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How to clean silver jewelry

Published on March 24, 2024

How to remove the patina that tarnish your silver jewelry and black that is formed on the surface with four quick moves.

Your silver jewelry that they have become blacks? Here’s how to make shiny and beautiful your silver jewelry. It is not difficult, just follow the instructions of this tutorial, which can also be used for other items made with white metal. First, because we see the jewels are ruined: the fogging occurs when the surface of the jewel silver is combined with sulfur, a substance that can be contained in the air (in particular, where there is more pollution) and transforms the metal into sulphide silver, which has the black color. But fortunately to eliminate fogging and black it is not difficult.

1 Hot Water

The first thing to do to clean the blackened silver is pour two cups of hot water, but not boiling, in a bowl. The water should cover the jewel (or jewels) completely.

2 Pour salt

Pour in the water a tablespoon of coarse salt. The salt acts as a mild cleanser that removes oxidation without the risks a silver abrasion. Stir gently until the salt is dissolved completely. The amount of water must be proportionate to the number of jewels to clean. This method of cleaning is very delicate, but if the jewelry there are very expensive stones (even if it is difficult with the silver), it is preferable to bring the jewel from a professional, you never know. Alternative: Instead of salt you can use baking soda.

3 Aluminium sheet

Here comes the best part: after adding salt, you must put into the water a aluminum foil cut in strips, of those that are used in the kitchen to store food. The combination of salt and aluminum reacts tarnishing of silver and creates a bright shiny surface. This is because the silver sulfide reacts with the aluminum placed in a saline solution. The chemical reaction which takes place converts the silver sulphide in pure silver. You must control before the water is still hot. Leave to soak the jewelry for about 5 minutes. If silver is very tarnished you can repeat the process until the metal back perfectly bright.

4 Rinse the jewelry

Do not forget the last thing to do: move the jewelry under cold running water to remove the salt. Finally, dry the jewelry with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

Pulizia dell'argento con un foglio di alluminio — Cleaning silver with aluminum foil

Un bracciale in argento che si è ossidato — An oxidized silver bracelet

All about lapis lazuli

Published on October 9, 2023

Orecchini con lapislazzuli, diamanti, perla. Copyright: gioiellis.com

The story of a rock, lapis lazuli, which has been transformed into a stone also used in high jewelery. But also in works of art, objects, elements of architecture. Here is everything you need to know about lapis lazuli, the blue stone with the oldest history.

Collana Ciel de Minuit in oro bianco 18 carati, lapislazzuli, zaffiri e diamanti — Ciel de Minuit necklace in 18k white gold, lapis lazuli, sapphires and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels

The name. The word lapis lazuli, sometimes abbreviated as lapis, has ancient origins. Lapis is the Latin word meaning stone, while lazuli is derived from the medieval Latin lazulum, which in turn has Arab and Persian origins, and means sky. Hence, literally lapis lazuli is a sky-colored stone. In ancient times, the stone was mined in a remote region of Afghanistan, but also in Persia. Until the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli were often called sapphire, but in reality it was not the true blue sapphire, a variety of corundum.

Orecchini in oro con lapislazzuli — Gold earrings with lapis lazuli

Color. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of lazurite, haüyne (described for the first time in 1807 from samples discovered in the Vesuvian lavas of Monte Somma, in Italy), sodalite and nosean, a group of sodalite minerals. Colors range from medium blue, greyish to deep, royal blue, to deep indigo, with varying amounts of white gold and brass from inclusions of calcite and pyrite. The golden veins of gold colored pyrite are appreciated by many, but not all.

Collana in oro bianco, tanzanite, lapislazzuli, smalto — Necklace in white gold, tanzanite, lapis lazuli, enamel by Castaldi Gioielli

How much are lapis lazuli worth? It depends: the value is very much linked to the color of the stone. The most popular shade is a deep blue, almost purple. The white veins of calcite lower the value, while the stones with golden inclusions of pyrite are the most sought after in jewelry. The second element of evaluation concerns the cut of the stone, which must be regular, and the lucidity, as well as the state of conservation.

