The care and “feeding” of pearls

For instance: handcrafted custom necklaces; unique earrings; stretch bracelets; rosaries; rings; and beaded decorative fan pulls just to mention a few.In today market, there is an infinite selection of pearls to choose from and many are available at reasonable prices.Handcrafted custom made pearls are so versatile, they can be worn with virtually everything for any occasion—dressy or casual. For centuries civilization has been captivated by the elegance and beauty of pearls. Some believe the mystical powers of the moon are reflected in their luster. For others they are symbols of power and wealth. Brides favor pearls as they stand for purity and fidelity. Even today, pearls remain a favorite and the love affair and allure continues.There are so many jewelry options that are popular.

The care and “feeding” of handcrafted custom jewelry

Rinse well and dry with a soft towel.Sharon Cole was born in 1945 in Gary, Indiana. She taught her first craft class when she was 12 years old. Over the years she learned to sew, knit, crochet, and decorate. Her love of jewelry was fueled again when her sister started a rosary ministry *** hand-knotted rosaries for ACTS retreats and the local hospital chaplain. Shortly thereafter she started working with semi-precious stones and started to design and string. Also be aware that latex or rubber bands can actually burn silver.To clean metal there are several options. Available for purchase one can find silver guard anti-tarnish bags or anti-tarnish strips that can be placed along with the jewelry in a zip lock bag (except pearls). Also, there are several cleaning solutions available in the market place today. Just be sure to read the directions and warnings prior to purchase.Also, something *** that works well is toothpaste (not gel) and a soft toothbrush.

The care and “feeding” of handcrafted custom jewelry

COMMON EXAMPLES OF BASE METAL ARE: brass, copper, gunmetal, nickel silver, niobium (hypo allergenic), pewter, stainless steel and titanium.The most common complaint found with metal is tarnish. What is tarnish??? Tarnish is simply a discoloration due to air climate and other contamination. SILVER especially should be stored in a zip lock bag or any container somewhere other than the bathroom. To protect silver from perfumes and lotions, make it the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off in the evening.Rinse thoroughly and lay on a soft cloth to air dry.METALS:There are so many different types of findings and chain available today it is definitely confusing. The basics are: PRECIOUS METALS ARE: 14 karat gold, gold or silver plate, gold or silver filled, vermeil, gold or silver finished, sterling silver, fine silver, platinum and rhodium. Everything else is referred to as base metal.

The care and “feeding” of handcrafted custom jewelry

Do NOT use sonic cleaners, boiling water or commercial jewelry cleaners as they may contain alcohol or ammonia and may cause damage to the crystal or plating.OPAQUE GEMSTONES:Clean opaque stones – opals, lapis, jade, turquoise and malachite – by wiping with a soft cloth after each use. Avoid used soap and water as these could possibly be absorbed by the gemstone.TRANSPARENT GEMSTONES:Fill a container (not a sink) with water and a tiny amount of liquid soap. Allow gemstones to soak, then use a soft brush to clean the stones.If soiled, use a soft brush to wash your crystals in lukewarm water with a small amount of liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free towel and finish with a polishing cloth to remove fingerprints.