Jewelry care guide
Gold jewelry, especially those made from higher karat gold such as 18K and 22K, require proper care to maintain their luster and beauty. Here's a comprehensive care guide, including tips for taking care of precious stones set in your gold jewelry.
General Care for 18K/22K Gold Jewelry
1. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals. Keep your gold jewelry away from household chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. These can damage the gold and cause discoloration.
2. Remove Jewelry During Activities. Take off your gold jewelry during activities like swimming, gardening, or cleaning to avoid accidental damage or exposure to harsh substances.
3. Regular Cleaning. Clean your gold jewelry regularly to maintain its shine. Use a mild soap and warm water solution. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
4. Polishing. For 18K and 22K gold, which is softer than lower karat gold, polishing can help maintain the luster. Use a jewelry polishing cloth or take it to a professional jeweler for periodic polishing.
5. Storage. Store your gold jewelry separately in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with compartments to avoid scratches and tangling. Keeping it in a dry place will also prevent tarnishing.
6. Inspections. Regularly inspect your gold jewelry for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose clasps or bent prongs. If you notice any issues, take it to a professional jeweler for repair.
Care for Gold Jewelry with Precious Stones
1. Cleaning. When cleaning gold jewelry with precious stones, avoid soaking the entire piece in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the jewelry, being careful around the stones. For more stubborn dirt, use a soft toothbrush to clean around the settings.
2. Avoid Abrasives. Do not use abrasive cleaners or rough materials to clean the stones as they can scratch the surface.
3. Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaners can be too harsh for some precious stones. It's best to clean such jewelry by hand or consult with a professional jeweler.
4. Protect from Impact. Precious stones can be chipped or cracked if subjected to hard impacts. Avoid wearing your jewelry during activities where it might be knocked or hit.
5. Check Settings. Regularly check the settings of the stones to ensure they are secure. Loose stones can fall out and get lost. If you notice a stone is loose, have it tightened by a professional jeweler.
6. Storage. Store gold jewelry with precious stones in a soft-lined box or individual pouches to protect both the gold and the stones from scratches and damage.
7. Avoid Exposure to extreme heat, light and UV lamps. Some precious stones, like opals and pearls, are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can cause discoloration or damage.
By following these care tips, you can keep your 18K/22K gold fine jewelry and precious stone pieces looking beautiful and lasting for generations. Regular maintenance and mindful handling are key to preserving their value and appearance.
Size guides
Chains
Women’s chain sizing typically includes various standard lengths for necklaces and chains. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the common sizes:
1. *Choker (14 inches)* - Sits tightly around the neck.
2. *Collar (16 inches)* - Falls perfectly around the base of the neck like a collar.
3. *Princess (18 inches)* - Hangs over the collarbones; the most common necklace length.
4. *Matinee (20-22 inches)* - Falls just above or at the top of the bust.
5. *Opera (28-34 inches)* - Hangs below the bust, can be worn as a single strand or doubled.
6. *Rope (over 36 inches)* - Long enough to reach the waist or be worn doubled or tripled.
Rings
You can always drop by a jeweler near to you and get the finger you desire measured. If not here are step-by-step instructions to measure your ring size using a tape measure at home:
Materials Needed: A flexible tape measure (preferably in millimeters for accuracy), A pen or marker, A piece of paper to note down the measurement
Steps:
1. Wrap the Tape Measure Around Your Finger:
Select the finger you want to measure. Keep in mind that finger sizes can vary between hands. Wrap the flexible tape measure around the base of the finger where the ring will sit. Ensure it is snug but not too tight. It should be comfortable and not digging into your skin.
2. Mark the Measurement:
With the tape measure wrapped around your finger, mark the point where the end of the tape meets the rest of the tape measure.
3. Read the Measurement:
Remove the tape measure from your finger and read the measurement at the marked point. Note the measurement in millimeters (mm) for accuracy.
4. Find Your Ring Size:
Use the measurement you noted to find your ring size. You can use a ring size chart to convert the circumference measurement to a standard ring size. A quick reference for common measurements can be found on the right of this paragraph >
Tips:
Measure at Different Times: Measure your finger size at the end of the day when your fingers are likely to be at their largest. Avoid measuring in the morning or when your fingers are cold, as they might be smaller.
Measure Multiple Times: Repeat the measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy.
Consider Knuckle Size: If your knuckle is much larger than the base of your finger, measure both and choose a size in between to ensure the ring will fit over your knuckle but not be too loose at the base.
By following these steps, you should be able to accurately determine your ring size using a tape measure.