Lapislazzulo con inclusioni di calcite e pirite — Lapis lazuli with inclusions of calcite and pyrite

The use. Lapis lazuli are used in jewelry, but their color has suggested many different uses for centuries. Lapis lazuli artifacts from 7570 BC were found in the Indus Valley, India. Lapis lazuli was also used for the funerary mask of Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BC), while from the Middle Ages onwards the stones began to be used by painters, reduced to powder, as blue pigments by all the great artists, from Michelangelo, who used lapis lazuli to paint the Sistine Chapel, in Vermeer. But lapis have also been used in different architectures: for example, two of the columns in St. Isaac’s Cathedral, in St. Petersburg, are built with lapis lazuli.

Pendente con lapislazzulo intagliato a mano — Pendant with hand-carved lapis lazuli

Where is it. Lapis lazuli is still mined in northeastern Afghanistan, but is now also found in mines west of Lake Baikal, Russia, the Andes Mountains in Chile, and in small quantities in Pakistan, Italy, Mongolia, the United States and Canada.

Orecchini con lapislazzuli, topazio bianco e perla barocca — Earrings with lapis lazuli, white topaz and baroque pearl

The imitations. There are also imitations of lapis lazuli: the stone, in fact, has been synthesized commercially and simulated by the process introduced by Pierre Gilson in France and by Carroll Chatham in the United States. Sometimes lapis lazuli is replaced by spinel, dyed jasper or howlite, a stone can easily be dyed to mimic other minerals, including lapis lazuli.

Anello Freccia — Freccia ring in gold and lapis lazuli by Vhernier

How to discover real or false stones. How to find out if your jewel has real lapis lazuli? There are two methods, which we do not recommend. The first is to pour a small drop of hydrochloric acid (usually sold as muriatic acid) on the stone. True lapis releases a gas (H2S), which has the characteristic smell of rotten egg. Another system is to rub the lapis lazuli on a rough sheet: the real stone must leave a blue stripe. Of course, there is a risk of damaging the jewel …

Orecchini Surrounding con lapislazzuli — Surrounding earrings with lapis lazuli by Fernando Jorge

How to clean lapis lazuli. It is a stone that is not too hard (5-6 on the Mohr scale, which indicates 10 for the diamond). For this reason, it is necessary to avoid hitting the lapis lazuli on hard surfaces and not to store them together with other jewels that can easily scratch the stone. Lapis lazuli tends to tarnish over time: in this case it must be taken to a jeweler who will perform a new polishing. To clean the jewelry with lapis lazuli you can use the always valid method of water, a drop of neutral soap and a toothbrush with soft bristles. The jewel must then be dried with a soft cloth, to avoid scratches. Instead, it is better to avoid steam, ultrasounds and chemical solvents.

Anello in oro con lapislazzulo e diamanti fancy by Cartier — Gold ring with lapis lazuli and fancy diamonds by Cartier

How to clean copper jewelry?

Published on October 4, 2023

Campus

Hemmerle, anello in rame, zaffiro, oro bianco

There are those who adore copper jewellery. But he doesn’t know how to clean them. The problem, however, is easily solved and the copper jewels and the classic dark red color of the metal can continue to sparkle.

Eliminate marks on the skin
By the way: Copper jewelry also has another problem: When worn for a long time it can leave a greenish mark on the skin. This color is caused by the oxidation of the metal, which reacts with air, but also with sweat or cosmetic products. The good news is that if this happens it means the copper is pure. Furthermore, this is not a big problem: the skin cleans quite easily with soap and water, but also with diluted acidic substances, such as lemon and vinegar. And there are even those who have tried ketchup (and it works). But can these signs be avoided? One method is to coat the internal surface of the jewel in contact with the skin, for example with transparent nail polish: in this way sweat will not come into contact with the metal. There are also those who use Renaissance wax, a product used to protect oil paintings and to create an anti-halo effect: it was developed in the laboratories of the British Museum and is used to preserve all types of objects in the museum and in historical collection, but also to protect blades and knives from corrosion and oxidation.

Clean copper jewelry
Once the marks on the skin have been eliminated, you can dedicate yourself to cleaning your copper jewels, to make them shine again like when you bought them. The first piece of advice, however, is what NOT to do: avoid using the products on sale to clean pots or other copper objects. They are very aggressive substances and risk ruining your jewellery. Here’s what to do instead:

Organic method. Place the jewelry in a plastic or ceramic (not metal) bowl. Sprinkle lemon or lime juice over the jewelry until it covers the metal. You can also add salt and let it rest for about twenty minutes. With a soft cloth or toothbrush, scrub the surface of the jewel. Rinse with cold water and dry with a soft cloth.
Strong ways. If you don’t have enough lemons on hand you can use vinegar, both wine and apple vinegar are fine. Again, just fill a bowl with vinegar until it covers the copper jewelry, and let it rest for a few minutes. Rub without exaggerating, rinse well with water and dry with a soft cloth.

