Last Minute Holiday Jewelry Shopping

Is it the last possible minute for holiday jewelry shopping? Are you worried that your package won’t arrive on time if you order online, but you just can’t get up the courage to brave the mad bustle, like other last minute holiday shoppers? You’re in luck, we can definitely help! You can browse our broad selection of jewelry for that perfect, thoughtful holiday gift. You can find for birthstone jewelry, religious jewelry, men’s jewelry, niche jewelry and more. We’ve listed some options for your convenience, some of our personal favorites! Make sure to look for that button that says ‘in stock ready to ship’. Good luck!

 

Proper Jewelry Cleaning Methods

Whether it’s a bracelet, ring, necklace or earrings, regular wear of jewelry dulls the shine. Oils from the skin, dirt, lotion, perfume- all the stuff that it comes into contact with everyday builds up in the setting and between the links robbing the piece of its sparkle and shine. There are several methods to clean pieces so they look brand new.

A liquid jewelry cleaner is a gentle way to remove the gunk. Typically, it is a mixture of ammonia, water and soap. This works great for gold, diamond and other hard gemstones. Never put soft or porous stones in a liquid solution. After soaking the piece of about 20 minutes, scrub with the soft brush provided and rinse and pat dry.

For a more aggressive clean, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners really knock out the dirt…literally. Sonic waves agitate the water solution and the bubbles work out the grime. Check the setting to make sure the stones are secure and again, do not put soft or delicate pieces in this machine. Steam jewelry cleaners are another aggressive and quick method that uses a blast of steam to remove the dirt.

Polishing cloths are available for the delicate soft stones like pearls and opals. They are a soft material that removes the oils and dirt from the surface. Some come pre-treated with cleaner and others are dry. For silver, use specific silver jewelry cleaners like the clothes, creams or pastes that remove the tarnish.

Before using any cleaner, ask what is appropriate for the piece and read the instructions for use of the jewelry cleaners and machines.

Top 10 Jewelry Tips

1. Never sleep, shower, garden or clean while wearing your jewelry.  You’re more likely to loosen the setting which could lead to missing stones.

2. Swimming in a pool with jewelry is bad for the metal.  The chlorine can corrode the settings and give gold a dull look.

3. Only polish jewelry with 100% cotton.  Your best bet is a polishing cloth or soft flannel because it won’t scratch the metal.

4. Don’t clean pearls, turquoise, amber, lapis, coral, emeralds, mother of pearl, or silver with ultrasonic cleaners.  You’ll damage them.

5. Keep certain stones away from sunlight and intense heat if possible; they will fade over time.  The list includes amethyst, ametrine, apatite, aquamarine, aventurine, beryl, citrine, green and purple fluorite, kunzite, and smoky or rose quartz.

6. Bleach eats sauter for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Keep your hands inside gloves or remove your jewelry before using it.  Your settings and stones will thank you later.

7. Store silver away from humid environments like bathrooms.  Silver tarnishes much more quickly in a wet environment.  To keep it in top shape, store it in an air tight container.

8. Make sure to store your pearl necklaces flat.  Silk stretches over time.

9. Choose pieces with a lower karat weight (10 karat and 14 karat) for rings if you’re going to wear it more often.  It will be less likely to scratch.

10. Give jewelry as a gift and celebrate important milestones in your life by rewarding yourself with a special piece.  Every time the piece is worn, it will act as a reminder offering encouragement and support.

Got a tip?  Email me.