How to Care For Your Jewellery

Storage of Your Jewellery

Keep silver jewellery out of the air and light when stored to prevent tarnishing. A protective jewellery pouch, a lined box or just wrapping in tissue or soft cloth are all suitable.

Each piece of jewellery should be stored in a separate compartment to prevent scratching as a result of pieces knocking together. Gem-set jewellery will undoubtedly contain gemstones which are harder than silver and will therefore scratch the surface of the silver if allowed to jangle together. This holds true for gold as well.

General Care in Wear

Treat your jewellery with loving care and respect and it will stay young looking – like most women.

Washing Up, Spring Cleaning or DIY?

Remove your jewellery when carrying out cleaning or other chores. Cleaning fluids can damage both the metal and the gemstones. A miss-hit with the hammer could end a beautiful relationship with not just your engagement ring.

Going out?

Remember to put your jewellery on after applying make-up and the hairspray and avoid contact with perfume.

Going swimming?

Remove all jewellery before entering a chlorinated pool. If you’re contemplating a sauna, remove all jewellery as it will burn you when it heats up. Many gemstones are damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.

Going on holiday?

Most of us come off the beach on the first day with the 3 s’s all achieved - rings caked in sand, sea-salt and suntan lotion.
Nude sunbathing, as far as silver and gold jewellery is concerned, is a must!
Remember also that sand will scratch the surface of precious metals.

Tour de France or Running the Marathon?

Sweat will not enhance your jewellery and no-one will be looking at it anyway.

What is Silver?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is sometimes referred to as “pure silver”. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper but can be other metal and is used to give this precious metal strength and durability. Silver which is 99.9% silver is too soft to be practical for most day to day uses.

Generally, the higher the silver content the brighter or whiter the metal but beware of antiquing effects that can make a piece of sterling silver jewellery or decorative silverware look dark.

Sterling silver will tarnish over time but with care and regular cleaning can be restored to its “good as new” sparkling condition.

How Do I Clean Silver?

Natural body oils, soap and regular daily dust can build up on your jewellery.

A mild soap in water is usually enough to clean it. If gem-set, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the surfaces of the gemstones. Remember the backs!

Gently pat the jewellery dry. Do not use tissue or anything other than a jewellery cleaning cloth to polish your jewellery as unseen tiny hard fibres will scratch the surface.

If more serious cleaning is required, then use a good jeweller’s rouge or jewellery cleaning dip. However, if your silver is gem-set see below for advice on specific gemstones to be sure what is safe to use. Some cleaners which are ideal for sterling silver may be too harsh for the set gemstone.

Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended. They can damage pearls and gem-set jewellery.

How Durable is My Gemstone Jewellery?

First of all a note about the hardness and therefore relative durability of gemstones.

To measure hardness, the jewellery industry uses the Mohs scale. This gem-trade standard, conceived by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, measures the ability of a gem or mineral to resist abrasion damage. Diamond at 10 is the hardest whereas talc at 1 is the softest. Popular gemstones like amethyst and citrine register 7 whereas rubies and sapphires register 9.

Most substances your jewellery is likely to come into contact with will be around 7 on Mohs scale so any gemstone with a hardness higher than 7 is unlikely to scratch.

Precious metals (silver, gold and platinum) are quite low on the Mohs scale – less than 4.5 – and will scratch.

How Do I Clean Semi-Precious Gemstones?

Turquoise

Mohs scale 5-6
Turquoise is chalky in texture and is to be treated as fragile.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

It will scratch easily and chip if subjected to rough treatment. It does not like to be immersed in water and does not respond well to chemical contact. Either can cause it to change colour – usually turning more green.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Lapis Lazuli

Mohs scale 5-6
Lapis lazuli is a soft stone and like turquoise will chip easily.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Do not immerse in water as this can remove the protective coating.

Avoid contact with all chemicals.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Coral

Mohs scale 3.5 - 4
Coral is a soft organic gemstone and porous.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment as it will easily scratch or chip.

Avoid large variations in temperature and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Pearl

Mohs scale 2.5 - 4.5
Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity.

Avoid contact with any chemicals such as hairspray and perfume and wipe them clean with a soft cloth after wearing as natural body oils can discolour them.

Store them carefully, preferably in a pearl necklace box, a chamois bag or in tissue. Don’t throw them in a box with other jewellery as harder gemstones will scratch a pearl’s surface.

Cultured pearls can be washed carefully in mild soapy water.
Do not soak.
Do not dry in heat. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

If worn often, restring every 2 years.

Larimar

Mohs scale 5 - 7
Store larimar carefully, preferably in a separate jewellery compartment, a chamois bag or in tissue.
Avoid contact with any chemicals such as hairspray and perfume and wipe clean with a soft cloth after wearing as natural body oils can dull the surface.
Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunshine as this may cause colour fading.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a tiny drop of ammonia and use a soft brush. Rinse well and dry with a soft jewellery cloth.
Any cleaning preparation recommended for pearls is suitable for larimar.