Bracciale in rame, oro bianco e granati by Hemmerle — Bracelet in copper, white gold and garnets by Hemmerle

Copper
Perhaps you don’t know that in Roman times copper was mined mainly on the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean. Hence the name of the metal: aes cyprium (Cyprian metal), later changed over the years to cuprum (Latin). From this come coper (Old English) and copper (copper in English). It is a soft, malleable and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Copper does not react with water, but with atmospheric oxygen, forming a layer of brown-black copper oxide which, unlike the rust that forms on iron in moist air, protects the underlying metal from further corrosion . Copper oxidizes when exposed to certain sulfur compounds, with which it reacts to form various copper sulfides. In jewelry, copper is also used in an alloy with gold to obtain the pink shade of the metal.

The effects of copper
Copper is often used in jewelry not only for its warm color, but also because according to some popular beliefs, bracelets made of this metal relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, in one study for osteoarthritis and in another study for rheumatoid arthritis, no differences were found between a copper bracelet and a control bracelet (not copper). No evidence shows that copper can be absorbed through the skin. And that’s a good thing: if it were, it could lead to copper poisoning.

Bracciale in rame e apatite — Copper and apatite bracelet

Three methods for cleaning earrings

Published on August 3, 2023

Campus

Orecchini indossati della collezione Histoire de Style: New Maharajahs

It is necessary to clean jewelry regularly, but it is even more necessary to clean earrings. And the main reasons why you have to clean your earrings often are two: to prevent the jewel from deteriorating and for your health.

The earrings, in fact, are worn in close contact with the skin. In particular, those hanging from the holes in the ear lobes can cause allergies, irritation, redness or worse. It is not uncommon for a pair of earrings that cause an infection: just a micro wound, like a puncture, is enough to make your body come into contact with the microbes housed in a pair of uncleaned earrings. Also, don’t forget that uncleaned earrings are also less bright and beautiful to look at.

Orecchini Lolli Bijoux indossati — Worn earrings

Now that you are convinced that the earrings must be cleaned often, let’s see how you can done. There are different methods to clean the earrings but, of course, in addition to your tastes, the right system is also determined by the material that makes up the jewel. Attention: for earrings with pearls, opals or other delicate material special care must be taken. For this type of earrings it is better to use only warm water and a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Foglio di alluminio. Foto di Marco Verch — Aluminium sheet. Photo by Marco Verch

Mode number 1
Lined a cup with aluminum foil usually used for food, with the shiny side on the outside (i.e. upwards). Pour hot (but not too much) water and add a teaspoon or two of baking soda and leave the earrings to soak for an hour. This system is particularly recommended for silver earrings. As always, rinse the earrings and dry. This system is to be avoided for earrings with pearls, opals or other delicate materials.

Bicarbonato e alluminio — Baking soda and aluminum

Mode number 2
The easiest way to clean your earrings is to dip them in hot water. Be careful, however: there are those who suggest boiling the water and then dipping the jewels. Don’t do it: the water must be warm, but not boiling. In fact, most microbes do not survive temperatures above 60 degrees centigrade (140 degrees Fahrenheit) and, in addition, too high temperatures can ruin the material with which the earrings are made. In the case of earrings that are not too clean, you can dissolve a drop of liquid detergent in the water. Let the earrings rest for about an hour. Then, gently rub the jewelry with a soft bristle toothbrush. Finally, dry the earrings with a soft cotton cloth.

Poche gocce di sapone liquido sono sufficienti — A few drops of liquid soap are enough

Mode number 3
The easiest way to clean the earrings is to rub them with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the liquid that serves to disinfect wounds and, therefore, to kill even the microbes hidden in your earrings. If the jewel is particularly elaborate, you can also help yourself with a stick that is used for cleaning the ears, always soaked in hydrogen peroxide. If the earrings are really very dirty, you can also pour the hydrogen peroxide into a cup and leave the jewels immersed for 5 minutes. After disinfecting the jewels, rinse in cold water, then gently dry them with a cotton cloth, soft but without filaments that can get caught.

