for even greater resistance to harsh corrosives (both industrial, and in the body). 316L is a low carbon version of 316, with extra corrosion resistance, and is frequently used for stainless steel watches and marine applications. Like most other stainless steel, it contains 8-10.5% nickel, making it unsuitable for people with nickel allergies.  Titanium is a very strong metal that's resistant to corrosion. Because of this, it's frequently used in medical implants, and it's an excellent choice for people with nickel allergies. Our titanium ear wires and earring posts are Grade 1 ASTM F67, which is unalloyed commercially pure titanium, and meets the EU Nickel Directive.  "White metal" and "pot metal" are terms for tin-based alloys used in low temperature casting of base-metal jewelry components. White metal is the "silver" color that you most often see on costume jewelry and base-metal findings. White metal castings are usually three-dimensional rather than flat and are often plated. The exact composition of white metal varies, because each casting foundry and shop uses its own proprietary formula.  Print this sheet and keep it handy when shopping for jewelry.  Don't forget to call Anita ROKS by Analece, 251-929-3620,  for all your Jewelry needs or shop online in my store!  Hope this was helpful and answered many of your questions about metals!  Peace, Anita

Cinco de Mayo - May 5, 2019

Cinco de Mayo is annually observed on May 5. It celebrates the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in Mexico on May 5, 1862. It is not to be confused with Mexico's Independence Day.

What Do People Do?

Cinco de Mayo is seen as a day to celebrate the culture, achievements and experiences of people with a Mexican background, who live in the United States. There is a large commercial element to the day, with businesses promoting Mexican services and goods, particularly food, drinks and music. Other aspects of the day center around traditional symbols of Mexican life, such as the Virgin de Guadalupe, and Mexican-Americans who have achieved fame, fortune and influence in the United States.

One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations are in cities such as Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, San Antonio, Sacramento, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver and El Paso in the USA's south-western regions. In these cities, a large proportion of the population has Mexican origins. Many people hang up banners and school districts organize lessons and special events to educate their pupils about the culture of Americans of Mexican descent. In some areas, particularly in Pubelo de Los Angeles, celebrations of regional Mexican music and dancing are held.

 Recommended Things to Do on Cinco de Mayo

Eat some REAL Mexican Cheese

Consume Tortillas All Day Long (Doesn't matter if Flour or Corn)

Taste the Difference between Tequila and Mezcal (You may want to wait until evening for this!)

Drink a Cocktail that is popular in Mexico (Not a Margarita)  such as Paloma, Mezcalita or a Chavela (if you are recovering from a hangover)

Put on a Selena album, some festive clothing and of course lots of my jewelry and dance, dance dance!

 Jarabe Tapatío, (Mexican Hat Dance), La Conquista, Matlachines or even the Chicken Dance is fine!

Whatever you do to celebrate, Have Fun!  

and thank a Mexican for the opportunity to PARTY!

Mother's Day - The perfect holiday for personalized gifts!

Mothers Day is just around the corner and I'm sure you are wondering what you should get her this year!  Flowers are trite, candy is fattening and quite frankly, you are frustrated trying to think of a gift that has meaning, is affordable for you, and is different!

This quote, published in Southern Living Magazine is a good inspiration!

I think we will all agree that mothers are heroes!  They tirelessly work to make our lives better, sometimes to their own detriment.  Why not give her a symbolic nod to her achievements? A badge she can wear every day to remind her that you recognize her efforts and love?  

Personalization is key!  

Some of the most popular and trending items in the jewelry category are birthstone pieces and necklaces containing multiple names.  

Stacking bangle bracelets allow for layering and endless individualized combinations.  They can be set with multiple stones representing the birthstones of children, or feature charms with children's initials, and even their fingerprints.   For inspirational bangles, they can be stamped with statements like "My Hero", "Amazing Mom", "Courageous", "Faithful", "Star" or your favorite phrase!

And the best part of it all?  You can do this within your budget!  Item's range from $25 and up, and will be customized to your specifications!  You can choose from Sterling Silver, Gold Filled or Gold, depending on your budget.

Celebrate your Mom's individuality and strength!  Her friends will all be envious!  And, she will feel very special!

Contact Me today if you would like more information about personalizing a jewelry gift for your Mom. But hurry!  It takes a little time to make these special gifts!

251-929-3620

or see me at M&F Casuals, 380 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 on April 23, 2019 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm during my annual spring/summer trunk show!

For all those Mothers out there, Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Easter and Passover Season

(source:  TeapartyTribune.com)

A Time for Renewal and Thanks!  

Our nation has been in turmoil for several years and the political climate is at its worst in decades!

During this season of resurrection and celebration of freedom from bondage, let us commit to renew our faith and celebrate our diversity!  We are all children of a higher being, and it's time that we remember to treat one another as we would want to be treated by others.  