Moonstone and Labradorite

Mohs scale 6
Moonstone gemstones are stored in oil before use in jewellery. This prevents the stone drying out and cracking.

It can be easily scratched and should be stored in a separate compartment

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never use jewellery dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Chalcedony and Onyx

Mohs scale 7
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.

Rose Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment as despite its Mohs’ rating, rose quartz can chip and scratch easily.
Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunshine as this may cause colour fading.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean

Topaz

Mohs scale 8
A durable gemstone unlikely to scratch or chip easily. However, always store in a separate jewellery compartment as it may scratch a softer gemstone or precious metal.
Avoid harsh chemicals and exposure to heat.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine and Smokey Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Avoid harsh chemicals and long exposure to heat.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Should survive an ultrasonic cleaning.

Garnet

Mohs scale 6.5 – 7.5
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment as garnet is brittle and despite its Mohs’ rating, can chip and scratch easily.
Avoid harsh chemicals.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
All garnets except andradite (demantoid) should survive an ultrasonic cleaning.

Peridot

Mohs scale 6.5 – 7
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Avoid rapid changes in temperature and exposure to heat.
Always store carefully in a separate jewellery compartment to avoid scratching and chipping.

Clean in mildly soapy water with a soft brush. Rinse well.
Do not soak.
Do not steam clean
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

To see examples of jewellery featuring all the gemstones mentioned above visit the author’s web site http://www.BoothandBooth.co.uk

Joan Booth has spent over 20 years as a Fashion Buyer for some of the UK's most illustrious department stores. She now owns and runs http://www.BoothandBooth.co.uk where you will find a unique range of gem set sterling silver jewellery.

When in the market for a piece of stunning silver jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind while you make your decision. Like other precious metals, silver jewelry requires some care to keep it looking as spectacular as the day it was purchased. Additionally, there are some "buyer beware" cautions you should consider before making a final choice.

1. In order to be labeled "silver," "sterling," "sterling silver," or "solid silver," the jewelry must be at least 92.5 percent pure silver. Often, pieces are stamped "925," ".925," or "92.5," depending on the manufacturer. This labeling rule is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) so you can be assured what you're buying is genuine.

2. If you're buying plated jewelry, it will be labeled "silver plated," "plated with silver," or "silver coated." If you're looking for a lower-cost piece of silver jewelry, you may find this to your liking.

3. Silver jewelry is priced based on the content of the precious metal, in addition to the craftsmanship that goes into producing the item. When judging the worth of an item, consider all that goes into making the piece.

4. For higher-end silver purchases, there may be other markings, trademarks, or hallmarks to indicate other information about the silver in question. Consult with your professional jeweler to assist you in determining the meaning of the markings.

5. Inspect the jewelry for high-quality construction, in particular fasteners and clasps. Faulty or poorly designed clasps can result in the loss of your piece. Catches should work with ease, but remain secure in most circumstances. Silver chains should lay flat, and if the piece is plated, the plating should be appropriately thick and cover the whole piece evenly.

6. When wearing silver jewelry, pay attention to the chemicals that come into contact with the precious metal. Avoid perfumes, lotions, oil, rubber, and hairspray if possible to prevent tarnish.

7. Always remove silver jewelry when using ammonia, alcohol, nail polish and bleach, as these are damaging to your silver.

8. Regular cleaning is vital to keeping your silver looking brand new. Your local multi-purpose store or jeweler sells silver cleaner that cleans and protects your jewelry, alongside special lint-free cloths for cleaning. Avoid using a toothbrush for this purpose, as it can be overly abrasive.

9. Store silver in an airtight container when not in use to prevent tarnish.

10. The best way to keep your silver looking great is simply to wear it! The natural oils in your skin act as a barrier against chemical damage.

Armed with a few simple facts and techniques for proper care, you can make a wise purchase and keep that purchase looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Amy Carrington is a fashion maven and an editor at SorellaJewelry.com. Sorella creates personalized jewelry with the names, words, dates and Chinese symbols that matter to you. Name Jewelry is a specialty.