Orecchino in acqua ossigenata — Earring in hydrogen peroxide

Orecchini indossati — Volund, earrings worn

How to clean and store silver jewelry

Published on January 29, 2023

Campus

Some helpful advice on silver: what does the number 925, how to clean the jewelry, allergies.

Silver has legions of fans: not only because the jewelry made with this metal cost an average less than gold. Some people love the shine and lightness of this metal. But beware: not all the silver is all silver.

Orecchini in argento della collezione Zephirus — Mikky Eger, orecchini in argento della collezione Zephirus

Sterling Silver. There is silver and silver. Usually jewelry is not a pure metal, because silver is too soft to create jewelry that do not warp. To make it more robust, silver is melted usually together with small copper parts. Sterling Silver is a pure silver mix approximately 92.5% and 7.5% of other alloys. The number that is often imprinted, ie 925, is in fact referring to the percentage of pure metal used, 925 parts in 1000. There are countries where only the 925 silver can be labeled as pure silver, as Usa. But in other Member tolerance it is greater. In Italy, for example, it has also admitted the silver marked 800.

Anello a forma di turbante ottomano. Argento, oro, crisoprasio di Elena Okutova

Features. Silver is used by more into jewelry because is the most white metal when is as pure. Not only: it also has the highest thermal conductivity. It’s metal heated more easily than the other. Careful, however: it is also the metal that has the highest electrical conductivity, more than copper. It is not true that silver in contact with the air becomes dark. Silver is stable in pure air and pure water. Darkens, instead, when it is in contact with ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air containing traces of sulfur compounds.

Bracciale in argento rodiato e cubic zirconia di Pianegonda

Matter of skin. Silver is nice to see, both in the glossy version and in the satin, but some prefer it with the signs of oxyde which lend an air longer lived. The silver or other metals that are added in the alloy, however, can cause allergies for sensitive skin: inflammation, blackening.

Anello della collezione Paillettes di Giovanni Raspini

Plated or solid silver. In case you want to figure out if your jewelry is silver plated or solid, try to examine the joints or the wear areas. If you notice a different color of the metal (but not oxidation), this means that the jewelry is silver plated.

Collane in argento e turchese del marchio Kolié 925, indossate

How to clean silver jewelry. Silver is a soft and delicate metal, so you have to wash it gently. A cleaning can be performed easily with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste very little, provided that it is not of those brighteners or gel. In short, it takes toothpaste less aggressive as possible. Just rub gently and rinse immediately the jewel. An alternative is to use baking soda powder, made like pasta after adding few drops of water. Also in this case the risk is to eliminate too silver, so you have to gently clean and rinse immediately.

Anello Yakasha con zaffiri blu su argento rodiato nero di Flora Bhattacharya

Anello antico del Kazakistan in argento e turchese

What is black coral?

Published on October 24, 2022

Campus

Maybe you have a black coral jewel in your drawer. Well, know that it is not coral, even if it is called that. Black coral is something other than classic red or pink coral. If you are curious to know what black coral is and how to clean a jewel made from this material, here you will find the information you need.

Collana di corallo nero indossata — Worn black coral necklace

It looks like coral, but…
As we have mentioned, black coral is not true coral. It is, in fact, a different organism, the antipatharia, which science places within the Myriopathidae family (but not only). Corals, on the other hand, are marine invertebrates that are part of the Anthozoa class of the phylum Cnidaria. In short, they are another species. The black coral is called this way, therefore, because it resembles the best known one, but for biology it is part of the Hexacorallia subclass, like madrepores and sea anemones.

Orecchini di corallo nero, oro bianco e diamanti — Black coral, white gold and diamond earrings

Features
Among other things, black coral is hardly black. The material that is used in jewelry is simply the skeleton of this organism, which is most often dark brown in color. Outside the skeleton, which is the most solid part, there are small tentacles that are used for nutrition. These marine organisms are most frequently found at depths of less than 50 meters (164 feet). The estimated natural lifespan of a black coral colony is 70 years, but much older specimens are found deep down.

