Care and Cleaning your Fine Jewelry

It’s a story as old as time, we look down to see at a ring that we are wearing or look  in the mirror at a pendant only to see that a diamond or other gemstone has been lost.    We, in turn, return the item to the store requesting a repair, in some cases, blaming the store from which we purchased the article,  who then,  in turn,  blames the supplier and finally, the supplier then blames the manufacturer.  It’s a vicious cycle that occurs on a daily basis.

But how do you know if its truly a defect of production?  Here are some tips to keep in mind.

All jewelry is constructed of natural materials; each has been mined from the earth and very few pieces of jewelry actually have man-made materials.   So, given this, we need to be mindful when wearing our jewelry.   The most common misnomer is that a diamond won’t chip, scratch or break.  Well, its partially true.  Only another diamond can scratch another diamond but with repeated abrasions diamonds will start to show wear and can even chip or break!   So, if this can happen to a diamond imagine what might happen to your other gemstones or pearls!

This also extends to the metal that was used to create your piece of jewelry – platinum is the most durable metal of all followed by rhodium plated 14k palladium white gold, rhodium plated nickle white gold, 18k nickel white gold and 14k nickel white gold.    However, as with diamonds and gemstones, metals also can be stressed causing the metal to become brittle and thus prongs to break or the ring to crack.   So, what causes this?

For metals, the stress is created by consistent and continuous exposure to chemicals and repeated unneeded stress.    What do I mean by unneeded stress?  Some examples, may be doing yard work with your jewelry on especially rings.  Gripping a rake, shovel or other implement with a repetitive motion esepcially if it is strenous can cause the ring to lose its shape, or weight lifting at the gym (hint: diamonds/gemstones don’t like working out either) and/or lifting any other heavy items.  I’m not saying that don’t every lift another box or item at home wearing your jewelry.  I’m just cautioning you on what could happen.

So, what about chemicals?  Swimming, doing laundry, cleaning or sitting in the hot tub should be avoided while wearing your jewelry; the chemicals found in household cleaning supplies and pool/hot tubs can accelerate the wear on your jewelry making your gold more brittle and more prone to breakage.  Keep this in mind and try to remember to remove your jewelry before doing any of these activities.   If you forget form time to time (as we all do) it shouldn’t do any harm – its the continuous exposure that sets you up for an issue.

And just to share a story with you;  a jeweler friend of mind shared a story with me, he had a customer who had a lovely strand of pearls that were given to her as a birthday gift from her husband.  Every 3 or 4 months she was coming back to him to have him re-string the strand of pearls.  After about a year, she had made up her mind that she wanted a new strand of pearls or a refund.  So, the jeweler started asking more questions that he had in previous visits.   He was able to uncover that his customer was a avid swimmer and everyday at lunch she was swimming laps.   now, we all know what chlorine and pool chemicals can do to your hair and skin with out proper care so just imagine what was happening to the pearls?

The moral of the story – love your jewelry, wear it in good health and good times and make sure to protect from harsh environments that can cause damage to it.   If you have any questions or concerns,  feel free to stop in and visit with us at 9917 E Bell Rd #140, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or call/email us at 480.656.0652 or sales@alexarosejewelry.com

 

 

Citrine – Did you know?

Citrine, one of November’s birth stones!  I thought today we would look at this lovely, earthy and luminous gemstone.   Citrine has been closely linked to topaz and often is referred to as gold topaz or Madeira or Spanish topaz.   While this is actually a misnomer the connection has been made and its become inexplicably linked both on a molecular and mystically level.

So, what is citrine?

Citrine is a yellow to golden brown colored gemstone that is similar to quartz with a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale.   This indicates that citrine is a hard stone and can with stand some scratches and pings to it.  However, bear in mind that even a diamond can break with continued pings from just day-to-day activities so just imagine that other less substantial stones are just as susceptible to scratches and chipping.  So, be sure to wear and enjoy your jewelry but be mindful to take your jewelry off while at the gym, doing household chores and participating in other sports (hiking, swimming, etc.)  For more details on caring for your jewelry; check out some of our tips.

Citrine is relatively new on the jewelry scene with it gaining prominence during the 1930′s Europe and citrine has since made the leap across the pond to the US.   Citrine was made available in Europe by  Ida Oberstein and the  boom was sustained by the supply he made available.   His connection?  He owned several mines in Brazil that were exporting citrine to Europe.  Today, little has changed as  most of the world’s citrine is mined and exported from Brazil.

