Wear and Care

A little care will assure your special jewelry lasts a lifetime.

The hardness of gemstones varies by class. Since many of the softer stones may be sensitive to chemicals, harsh cleansers, and rough treatment, it is wise to observe some precautions to keep your jewelart looking new and always ready to wear. Always do make-up and hair before donning jewelry and remove it before showering. Avoid wearing during times of heavy perspiration: while doing housework, yardwork, swimming, hottubbing, or playing with children. When storing in a jewelry box, separate pieces on a soft surface or wrap in a soft cloth or tissue. Storing in a small plastic bag will help prevent tarnishing.

Remember that both fine silver and gold are easily scratched. Fine silver naturally tarnishes over time, a process that is aggravated by heat and humidity. While silver and gold are easily cleaned with commercially available jewelry cleaners, many stones are not hard enough for these abrasives. Even a stiff toothbrush may be too abrasive for gems like pearls. Polishing with a soft cloth should generally be enough to keep stones clean and shining. If your jewelry is really in need of a good cleaning, a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft brush should do the trick. Finish by patting dry with a soft cloth.

Wearing (Patsy's Musings on Style)

Close your eyes and think of Barbara Bush. Do you see it? That multi-strand pearl choker she made so famous? As I remember, when asked why she wore it so often, her response was that when people noticed the choker, they were less likely to notice her wrinkles. Of course that works! A stunning bracelet will divert attention from sunspots on arms and hands. It is also said that three bracelets will keep people from noticing a thick waist. I don't know about that one. But, it does make sense that unique jewelry can take attention away from an area that concerns us. We do that all the time in visual art - using line, color, contrast and shapes to direct the eye in a certain direction. Magicians fool the eye in this way in order to perform their tricks. Conversely, beautiful green eyes can be highlighted with a soft green pearl and peridot necklace.

The older I get, the more I love classic, well-fitting coordinates in neutrals - black, browns, white and denim. I usually dress for comfort, then stylize my look with unique jewelry. When a piece of art jewelry is especially eye-catching, no one seems to notice if I've worn the same jeans again and again.That great-fitting "little black dress" can be recycled from event to event when it is made to share the spotlight with a stunning, one-of-a-kind necklace and earrings.