Shopping For Pearl Jewelry - A Few Pearls of Wisdom
Modern day pearl jewelry offers women of all ages many more options when accessorizing clothing to give the right look and feel. Pearls are no longer worn just on special occasions, but rather on a daily basis to accentuate that classy, elegant, professional, sexy and fun side of a woman. More choice in color, size, and shape among pearls is usually a good thing. However, buying pearl jewelry for yourself or a loved one can be confusing unless you have been provided with a few essential “pearls of wisdom”.
On recent pearl necklace shopping expeditions that included national retail jewelry stores, on-line stores, and local jewelry shops, the very challenging experiences that consumers face when buying pearl jewelry was revealed firsthand.
In 60% to 70% of the jewelry stores visited, the sales associates:
- either were not able to explain the pearl quality grading system (AAA to A), and/or
- did not have a quality grade associated with their pearls, and/or
- were not educated about pearls, and/or
- were misinformed regarding very high quality cultured freshwater pearls.
Unfortunately for the consumer, the average jewelry store personnel lacks pearl jewelry certification and product expertise. Furthermore, a large majority of jewelry stores or jewelry departments did not offer very high quality cultured freshwater pearls (AAA), either because they did not know they exist or they choose not to offer them. Much more expensive Akoya saltwater pearls were offered as the best alternative to high quality freshwater pearls. Consumers need to know that very high quality freshwater pearl jewelry exists, is quite comparable to Akoya pearls, and is much more affordable.
The overall message here for consumers is to be sure to learn the basics about pearls from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer prior to shopping. In particular, seek out firms whose employees have pearl jewelry GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. It is critical that a consumer be properly educated when purchasing pearl jewelry, not only so they understand clearly what they are buying, but also so that they receive the best value for their money.
In summary, when you are shopping for pearl jewelry, remember to:
1) first educate yourself so that you know what you are buying,
2) have the seller demonstrate their knowledge and product offering to you, and
3) seek out high quality freshwater pearl jewelry as a very comparable and more affordable alternative to saltwater pearl jewelry.
These few tips on buying pearl jewelry can make your shopping experience much more pleasurable and rewarding. Today, high quality affordable pearl jewelry is available to consumers armed with the right information.
Cleaning Diamonds
A diamond engagement ring is a symbol of love, devotion and a promise of a marriage and happiness. And it also probably one of the most memorable moments in someone's life
the sparkle of the diamond will take your breath away after viewing your engagement ring for the first time and the many times afterwards. An engagement ring is something that will be worn for many many years and possible handed down to the next generation. So keeping it clean and free from scratches is a must.
Because your engagement ring will be worn everyday products such as hair styling sprays, hand lotions and other house hold products can cause the sparkle to fade and the ring its self look dull so it's best that you keep the ring away from these products as much as you can. Over time you may find that gunk and grime will build up behind the diamond making it look dirty and unattractive but don't worry it can be cleaned. right from the comfort of your own home.
Although diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man they are often coated in a special substance to protect them and keep their shine, Using abrasive substances and by brushing the diamond with something coarse could potentially remove this protective coating making the ring more susceptible to dirt and grime.
You may find there are many products you can buy to clean your diamond engagement ring however this is not always needed. Although most of these products are cheap why waste money on them if you got other products that do the same thing laying around the house.
Steps on Cleaning
First remove the ring from your finger find a small bowl and fill it with warm water and some mild dish washing liquid, place your diamond ring in the solution and leave to soak for a few minutes, 2-3 minutes should be fine, but if using a not detergent soap you should let the ring soak for 10 minutes.
Remove the ring from the water solution and use a very soft brush to gently remove and dirt that is visible. Never use something that hard bristles as this can damage and scratch the ring setting, I find babies toothbrush works fine as the bristles are soft and the head is small enough to get into tight cracks. If you don't have a baby toothbrush a eyeliner brush should be able to get the job done.
Once you have removed any debris and dirt place the ring back in the water to give it a final clean. Remove the ring and rinse it well with warm water then dry the ring with a lint free cloth.
if you are cleaning by the sink make sure that you cover the drain to avoid dropping and losing your ring in the drain. If you find that there is still some dirt or grim left on the ring try using a wooden tooth pick to gently easy it away then rinse again and pat dry with a lint free cloth. Don't press to hard with the toothpick though or else you might have small pieces of wood stuck in between the ring.
If you do decide to use a chemical solution to clean your ring and your ring contains more than one type of gem stone, always use the solution that is designed for the less durable stone or you could end up damaging the stone with the more abrasive and/or acidic solution.
The best way to keep you rings and jewelry clean and looking good is
*Remove them or wear protective gloves when you are using products that can damage them or working around the house.
* Keep you diamonds and pearls separate, as that diamond can scratch that pearl necklace.
* IF you can't keep jewelry separate wrap pieces of jewelry in velvet, paper, or silk.
* To reduce greasy build-up on diamond jewelry dip it in plain alcohol or vodka before soaking.
Pearl Jewelry Gifts (7 Reasons)
Pearl jewelry has made beautiful presents for centuries and it is only in the last 50 years that they have become more accessible for most of us. Pearls have and always will capture the attention and love of women. For this very reason pearl jewelry makes great presents. So you still need more reasons for getting all those bonus points for giving some stunning pearl jewelry, here they are:
1. Pearl earrings and necklaces make ideal gifts because they are timeless in their elegance. My sister gave me a pair of freshwater pearl stud earrings when I was a teenager and I still have them and wear them. They are a simple and timeless style and always make me think of her when I wear them.
2. Pearl jewelry can be worn for most any occasion from formal to work to casual.
3. The variety of styles now available in pearl jewelry lets each of us showcase our individual styles and taste.
4. Pearl jewelry is a beautiful symbol of love, fidelity and trust; one of the reasons it makes ideal wedding jewelry and anniversary presents.
5. You feel very special being given pearl jewelry; it is something your girlfriends go ooh ahh about, no matter who gives you the jewelry.
6. It is one of the most memorable presents because pearl jewelry is timeless and lasts for years. Women love having pieces that have passed through the family and the stories behind them.
7. Pearl jewelry makes ideal gifts to mark the progression through significant moments in life, ranging from moving from girlhood into womanhood, graduations, personal achievements, significant birthdays, weddings and anniversaries as well as special events.
Pearls earrings should always be set in silver or gold and you should only get the real thing - cultured freshwater or sea water pearls only. Pearl jewelry gifts should only be real pearls unless a specific faux pearl design is particularly requested.
The size of the genuine pearls does not matter. The pearls my sister gave me are small and I adore them because of who gave them to me for my 16th birthday. What matters is the giving of the pearls not how fancy they are because pearls range from the affordable to the blindingly expensive.
