metals

Argentium® Silver - is an alloy of silver that is a brighter-white sterling silver that resist tarnishing and keeps on shining. Made with a touch of germanium, Argentium® Silver presents a bright white color that is closer to fine silver than traditional sterling, yet is extremely slow to tarnish under most conditions. Also, it is also Hypoallergenic making it suitable for those who are unable to wear traditional sterling silver.

Fine Silver - is 99.9% pure silver. It is very soft (i.e., it is not strong, is easily damaged, and does not hold stones well) so has limited applications in jewelry. A benefit is that it does not tarnish

Gold - In nearly every piece make I use solid 14kt (karat) gold to keep the price point accessible and a high standard quality that can last today, tomorrow and thousands of years from now. 14K yellow gold contains roughly 58.5% fine gold and about 41.5% copper and zinc. 14k white gold it contains roughly 58.5% fine gold and about 41.5% nickel and zinc. 24K is pure gold and 18K gold contains roughly 75% fine gold and 25% other metals.

Non-Solid Gold - To make gold jewelry more accessible, a variety of plating techniques are used. Gold plated pieces are created by bonding an extremely thin layer of gold over a more budget-friendly base materials such as copper or brass. Gold content is usually less than 1%. Unfortunately, the thin gold layer will wear off quickly with time, and sometimes turn your skin green with the copper or brass base metal. This is a budget-friendly option, but definitely won't last long. Gold Vermeil, similar to gold plating, is when sterling silver is plated with a thin layer of gold. Usually marked as 925 for silver, and the gold is coated with a thickness of 2.5 microns. As sterling silver is a less expensive metal in comparison to solid gold, you'll often find Gold Vermeil to be more of a budget-friendly option. Unfortunately after some time, the plating will wear off.  Gold filled jewelry is created by bonding a thick layer of gold to another metal, usually brass or copper. The gold content is legally required in the US to be at least 5% of the total weight. Because of this, gold filled jewelry is often marked as 1/20 14KT GF or simply 1/20 (5% of gold). Though the gold layer is thicker than Gold Plated, the jewelry will tarnish with time. 

Sterling Silver - is any silver alloy containing less than 99.9% pure silver. The sterling silver I use in my jewelry is 92.5% purle silver and 7.5% copper. The copper gives sterling silver its strength. It is important to distinguish between solid sterling silver and silver plate when repairing or cleaning a piece of jewelry. To tell if your jewelry is sterling silver versus silver-plated, Check the piece for a marking that says 9.25, 925/1000, Sterling, S/S, or Sterling 9.25. If your jewelry doesn't have these markings, it's probably silver-plated.

Care

In general, it is good practice to take a proactive approach to caring for your jewelry by applying the “last on, first off” strategy.  Only put it on after you have done your hair and makeup and take it off first thing when you arrive back home.  This will prevent beauty products (like hair spray, perfumes, lotions, and others) from building up on the surface dulling the metal and gemstones. Also, in order to avoid damage to your jewelry, it is recommended you remove it prior to entering swimming pools / hot tubs or other places it may come into contact with chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaners are extremely effective for removing dirt, grime, grease and particles, however, jewelry that can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner is very limited. It is recommended you employ other cleaning methods. To read what the Gemological Institute of America has to say about cleaning jewelry, click HERE.

Argentium Silver is an alloy containing Germanium that significantly increases its resistance to tarnishing. To clean, soak 5 to 10 minutes in a solution of mild dish soap (not detergent) and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth before storing.

Fine Silver does not tarnish so maintenance is simple. To clean, soak 5 to 10 minutes in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth before storing.

Gold does not tarnish so maintenance is simple. To clean, soak 5 to 10 minutes in a solution of mild dish soap (not detergent) and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth before storing. Depending on the design and gemstones in the piece, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used to clean solid gold jewelry. An ultrasonic cleaner should NOT be used for cleaning gold-plated items. The ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic cleaner can cause the plating to vibrate, loosening the bond between the gold and the base metal. In addition, the cleaning solution used in an ultrasonic cleaner can strip away the gold plating. See note about Non-Solid Gold in METALS above.

Sterling silver is an alloy containing metals that react with chemicals found in air and produce tarnish; high moisture levels, exposure to sunlight and contaminants such as salt water increase this reaction. Take steps to protect your sterling findings by keeping them in airtight packages in a cool, dry place. Your piece comes with a tarnish-resistant bag that absorbs harmful chemicals. To clean, soak 5 to 10 minutes in a solution of mild dish soap (not detergent) and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth before storing.. An ultrasonic cleaner should NOT be used for cleaning silver-plated items. See note about silver plate in METALS above.

Gemstone care depends on the type of gemstone. Here are some popular examples:

Alexandrite

Care:  Alexandrite is rated ‘excellent’ for everyday wear. It is not harmed by most household chemicals.

Cleaning: To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. It may be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner unless treated (e.g., fracture-filled).

Cubic Zirconia

Care:  ‘CZ’ is a man-made material and is rated "good" for everyday wear. It is not harmed by most household chemicals but is sensitive to high temperatures.

Cleaning: To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. It may be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner provided it is not flawed.

Pearls

Care: As an organic gem, pearls are vulnerable to chemicals found in cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume. To preserve the luster of your pearls, always put on your jewelry after applying make-up and styling products. Pearls can also be harmed by perspiration. Before placing your pearls back in the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.

Cleaning:  Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on your pearls. It can damage their nacre. Occasionally wipe your pearls gently with a cloth dipped in mild, soapy water. Then rinse the cloth in fresh water and wipe the pearls clean. Dry them with a soft cloth.  If pearls come into contact with an acid substance such as fruit juice, vinegar, or other chemicals, immediately wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Peridot

Care: Peridot is rated “fair” for everyday wear with care. Avoid exposure to heat and sudden changes in temperature. Avoid contact with chemicals. To preserve the luster of your gemstone, always put on your jewelry after applying make-up and styling products.

Cleaning: Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.  To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Black Star Sapphire

Care: Sapphires are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals.

Cleaning: To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic cleaner.

Ruby (Lab-Created)

Most rubies in stores are lab-created or imitations.  Lab-Created rubies have the same chemical makeup and physical and attributes as natural ruby, they were just created by man.  In fact, they are generally of higher quality due to the controlled environment in which they are grown.  Despite this, natural rubies are much more expensive, and in fact, one of the most expensive gemstones available.  Imitation rubies are a completely different gemstone that looks like ruby.  Often, they are garnet, spinel, or glass.  Rubies are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals.

Cleaning: To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic cleaner.

Topaz (Blue)

Treatment: Blue topaz is likely heated and irradiated natural colorless topaz.

Care: Topaz is rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with chemicals.  To preserve the luster of your gemstone, always put on your jewelry after applying make-up and styling products.

Cleaning: Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.  To clean, gently rub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

Zircon (Blue)

Care:   Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause color to fade.

Cleaning: Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.  To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water