As mentioned previously, citrine has been linked with Topaz’s mystical qualities.  Some of the powers attributed to citrine are;

acting as a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect;

it dispels sadness, anger and nocturnal fears;

it warns the wearer of poisons and protects one from sudden death;

it makes men handsome and intelligent;

it makes sterile women fertile and happy;

and one could immerse their hand in boiling water after a gemstone has been thrown into and remove one’s hand unharmed!

Today, citrine is not in as high demand in previous years, however, as it’s a very affordable gemstone and as the color spectrum is from the clear yellow hues all the way to the reddish warm browns there is something for everyone.  And in today’s economic conditions one can splurge a little for a great look!

Check out our selection of gemstone jewelry, all of which can be produced in citrine or your other favorite gemstone.

7 Money Savings Tips Engagement Ring

Want to scare a man?  Mention shopping for an engagement ring or shopping in general. Obviously, this is in jest however there is an element of truth as I have yet to see anything else elicit more anxiety than a few grams of gold and a diamond.    We work with a lot of  men purchasing engagement rings; they all have the same symptoms; excitement, anxiety and joy.    Our goal is to ensure that every customer leaves here happy in love with their purchase no matter if its a birthday gift, engagement ring or anniversary gift for their wife.   In each instance we strive to educate our customers on the finer points of purchasing jewelry.

Some of the tips we give customers:

1.  This is an exciting time!  Enjoy it!  We suggest;  do a little reconnaissance; do your research and set a budget for your purchase.   We recommend setting a high and low amount to use as your guideline.  This way when you’re looking at engagement ring, you have a base line to keep in mind.  And speaking of rings….

2.  Engagement rings come in so many different shapes and sizes that its important to have an idea of what you would like to purchase.    Do you want something that is classic, contemporary or antique inspired.    Our suggestion, look through magazines, online and other women’s rings.   If you can bring photos with you or email your sales rep; we love have the photos ahead of time as this helps us select items we believe will most closely match our client’s needs.     The bottom line, having an idea of the style of ring will help you simplify your search.  And then we come to the center stone…..

3.  What kind of diamond or gemstone would you like to place in your ring?  Do you want a round brilliant cut diamond, a cushion cut, a princess cut diamond or do you want a semi-precious gemstone?  A diamond is the standard for an engagement ring but its not the absolute.    The tradition of a diamond engagement ring actually has its roots in the late 18th century with Maximilian presenting his bride Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring as a wedding gift.  This essentially started the tradition of a diamond engagement ring.   And be certain you have done the research on the 4C’s of diamonds.  However, if a diamond isn’t in the budget then consider a gemstone.

4.  So, if you go the gemstone route, then which one?  We suggest doing something meaningful to both of you; for example, her birth stone or yours or the month in which you met or had your first date.     Remember, an engagement ring is one of the single most important pieces of jewelry you’ll ever purchase; be certain that you are 100% satisfied so we recommend asking questions.

5.  Remember to ask questions – don’t be shy.  As the old adage goes; if something seems to good to be true then it probably is.  So, while your asking questions take notes and even do some comparison shopping.   We routinely recommend to our customers to shop around and make sure that they are 100% satisfied with their engagement ring/fine jewelry purchase.

6. And what about choices of metals?  One has a wide variety of choices of metals for engagement rings; platinum and 18K white gold has long been the standard for engagement rings.  This can also add to the cost of the ring as platinum is more expensive that 18K white gold.   Other metals to consider, 14K gold or palladium.    There are pluses and minuses to each metal be certain that you understand each.

7. Commitment rings vs. an engagement ring; a commitment ring is similiar to a promise ring.  Just as engagement rings can take a variety of shapes, styles and sizes so can promise rings.   In short, you could select just about anything for a commitment ring.  The only item could be an eternity ring, a claddagh ring or even a completely lovely black diamond fashion ring.

Please let us know your thoughts or if you have suggested topics.   We want to be your information source as well as your jewelry store.  We look forward to your comments.

Alexa Rose Fine Jewelry

9917 E Bell Rd #140

Scottsdale AZ 85260

480.656.0652

888.302.5392

www.alexarosejewelry.com

Pink Tourmaline; Did you know?

October, the month of  Halloween and all things black, orange and pink?    Along with Opals;  Pink Tourmaline is this month’s star.   So, for today’s post, I thought we’d look at a few myths, facts and interesting trivia about Pink Tourmaline.   Many know the story of the opal but few have been introduced to the brilliance of tourmaline….

Tourmaline has been known by a wide variety of names and has even said to have magical properties.   Tourmaline occurs in all the colors of the rainbow and in some cases is even composed of 2 or more colors.   Tourmaline is one gemstones that can be found in all the colors of the rainbow, why? Well, I could give you the scientific explaination but, I much prefer the legend.   According to ancient legend the reason tourmaline is found in all colors is because the gemstone traveled along the  rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors.   So, along with diamonds, tourmaline maybe the best fashion accessory available!  Gotta love it!

