How to care for your jewelry

18kt gold plated crow claw ring and amethyst.

I've been thinking this over the past couple days, how frustrating it can be when people come to the Jewelry Dr. (where I work as a repair assistant part time) and are baffled that their jewelry broke or why a stone came loose, etc.   Then it got me thinking, well no wonder they don't know why their jewelry broke...because, maybe no one told them how to take care of it!

Most jewelry doesn't come with 'how to' instructions, but they really should.  For example, plated jewelry (gold and silver plating) must be removed from the body before coming in contact with soap or water, because if you don't the plating will come off.

So here are some simple steps on how to care for Eilisain Jewelry as well as any other jewelry.

1.  Remove your jewelry before washing your hands or any contact with water IF it is gold or silver plated AND if there is a sensitive stone/gem.

2.  Store your jewelry in a jewelry box or a bag with chalk (especially if it is silver, chalk prevents tarnishing).

3.  Check your jewelry and look at it closely from time to time (say once a month, if you wear it often).  The way I check for loose stones and diamonds at the jewelry dr. is I run my fingernail along the edge of the stone, if the stone moves...well then it needs to be tightened.

4.  Also remove your jewelry if it has been epoxyed, aka glued.  Some of my stones are additionally set with epoxy.  Epoxy is a very strong adhesive for metal objects - most jewelry out there has epoxy in it, even fancy (aka expensive) and commercial jewelry.

5.  And even if you've checked your jewelry yourself, take your most prized jewelry once or twice a year to a jeweler to have them inspect it professionally.  Most of the time this is free, unless it needs repair.

6.  POLISHing:  There are several methods to polishing your jewelry.  One is to buy the soapy liquid at the store...those never seem to work! A polishing cloth is great, you can usually buy one at a fancy jewelry shop or maybe at Michaels.  Sometimes just an old soft tshirt does the job. Dish soap works just as well, use your hands and gently clean your jewelry with just a teeny bit of soap.  Then dry with a soft cloth.

I hope that these tips help you in caring for your jewelry.  I know I do it myself because, I LOVE my jewelry and I don't want to lose it or have it damaged!

Thanks for reading.
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bench shot

Did a two flask casting last week so this week it's nothing but cleaning up.  I'm so lucky I have a part time job at a jewelry repair shop where, when I'm not busy, I can work on my own pieces. 

Castings oh my!

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Lumina Gem

This past weekend I drove down to Wilmington with my boyfriend and it was so nice to getaway from Greenville and explore a new city.

Wilmington is great because there are beautiful beaches, a diverse downtown scene with a waterfront and, from what I've encountered, a decent art scene.

While we were in town I figured we'd visit Lumina Gem, where Brad Bass runs his jewelry shop. Brad used to apprentice at the Jewelry Doctor, where I currently apprentice, you can see the influence Ellis has on his students, Brad's jewelry display is quite tasteful...there were several pieces I wanted to try on and dream of purchasing.

I really wanted to try on the pave set earrings.

Brad's shop, Lumina Gem, provides a wide range of services; custom designs, repairs, GIA-knowledgeable expertise and contemporary jewelry such as David Yurman and other fine jewelers. Beautiful display of fine jewelry.

Brad's goldsmith shows us his custom built bench.
*He even made another bench for his home studio.

Brad's office space.

When I returned to work at the Jewelry Doctor today I told Ellis I'd visited Brad's shop and he was so proud; you can tell he enjoys nurturing the future generation of jewelers.

thanks for stopping by my blog and reading!

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Jewelry Doctor

Three days a week I work at the Jewelry Doctor, a jewelry repair shop here in Greenville. I assist Ellis in cleaning up jewelry and it's a pretty sweet experience, not only do I learn corny jokes but great repair tricks and methods to get the job done right and fast!

Ellis only hires students in the metals programs at ECU and I was fortunate to land this job through Miss Sarah West who used to work for Ellis, aka the Jewelry Doctor. And it certainly isn't easy finding a job likes this or talented Goldsmiths like Ellis.

Which brings me to another point - supporting local business' and their trade; it really is a rarity to have crafts people the way it used to be but part of me likes and hopes to believe that it is a profession that will always be alive.

So, support local craft workers and local business' it's good for you and the economy.

thanks for reading!

shot of my bench and clean up work

on a gold hoop and ring.

Ellis doing his thing - working magic on jewelry!

Entrance of the repair shop.

For some reason I love the sign and the blinging diamond.

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my last day at the jewelry doctor...for now

Yesterday was my last day working at the jewelry doctor. I was sad but not completely because most likely I'll be working there in the Spring of 2011.

Ellis Cuttrell always hires ECU metal students to assist him part time, and during the summer I replaced Sarah West, fortunately she'll be graduating in the fall of this year so I can take her place again!

Of course I'll miss Sarah, 'cause she's an awesome friend but I feel so grateful to have the coveted opportunity to work with Ellis. I made the earrings above, initially to sell at his store but he said I could keep them as a gift! I really like them and of course their my style.

P.S. I'm going on vacation for about a week and my blog's going to also have a vaca. But I'll be back with plenty of pictures and awesome souvenirs to show off! Pin It