Collana di corallo nero — Black coral necklace

Black coral and jewels
Many peoples in the Pacific area believed that black coral had healing powers and anti-evil spirits and turned them into necklaces and bracelets. It should be superfluous to point out that black coral, as well as gems in general, does not have any extra properties. Otherwise, they are also difficult for use in jewelry. Unlike red or pink coral, corals are soft instead of being hard as gems. A black coral jewel can easily break when it is too dry. Black coral is often used for necklaces and bracelets. It should be cleaned very carefully, soaked in cold or lukewarm water, with a small drop of neutral soap. Then rub it with a soft silky toothbrush and dry it gently.
It seems that to understand if a jewel is made with real black coral it must be boiled in milk: it should give off a scent similar to that of myrrh. But boiling a jewel can also mean ruining it and, moreover, who can recognize the scent of myrrh?

Corallo nero nello stato naturale — Black coral in the natural state

Danger of extinction
Like the most precious corals, black corals are also subject to indiscriminate fishing and are decreasing in number. Poaching, combined with ocean acidification and climate change is endangering the existence of Antipatharia. In some areas of the Caribbean, where black coral was once widespread, it has practically disappeared due to overfishing.

Collana di corallo nero e oro 14 carati — Black coral and 14K gold necklace

How to clean pearls

Published on September 2, 2022

Campus

Pearls are among the most delicate components of jewelry. So, how to clean pearls? This is a question that many women ask themselves when they have a necklace or other piece of jewelry that uses these little balls produced by oysters. Beautiful, but also delicate. Even more so if the pearls are those inherited from their mother or grandmother: in short, those who have celebrated numerous birthdays and can suffer more from cleaning. How to prevent them from getting damaged? Here are some useful tips to keep your pearls clean and shiny.

Anello con cluster di perle — Nimei, anello con cluster di perle

Why are pearls so delicate? It is good to remember that pearls are not minerals, like diamonds or rubies, but have an animal origin. A pearl is produced inside the soft tissue of a living mollusk, or of another animal, such as fossil conulariids. Just like the shell of a shell that you find on the beach, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite or a mix of aragonite and calcite) in a crystalline form, which is deposited in concentric layers. The perfect pearl is round and smooth, but there are also irregular shapes known as baroque pearls. In short, pearls are delicate.

perle pulizia2 — Pulizia di una collana di perle

The cleaning. Pearls should be kept clean. But be careful. For example, the disinfectant gel used for the hands can kill microbes and viruses, but it is certainly not a cure-all for pearls. After handling the pearls with your hands, or after wearing them, it is better to clean them with a slightly damp cloth soaked in soapy water (just a few drops) and then rinse with clean water. Dry the pearls with a soft cloth to regain their shine. There are those who use ultraviolet rays to disinfect clothes (especially in shops). Can this hurt pearls? The answer is no, no problem.

Giovanni Ferraris, anelli Vanity con perle

What not to do. Be careful, however, not to use aggressive or abrasive detergents that can easily ruin the mother of pearl. For cleaning, it is best not to use ultrasonic instruments, which are usually used for gold or silver jewelry.

Tips for keeping pearls healthy. Avoid putting pearls in contact with cosmetics, including sunburn creams. Do not wear pearls until after you have spread a perfume on your body. Be careful not to perfume the part of skin in contact with pearls. Pearls have a surface that is easily scratched: store them in a space separate from other jewels, which could ruin them. Pearls originate in a humid environment, wearing them often benefits their shine. But without exaggerating: the sweat of the skin is not good for mother of pearl because it has an acid component.

La danza della pioggia del pavone: diamanti e perle, by Sawansukha

How to clean gold and precious stones

Published on July 30, 2022

Campus/ORO

How to clean gold, diamonds and other precious stones? Here is a quick guide with what you need to know about how to clean your jewelry ♦

Of course, a very precious jewel must be kept with care and, frankly, if it has a great value, even emotional, it is better to take it periodically to the jeweler, who can also check its state of health: it happens, for example, that the stones can be detached. , or that the surface is covered with scratches. But it is not always necessary. You can (indeed, must) clean your jewelry periodically, just like washing your laundry. A jewel, in fact, is almost always in contact with the skin and is covered with an opaque patina due to the natural fat that comes out of the pores, and even worse it can be ruined by perfumes, creams and lotions used regularly. Here, then, are the tips for cleaning jewelry to perform at home.