Silver and Sterling Silver
Silver is among the three archetypal valuable metals, the other two being gold and platinum. It has even been used as legal tender money in the olden days. The content of silver in pure silver is 99.9%, which makes it too elastic and acquiescent. Silver has been widely used for making jewelry. But for jewelry making the pure form of silver is not suitable as it is quite malleable. Thus sterling silver came into being. Sterling silver is an assortment of silver and copper, in a fixed percentage ratio of 92.5:7.5. Copper provides it solidity, sturdiness and even provides resistance against tarnish. The term 'sterling silver' has its origin around 13^th century in England. But this form of silver gained its popularity and demand in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Use of Silver in Jewelry Making
Since age old times, silver has always remained a favorite with jewelers. Jewelry made of sterling silver is gaining popularity these days as it is long-lasting and even pocket friendly when compared to jewelry made out of gold or platinum. Jewelry made out of sterling silver is refined and is available in intricate and up-to-minute designs. The addition of copper makes it compatible to all twists and turns. The addition of copper to silver makes the jewelry more durable and adds to its sheen and helps in reducing the rate of smudge. Since pre-historic times, the silver has been perfectly blended with jewels and beads in making silver rings or silver bracelets. Sterling silver provided relief from the age old use of only gold jewelry which at times is to flashy. This jewelry can match all types of skin colors, thus making every woman attractive.

Use of silver wire in making jewelry
With the ever changing fashion industry the demand for new form of jewelry has popped up. Silver wire is an amazing form, which is being excessively used to silhouette designer pieces. Sterling silver is a pricey form of silver wire. Depending on the wire gauze, working of sterling silver wire can be either easy to work amid or can be rigid. While giving the shape, the pure form of silver wire is used as it is easily malleable and ductile. Wire which is silver plated is a substitute for the silver wire, and the base used is generally copper. The silver plated wire also needs to be coated to protect them from ruination. With the succession of twist, wraps and spirals and insertion of crystals and gems, the special pieces of jewelry are being designed. Exquisite styles and designs of silver rings, silver chains, silver bracelets, silver pendants and silver earrings all are available. Its marvelous glitter makes it pleasing to eyes and is available at pocket friendly prices.

Steps to take care of jewelry
With the increasing demand of sterling silver jewelry, the need to take care of it even arises. The following steps should be kept in mind to retain your favorite silver rings, silver bracelets and silver pendants:

- Only soft cloth and mild washing agents should be used to clean the jewelry.
- If the piece of jewelry contains some gems or stones the soapy solution is only recommended as harsh soap solutions can harm the jewelry's cement used to fix it up.
- Toothpaste can be used to get back the lost sheen of the jewelry.
- The silver jewelry is open to corrosion when wore in water and air, so it is advisable to remove the jewelry while doing household and kitchen work.

Krissy Klien is a self proclaimed "badass biker babe." As head of product selection for Badass Jewelry, she loves looking good on her Harley and that includes wearing some bling. Badass Jewelry carries and incredibly stunning line of silver skull rings and other wicked styles! Also checkout there badass silver Skull Jewelry. Stand out with BadassJewelry.com!

Silver beads have been prized for centuries for their elegance and ability to compliment almost any other combination of decoration. But there is a clear difference between silver and sterling silver.

Sterling silver is commonly referred to as pure silver, but is in fact a silver alloy. Pure silver is designated as 99.9% pure, but this purity tends to make the metal very soft. In jewellery applications, this can mean that delicate work is easily damaged or broken through the slightest of knocks. Adding another base metal to the silver gives it greater durability and strength. Sterling silver has this additional alloy and is only 92.5% silver. The additional metal is usually copper (7.5%).

Adding this percentage of copper or other base metal means that the silver can be worked in more detail and turned into different shapes, perfect for bead-making. All sterling silver carries a stamp, denoting its country of origin.

Silver beads are used in almost every type of jewellery, from simple necklaces to modern body jewellery. A silver necklace carries with it an air of sophistication and elegance, particularly if the silver beads are offset with other precious or semi-precious stones or pearls. Silver has never gone out of fashion; its popularity is helped by its ability to offer elegance and quality at a fraction of the cost of the equivalent in gold. It is resistant to tarnishing, needing only to be gently cleaned occasionally to restore its beauty.

Necklaces are not the only use of silver beads in jewellery. Because of the huge range of designs available, they can be used in earrings, bracelets and cuffs to match a simple but stylish necklace. Silver beads can also be incorporated into all kinds of applications, such as embroidering onto clothing or bags, or even evening wear shoes. Designers across the world continue to be captivated by the myriad of uses that silver beads have in fashion and couture, with the top designer houses often including beading in their collections.

Silver has the advantage of being the 'black' of jewellery in fashion terms - it goes with practically anything. A delicate, silver bead necklace can casually compliment a simple outfit of jeans and tee shirt. That same necklace can be worn with a cocktail dress with equal flair and finesse. A handful of silver beads, a well-thought out design and a little bit of patience can produce something that is unique and timeless. The best way to begin to incorporate silver beads into your jewellery making is to buy a small selection and let your imagination loose. The results will be uniquely yours and always a favourite part of your jewellery collection, no matter what the occasion.

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewelery making supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, silver jewelery findings, tools, precious metal clay and gold and silver sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.