It is our wish that you will have a Peaceful, Happy and Loving Holiday Season, and that you will remember to help those that are not as fortunate as we are!  Peace and Love is our Motto!

Thank you for being our customer!

Spring Has Sprung! Have you started your spring cleaning?

Jewelry, like clothing, houses and yards should be cleaned regularly.  We tend to neglect cleaning our jewelry on a regular basis, and sometimes we don’t clean it at all!

Why not start a routine jewelry cleaning schedule, beginning in the Spring?

Think of your jewelry like clothing: No two pieces are alike, and they all come with a unique set of cleaning guidelines.  That means some of your jewelry can be cleaned at home, while others might require the attention of a professional.

Gold and sterling silver can be cleaned at home, but more delicate metals, like platinum, can sustain small scratches more easily than its other metal counterparts. While many enjoy the unique matte look, if you prefer to maintain your piece’s lustrous appearance, a professional re-polish is best.

In general, jewelry made of precious metals set with diamonds, sapphires and rubies is safe to clean yourself with most commercial jewelry cleaners, and I personally prefer the eco-friendly, natural, biodegradable types.  If you cannot find this type of cleaner, contact me and I can provide it to you.   You can also clean this type of jewelry with a mild soap and warm water.

How to clean your jewelry at home:

First, gather your jewelry and separate it based on costume base metal jewelry (most inexpensive), solid precious metal jewelry (silver, gold with no stones), and fine jewelry, solid precious metal jewelry with gemstones ( diamonds, colored gemstones)., and jewelry with pearls or opals.

Before you start cleaning, inspect each piece for broken parts, loose stones, rough metal or missing stones.  Put these items aside.

1)
Starting cleaning with your costume jewelry. Take any antique costume jewelry to a professional and don't attempt to clean it at home.  It is far too delicate!.  Add Dawn blue dish washing detergent to a bowl of warm water large enough to allow complete immersion of your jewelry.  Add your jewelry and allow it to soak for approximately five minutes.  Remove each jewelry item separately and inspect for cleanliness.  If there is caked on dirt or make-up present, brush the area with a soft toothbrush dipped in the Dawn/water solution.  Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.  Leave on a fresh dry cloth to continue drying.  Many costume pieces have glued in stones so you should never use vinegar, ammonia, acetone or chemical cleaners for this type of jewelry, or scrub vigorously as you may loosen the stones.  If you are cleaning discolored brass jewelry, you may use a soft jewelry cleaning cloth and test an area on the back of the piece to see if you can remove the discoloration without damage.  Proceed with caution or take the piece to a professional for help.

2)
For Silver and Gold jewelry with no stones, there are several safe methods used for cleaning.  If the metal has a darkened background ( called a patina) avoid using a ultrasonic cleaner or chemical cleaners as they may affect the oxidized finish.  You may clean high polished Silver and Gold without patina with a ultrasonic cleaner or a chemical or natural cleaner designed for cleaning jewelry.  As an alternative you can use a paste of baking soda and water applied with a very soft toothbrush.  Rinse well with warm water and dry with a soft towel, then leave the item on a fresh towel to finish drying.

3)
Silver and Gold Fine Jewelry with stones.  I do not put jewelry with precious stones in an ultrasonic cleaner even though many jewelers use these cleaners.  The vibration can loosen the stones and some stones are sensitive to heat!   For everyday cleaning, you can use baking soda and water with a soft toothbrush, brushing gently.  Do not use standard chemical based jewelry cleaner unless it was purchased from a jeweler and recommended for use with stones.  The best option is to take your pieces to a jeweler, like me, for a professional cleaning and a check for loose prongs, loose stones etc.  White gold is usually plated with rhodium to whiten the color and protect the metal.  Over time this plating may wear and the metal will start to look slightly yellow.  To freshen the white gold, take the piece to a professional jewelry for re-plating and your jewelry will look fresh and new!

4)
Jewelry with pearls, opals, turquoise, coral and platinum metal should be cleaned professionally by a jeweler to avoid damage.  These stones are very soft and can be damaged easily.  Platinum is easily scratched.  Antique jewelry can be tricky to clean and if it features a closed back it should not be moistened.  Pearls can be cleaned by soaking in a warm bath of mild soap and water,  and placed on a soft cloth to dry.  Then wipe carefully with a lint free cloth.   Pearls, opals, coral and turquoise should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner!

Damaged items should be repaired before worn again!

I will be happy to repair your broken or damaged jewelry, whether it is costume or fine jewelry. Costume jewelry can sometimes be more costly to repair than its monetary value but if it is a favorite piece it may be worth it.  Often it is a simple repair, such as replacing a jump ring or clasp or re-gluing a stone.  

