Pearls of wisdom
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Always pay attention to the evenness of lustre, shape, colour and size of pearls.
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Fresh water pearls are cheaper than sea water pearls, which come from an oyster that only bears one pearl at a time. Sea water pearls are farmed out at sea so are constantly subjected to ever-changing environmental conditions. Fresh water pearls are farmed in a more controlled environment and come from mussels which, depending on age and size, can deliver up to 40 fresh water pearls at a time.
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Pearls are organic and absorbent so the acidity in perfume, cosmetics and perspiration can spoil a pearl’s lustre. If a strand of pearls is affected by perspiration wash them in lukewarm water with pure soap, rinse with clear water and leave to dry on a towel to ensure the thread doesn’t stretch.
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Restring pearls every one to two years to maintain the tension of the strand and reduce the risk of breakage.
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Always put pearls on after dressing, and remove before undressing. Pearls, Pearls, Pearls & More
To distinguish real pearls from imitations, just touch the pearl to your teeth and rub very lightly. If the sensitive nerve endings in your teeth pick up a sandy or gritty sensation, this indicates the pearl could be cultured. If the pearl feels smooth, it’s most likely to be an imitation. There are many practical ways to tell the difference between real and fake gems, join one of the fun seminars run by Creative Jewellery Studio to find out more from gemologist and founder Tanja Sadow. Creative Jewellery Studio
Bead it!
For cost-effective, fun and original jewellery – make your own! It’s also a great way to relax. Try these beading tips for making this Intricate Chain Bracelet:
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Use good quality seed beads from Japan or Eastern Europe, which are uniform in size and shape.
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Before you begin weaving, condition your thread to prevent fraying and add a thin coat of lacquer to the thread’s surface, allowing it to slide through your work with ease.
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If you prefer a more delicate bracelet, use size 15/0 seed beads for the circular links. Beady Girl
Caring for silver jewellery
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Rinse in warm water and pat dry.
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If tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid. Silver-cleaner won’t harm gold or platinum, but it won’t clean them either.
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For jewellery with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste which can get into small crevices. Don’t use a toothbrush or other abrasive cleaner as they’ll scratch the silver. Instead, wipe with a clean soft cloth.
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Don’t wear silver jewellery in the swimming pool as chlorine can cause erosion and pitting. Pandora Jewellery
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