Over the millennial, tourmaline has been known by a whole host of names from tsiaisite, dravite, chromdravite, achroite and rubellite; this is the short list!   And interestingly enough, philosopher Theophrastus noted its magnetic properties by its ability to attract bits of straw and wood.   This effect is called pyroelectricity; this occurs when the crystal is heated causing it to have a positive charge at one end of the crystal and a negative on the either end of the crystal.   This might be a cool party trick and if pressure is applied a different effect known as piezoelectricity occurs.    This allows tourmaline to be utilized in instruments that measure pressure.

In addition to the pragmatic qualities,  Tourmaline has been credited with the following mystical powers:

Increasing self-confidence

Inspiring creativity in the wearer

Helping one amplify their physic energies

Help to neutralize negative energies

Gain deeper understandings of situations

Dispense grief and fear

and has been known to relax the mind and body.

So, we’ve proven that Tourmaline is not only practical but also has positive effects on the wearer.    Isn’t it about time that you added tourmaline to your jewelry wardrobe?  Stop in today to check out our unique line of pink tourmaline, green tourmaline and rubellite jewelry.

Alexa Rose Fine Jewelry

9917 E Bell Rd #140

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.656.0652

877.302.5392

Selecting your Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring

The economy is still taking center stage and there has been a fundamental shift in this country.   At least by my estimation; as I am a student of people, its been interesting to watch the shift in this country.  No longer is it en vogue to say ‘if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.’   Its chic to save, to find a bargain and obtain quality for the money spent.

Americans, have always been savvy consumers; we tend to do our research, price compare and know what our hard earned dollars are buying.   In the current economic condition of this country we’re all a bit more price conscious.   This is extraordinarily true with any big ticket purchase and I would argue even more so for an engagement ring, anniversary band, or other piece of fine jewelry.

Most people find the world of fine jewelry a bit daunting.   The vision for Alexa Rose was to create a different kind of jewelry shopping experience.  We strive to ensure our customers are well educated and understand their purchase.   We recommendation for anyone who is contemplating an engagement ring purchase to start out with some price comparisons;  look at different styles and quality of items presented.

Check the 4 C’s of the diamond and check the metal selection; be a bit discriminating.  Jewelry like clothing -  quality does matter and price does not always determine quality.  Quality is especially important with diamonds.  A diamond’s grade or its pedigree will affect the price and its future trade in value; be certain that you understand each one of the components and how it will affect your final price.

We recommend that you try to obtain a diamond with an ideal cut or excellent cut.   It is in our humble opinion, the most important of the 4 C’s as if a diamond is too swallow or too deep the light as it enters will either be trapped or will escape too quickly causing your diamond to be lackluster or dull in appearance.    For example, you could have a F color, VVS1 clarity diamond with a poor cut and have it  be less than spectacular.   So, be certain that  you take some time to research the 4 C’s – its usually a good idea to have a rough understanding how each of these items affect your overall price.    When you are finally shopping for a loose diamond; take your time, ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with the final decision.

Now, how does metal affect your final price?  Is it 14K, 18K gold or platinum?    Remember, the metal is almost as important as the diamond quality and will affect the final price of your diamond engagement ring.    Be sure you’re aware of those trade offs, i.e. Platinum is probably the most durable of all of the metals and will last a lifetime (75 years) vs.  gold may become brittle after about 15-20 years (18KW) this will be determined by how the ring was worn more than anything else.   Gold while a durable material is a softer metal than Platinum.

Style # YJS6501

So, now we have the basics of engagement rings, now let’s chat a moment about style.  Engagement rings like all items come in different shapes, sizes and styles.  One of the most difficult questions to answer is  – ‘Is this in style?’   I firmly believe that this should be the last item to consider – I personally believe that you need to select a ring mounting that best suits your personality and (potentially) the personality of your relationship.    Our experience, brides tend to gravitate towards, ‘the ring,’ at least the style of the ring.  We then craft the ring around the diamond and also order it in the correct finger size.

You may also want to consider recycling a family diamond, the half pair of diamond stud earrings you’re hanging on too or the diamond pendant that you never wear.   You’ll be amazed at how wonderful your diamond will look in a new setting.   Remember you can use men’s jewelry too! I’ve heard stories about tie tacks, cuff links and gentleman’s rings where the diamond has been unset and re-set into an engagement ring and look absolutely amazing.