Knotted pearl strands should be restrung every three years or when string is dirty or pearls are slipping over knits.

Damaged prongs are an open invitation to lost stones.  You should have your fine jewelry inspected every six months for prong damage and wear and tear.  Dirt and grease on your jewelry can dull the stones, taking away their beauty, and cause wear and tear on the prongs.  It can also cause irritation to your skin.

Don’t just throw your damaged jewelry in a drawer, bring it to me for a fresh new start!  That’s what Spring Cleaning is all about, isn’t it?

Dirt and Damage Prevention

Daily wear and tear dulls your jewelry, and when you subject it to soap residue and perfume or skin lotions it adds to the potential damage.

Remove your jewelry before bathing, swimming or active sports.  Salt, chlorine, dirt and skin oils are not good for your jewelry.  Apply perfume or lotion before adding your jewelry to minimize contact with chemicals which can damage soft stones and pearls and even metals.  DO NOT get leather jewelry wet!

Avoid storing your jewelry in direct sunlight or heat.  You can still display most of  your jewelry in those small trinket receptacles or on jewelry displays,  but be aware that it will necessitate frequent cleaning to keep your jewelry fresh and dirt free.  Always clean the receptacle to eliminate build up of dust.

Certain colored gems can be more sensitive to sunlight, like emeralds and tanzanite, for example. Other color-treated gems can also be more sensitive to prolonged direct sunlight, so if you are not sure if the gem is color-treated, do not leave it in the direct sun.

For easy storage and less cleaning, consider keeping your jewelry in a box with individually lined compartments to keep your chains from tangling and your jewels from rubbing against or scratching each other.  I recommend acid free boxes to prevent oxidation.  As an alternative, you can put silver pieces in sealed acid free plastic bags, and include a small piece of sidewalk chalk or a charcoal strip (available through jeweler supply stores).

Jewelry boxes, jewelry bags or open trays should have separated areas for rings, earrings and soft bracelets. Hanging your necklaces will keep them from getting tangled.   For cuff bracelets, stand them in a plastic tray with compartments enclosed with an acid free plastic bag.

I hope these tips are helpful!  

My final bit of advice:  Get in the habit of cleaning your jewelry at least every six months, and use 1st day of spring and 1st day of fall as dates for a reminder.  Put it on your calendar and stick to the schedule.  If you jewelry needs attention in between those times, don't put it off!  You could lose a valuable stone or damage a piece more!

Happy Spring Cleaning Everybody!

Anita

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwaanza & More

Southern Snow!  About the best we can do here!

A big thank you for all your support throughout the year. Look for new announcements and products plus redesigned website in 2018. 

 And, don't forget about jewelry repair services offered on costume to fine jewelry!  Quick turn around on restringing, Repair, sizing, resetting and redesign services!

We are your full service jeweler!  Shop at Etsy.com/shop/anitaroks, use coupon code FAVORITE for extra discount!  Still shipping for Christmas delivery!

AHH! Springtime will be here soon!

Our spring fashion colors are related to the great outdoors! 

 According to Leatrice Eiserman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, "Reminiscent of the hues that surround us in nature, our Spring 2017 Fashion Color Report evokes a spectrum of emotion and feeling.  From the warmth of sunny days with PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow to the invigorating feeling of breathing fresh mountain air with PANTONE 18-0107 Kale and desire to escape to pristine waters with PANTONE 14-4620 Island Paradise, designers applied color in playful, yet thoughtful and precise combinations to fully capture the promises, hope and transformation that we yearn for each Spring."

As jewelry designers, it is important that we pay attention to these top fashion colors, in order to coordinate our fashion jewelry to complement this theme.

If you are shopping for jewelry, or making jewelry yourself, select bright colorful stones that compliment your clothing and accent your outfits.  Add natural features to your jewelry, such as feathers, leaves, seed pods, sticks, flowers, trees, birds that are fabricated in metal,   Depict the sea in your design themes, with waves, beach elements, birds, beach glass and pottery shards.  Add some color with resin, enameling or alcohol inks.  

We are moving away from the petite jewelry, back to statement jewelry, so do not be afraid of larger pieces, layered necklaces, big earrings and bracelets.  Single long theme based earrings are in style, as well as asymmetric earrings.

Leather is still a major component in men's jewelry and more casual women's jewelry.  Stamped designs in leather or metal overlays are popular, with lettering content and etching.

Enjoy shopping for new spring jewelry, or making it yourself!  I'll be rolling out new spring designs in the next few weeks. Watch for them on Etsy and in M&F Casuals.

Wishing you a mixture of Vitality, Relaxation, and Enjoyment of the Great Outdoors!

Happy Spring!