PEARLS :
Pearls begin when a grain of sand, another piece of pearl, or any other irritant gets into the oyster’s shell. To protect itself, the oyster secretes multiple layers of a calcium carbonate substance called nacre around the foreign object to isolate it from the rest of the oyster. After a few years, the original irritant is covered in a silky coat and, voila, we have a pearl.
Look for pearls with a bright luster and a smooth, clean surface. Larger and more spherical pearls are highly sought after and are generally more expensive. However, pearls are all one-of-a-kind; each has a unique shape and color that gives it a special flair. With regard to color, try to find pearls that complement both your skin tone and your personal sense of style.
Care of Pearls - Pearls are very soft and need special care and attention. You should never store your pearls in a jewelry box next to other jewelry, because both the box and other pieces of jewelry can damage pearls by scratching and nicking, so keep them in a fabric lined box or fabric pouch.
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STERLING SILVER :
In its purest state, silver can be as soft as gold and therefore it is generally alloyed with another metal, usually copper, to add strength. Karatage is not used when technically speaking about silver because any piece of silver or sterling silver must be 92.5 percent pure to considered real silver. The finish of silver can be polished to a high sheen that not even platinum can match. The finish can also take on different textures when made into jewelry like polishing, matte or brushed, sandblasted, oxidized, or antiqued. Often, silver will take on a worn looking finish because of a response that happens the wearer’s skin so before purchasing a piece of silver jewelry make sure that you are not allergic to silver. All sterling silver must be marked as such.
Rhodium Plated - a tarnish free finish
Care of Silver - Silver requires more maintenance than any other metal. Tarnishing occurs because silver reacts to pollutants in the air, which is then exacerbated by moisture and heat. Tarnishing can be removed by chemical tarnish removing solution.
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DIAMONDS :
Diamonds are the hardest of all substances on this earth. They are incredibly resistant to heat and scratching and can only be polished or scratched by another diamond, but an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause a chip. By having your diamond placed in a protective setting your diamond can stay intact for a lifetime. Their sparkle, if cared for well, will remain undiminished for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Care of Diamonds - Even though diamonds last forever, they must be cleaned periodically to ensure their brilliance. A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean diamond jewelry. It is also a good idea to have your diamonds checked once a year by a professional to ensure the setting is secure.
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GEMSTONES :
The quality of a gemstone is determined by depth of color, clarity, size, and cut of the stone. Many gemstones are also enhanced during production, which means that a brilliant gem is more expensive if its qualities were naturally produced. When shopping for a particular gemstone, look closely for a stone that has very few flaws and is cut such that you can see whether or not it contains flaws. Jewelers will often cut a stone in one way or another in order to conceal flaws and make the gem seem closer to perfect than it actually is. Look for a stone with a deep and strong hue, as well—vibrant colors will draw the eye more easily and will make your piece of jewelry the very center of attention!
Care of Gemstones - Gemstones should be cleaned with warm water, an ammonia based detergent, and a small brush. Always keep gemstone jewelry in a soft pouch and never let two pieces touch because scratching can occur.
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