Unlike silver, for example, gold does not blacken over time, but it can easily accumulate dust and dirt. The same goes for diamonds which, of all gems, have the greatest ability to retain organic fragments. And so jewelers are horrified when customers bring rings to tighten or widen, earrings to fix, and wonder why they don’t wash them like their clothes. You can restore the luster of jewelry by yourself, just a few household tools and a few ingredients.

1 Pour a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of water that is just over warm, but not hot. Gently mix. Even if normal tap water works well, for even better results, you can use soda-free soda water: carbon dioxide gives rise to a process, carbonation, which in surfactants, i.e. detergents, helps to dissolve dirt. and accumulated debris. Do not use very hot or boiling water because some stones, such as opals, pearls and corals, can break with a rapid and drastic change in temperature. Then, soak for about 15 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate otherwise hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.

2 Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft bristled toothbrush, the softest possible (there are specific products, but a toothbrush or eyebrow brush will be fine), to avoid scratching the surface. Attention, stiff bristles may remove the top layer in the case of gold plated or galvanic treatment jewelry. Particular attention should be paid to very sensitive and soft stones, such as opals, or pearls.

3 Rinse in running water (always lukewarm) to remove the last residues, remembering to cover the drain plug with a pasta or metal filter coffee sieve. Domestic accidents are more frequent than imagined and even the ring or earrings in the sink pipe are a classic! One last consideration. Let the jewelry dry completely before wearing it again: if it is still wet, even slightly, it can retain moisture on the skin and cause mild skin irritation.

There is another method, that of toothpaste, useful for traveling or for everyday jewelry

1 Mix a small amount of toothpaste and water in a bowl to make a smooth paste.
2 Scrub with an old soft-bristled toothbrush.
3 Rinse thoroughly.

But if the dirt remains, before trying more radical methods such as boiling water or ammonia, which we strongly advise against, it is best to consult a professional.

How to clean cameos, pearls, emeralds, opals, crystals

Published on February 19, 2022

Campus/perle

How do you clean a fragile piece of jewelry, which can easily be ruined? Here are the rules to follow to clean a jewel without damaging it ♦
Maybe you have fragile, delicate jewels in your drawer. It is very easy: most of the jewels are not made with very hard stones, such as diamonds or rubies, which are more resistant stones (although despite this they can still be damaged). There are also materials that are damaged or scratched very easily, for example cameos, pearls, emeralds, opals, crystals. And the materials that are glued are also fragile, such as the stones that make up a pavé.

Attention, therefore: this type of jewelry must be treated very, very carefully. Especially when it is necessary to clean them, an operation that must be repeated regularly. By the way: even better than cleaning jewelry is to prevent it from getting dirty. Don’t wear them if you have to do gardening, wash the dishes, or if you are going to sprinkle yourself with a cream, or any other action that has to do with dirt and chemicals.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to clean a delicate jewel, as long as you follow these tips.

Mossa 1: immergere il gioiello in una tazza d'acqua — Mossa 1: immergere il gioiello in una tazza d’acqua

Mossa 2: aggiungere una goccia di sapone liquido neutro. Eventualmente utilizzare uno spazzolino morbido

Materials to use

Warm water
Liquid neutral soap (to avoid antibacterials and aggressive soaps)
Soft cloth: an old cotton T-shirt or microfibre is fine
A soft toothbrush, preferably with natural bristles

How to do

Mix warm water (neither hot nor cold) with a drop of neutral soap in a glass or on a concave dish. When the mixture boils a little and has diluted well, dip the jewels and let stand for two minutes. If dust has settled in the cracks (for example, between a stone and the metal), use the soft bristle brush very gently. Focus mainly on the underside. Make sure to rinse the solution well, always with lukewarm water: soap residues can damage the stones. When finished, dry gently with a soft cloth.

Cameos or emeralds

We can add a separate tip for cleaning cameos or emeralds. In addition to following the instructions you read earlier, in this case you can use the oil that is used for the body of babies. Emeralds, for example, can get damaged due to micro cracks, almost invisible, but which tend to widen: a drop of oil can prevent them from further ruining.
Caution

Warning: these indications are generic. Obviously, if you have a very old or particularly delicate jewel at home, ask your trusted jeweler for advice before carrying out any operations that could ruin it. Lavinia Andorno

Orecchini con perle South Sea e diamanti

Collana di perle coltivate a quattro fili venduta per 40.0000 euro

Bracciale Tudor Rose, in oro bianco, diamanti e perle

Clean gold with ammonia?

Published on April 17, 2021

Campus/ORO

How to clean gold jewelry with a simple system: a bathroom with water and ammonia. Here’s how.

Your relationship as a couple has tarnished? Or, perhaps, it is only the ring that with time no longer shines? In this case the solution is quite simple and the ring will return sparkling as when it was new. For marriage (or relationship), however, it takes other systems. Anyway, here’s how to get back shining a bridal ring, the engagement ring or other. The solution is called ammonia. Followed, however, these instructions carefully.

First: when NOT to use ammonia

First of all it must be clear that this system threatens to ruin the delicate jewels, particularly those with soft stones or pearls. Even diamonds, if the solution is too strong, they could lose transparency.
If you have jewelry of this type, follow the guides on how to clean your jewelry, you find in the top menu “da sapere.” If, instead, you have to clean gold or platinum jewelry, like the wedding ring or earrings, necklaces or bracelets, you can use this method. Another warning: do not use this method with jewels that are just plated, ie not full gold.

• Pour into a container six parts of warm water and one of ammonia. Someone suggests a more concentrated solution, with only three or four parts of ammonia but, of course, is more risky and may discolor the metal. If the jewelry is also very dirty, add a few drops of liquid detergent and stir.
• Immerse the jewelry in the solution and keep them in water for ten minutes. Who is allergic is better to wear rubber gloves.
• The past ten minutes, remove the jewelry from the container and use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently clean your jewelry.
• After this first cleaning, it is better to put to soak the jewelry for another ten minutes, to remove the remaining dust.
• Brush gently again the metal.
• If dirt remains, repeat steps.
• Rinse with cold water.
• Dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
• Voila, the jewel is back to shine as when you purchased or when you have received as a gift.

All About Citrine

Published on November 14, 2019

If you like colored stones, you certainly love citrine. It is one of the most fashionable stones and, not least, among the most cheerful. Here’s all you need to know about citrine, it’s the other November stone along with yellow topaz ♦

The name. Citron in French is the fruit of the lemon, word derived from the Latin Citrus. The fruit is yellow as, indeed, the color of the stone. But in ancient times the citrine was considered less poetically a yellow quartz (and indeed from a scientific point of view is a yellow quartz): the term citrine took over only after 1556. Even less appeal is the definition of “merchant stone” because at one time it was believed he would bring luck in business. Unfortunately, it has remained a mere supposition.

It was also considered a magic stone, like many others. In the Middle Ages some had even spread the rumor that it was effective to protect against the plague, from snake venom from spider bites and even from the evil people. Likely, though, that the citrine powers did not worked with those who have put about this nonsense.

Anello in oro giallo, diamanti e citrini — Gringoire, anello in oro giallo, diamanti e citrino

Color. As the name indicates, the citrine is yellow. It is practically impossible without technical means, to distinguish it from a topaz, to the naked eye, but the difference is the hardness. In truth, the stones that are set on jewels are heated citrine: the stone in its natural state has a rather pale color. When heated, however, it takes on a shade amber, almost orange. Rather than citrine it should call orangine, is not it?

Andrew Grima, anello in oro con citrino e diamanti, 1969

Provenance. Many citrines come from the Brazilian mines, but if you go on the hunt for citrine you can also try in Madagascar, Zambia, Namibia, in the Urals in Russia. Often they are found where there are amethysts. It also there is a citrine record of 2,258 carats, guarded at the Smithsonian in Washington. In general, however, on jewelry the stones are below 25 carats.

Anello in oro con citrino e zaffiri — Leyla Abdollahi, anello in oro con citrino e zaffiri

How to clean them. Citrine jewels can be cleaned by immersing the jewel in a cup of warm water, adding a couple of drops of detergent. After about ten minutes, gently rub the jewel with a toothbrush with soft bristles, then rinse.

Anello in oro con citrino intagliato a mano e zaffiri rosa — Naomi Sarna, anello in oro con citrino intagliato a mano e zaffiri rosa

Split Petra Ring, con citrino grezzo e levigato. Prezzo: 1280 dollari

Braccialetto in oro con citrini e diamanti

Il citrino brasiliano vincitore del premio — Il citrino brasiliano

Anello con citrino centrale, topazi e-tsavorriti

La collana di citrini disegnata da Robert Procop