pulizia

How to clean silver jewelry

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

Cup of hot water, but not too much
Cup of hot water, but not too much

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

 Spoon of salt
Spoon of 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

Aluminium sheet
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

Clean the jewels with ketchup, beer and vodka

Tomato ketchup, vodka or beer to clean your jewelry. Yes, you can. If you do not have anything better at hand … ♦

At the table with jewels. To clean them. According to somebody, there are many ways to make brighter necklaces, rings and earrings: just use some products that are usually used in the kitchen. For example, ketchup, beer and vodka. Attention: we are not advising to follow these indications, especially for your most precious jewels. But, who knows, maybe it works …

Tomatensauce
Tomato sauce

For example, a bowl of ketchup can clean a ring dipped in red sauce after 5 or 10 minutes. Don’t leaving the jewel in contact with the sauce for too long: could cause damage. Clean everything with a toothbrush and rinse. Another useful food is beer: just pour a little on a clean cloth and rub gently to revive the gold. Better not to try, however, on light plating, and do not use dark beer.

Pulire i gioielli con l'acqua minerale
Pulire i gioielli con l’acqua minerale

Alcohol also likes diamonds: a small glass of vodka can restore brightness to the stones, but also to zirconia and crystal. Just pour the vodka on a soft cloth and carefully clean the jewels, or immerse the jewel in a glass full of the Russian liquor par excellence. Those who are teetotalers are consoled: sparkling water is excellent for resurrecting the splendor of the gems. Immerse a jewel with stones embedded in a glass with sparkling mineral water. Let it rest overnight: in the morning everything will be more shiny.
And after lunch? Brushing your teeth is a good hygiene rule. While you are there, however, you can use toothbrush and toothpaste on metal jewels or stones like diamonds or rubies. Then, rinse (before returning to the table).

Spazzolino e dentifricio sono utili anche per pulire i gioielli
Toothbrush and toothpaste are also useful for cleaning jewelry

Dangerous sea for jewelry

Be careful to sea water and swimming pools: ruin your jewelry. Here’s what you must do.
Summer is the time of year when there the most danger for your jewelry. The enemy is called water: that of the sea or the pool. In both cases your jewelry risks a lot. The salt content of sea water is a corrosive substance which can cause serious damage to rings, earrings or necklaces. Even the precious metals, like gold and platinum may be ruined. First, the gold in your jewelry is often an alloy with other metals: for example, what to 18K contains 25% materials such as nickel, or copper or silver. These metals in contact with the sea water is easily to spoil. Even platinum, although more resistant gold, suffers in prolonged contact with salt water.

Vietato fare il bagno con anelli e bracciali, specie se sono bijoux
It is forbidden to swim with rings and bracelets, especially if they are bijoux

Welds danger. One weakness of the jewels are the welds. If a jewel is well done they will not see with your eyes, but there are. The salt can corrode precisely the most delicate parts of the junction between the different parts of a jewel. Another danger is given by the waves or the impact of the jewel caused by swimming. A stroke while swimming due to a collision with the water has a certain relief in a delicate structure such as, for example, a ring. For this are not uncommon in cases of rings in which the jaws which stop the stone will soften and end up leaving free the diamond, or any other gemstone. Even more ruinous is the effect of water of sea on bijoux, that are made with less resistant metals and are usually lighter.

Se per errore si fa il bagno in piscina o in mare con i gioielli, meglio lavarli subito dopo con acqua corrente
If by mistake you bathe in the pool or in the sea with your jewels, it is better to wash them immediately afterwards with running water

Mist up the stones. Another negative effect is that of salt on precious or semi-precious stones. Not only do you risk losing them for ever, but swimming in the sea will make them less bright because of the salt that is deposited on the surface. A bathroom between the waves of the sea is also not recommended for the pearls. The jewels have the same dangers in the swimming pool: it is better to take them off, and then you can take a bath.

Anche l'acqua di una piscina può essere nociva per i gioielli
Even swimming pool water can be harmful to jewelry due to chemicals dissolved in the water

How to fix it. And if you forget to take them off before you dive? The best thing to do is wash the jewels in cold or lukewarm water with a drop or two of mild detergent. After holding them to soak for about ten minutes the jewelry should be cleaned with a toothbrush with very soft bristles. The gems are polished with a cloth.

Un bracciale d'oro: può essere indossato in spiaggia, ma lontano dalla salsedine
A gold bracelet: it can be worn on the beach, but away from the salt

What are akoya Pearls?

What are akoya Pearls? If you intend to buy a pearl necklace or pearl earrings, a bracelet or a ring made with these small spheres produced by special molluscs, it is easy for you to come across the term akoya, which distinguishes a particular type of pearl. But what are Akoya pearls? If you are curious, discover the characteristics of these pearls and, of course, the origin of the name akoya.

Collana di perle akoya
Mazza, collana di perle akoya

Akoya pearls are a variety of cultured pearls known for their beauty and luster. These pearls are grown in salt water and are the fruit of a type of oyster they grow in, Pinctada fucata martensii. These oysters are mainly grown in Japan, although cultivation technologies have also been developed in other countries, such as China and Korea. However, akoya pearls are available all over the world. This variety of pearls are considered the quintessential classic pearls. They were first introduced to Japan in the late 19th century, and have since become one of the most popular pearls in the world.
Orecchini in oro giallo e perle Akoya
Orecchini in oro giallo e perle Akoya

Characteristics of akoya pearls
As we have said, akoya pearls are appreciated for their luster, but also for their brilliant color and regular shape. Luster refers to the pearl’s ability to reflect light, creating a luminous effect on the surface. The color of akoya pearls is generally white or cream, although they are available in other shades such as pink, gold and silver. The round shape is considered the ideal shape for akoya pearls, but they can also be oval, teardrop or baroque. Akoya pearls are generally smaller than other cultured pearls, ranging in diameter from 2 to 10 millimeters. However, there are also larger akoya pearls that can be as large as 12-13 millimeters. These beads are commonly used to make jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Orecchini con perle akoya
Orecchini con perle akoya di Nimei

Cultivation of akoya pearls
Cultivation of akoya pearls begins with the selection of ripe oysters, which are then grafted with a piece of mantle tissue from another oyster. This tissue stimulates the oyster to produce mother-of-pearl, or nacre, a substance that coats the nucleus of the implanted tissue, forming the pearl.
Bracciale con perle Akoya e diamanti di Yoko London
Bracciale con perle Akoya e diamanti di Yoko London

Pearl cleaning
Akoya pearls are considered a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and are often worn on special occasions such as weddings and formal events. They are also a great choice for gifts, especially for women who appreciate fashion and design. Be careful: Akoya pearls are quite fragile, so they must be treated with care to avoid scratches or damage. Avoid exposing them to chemicals or heat, and it is best to clean them gently with a soft cloth after use.
Assael, bracciale in oro con perle Akoya
Assael, bracciale in oro con perle Akoya

The origin of the name
The term akoya comes from the name of the oyster that produces these pearls, or the akoya oyster according to the Japanese name (Pinctada fucata martensii). These oysters grow naturally in the coastal waters of Japan, where the water is rich in nutrients and minerals that promote pearl growth, and where akoya pearls were first cultured in the late 19th century. The term akoya is Japanese for salt water, which reflects the environment in which these pearls are grown.

Bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato
Alessio Boschi, bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato

How to clean diamonds




How to clean the diamonds? Is it really necessary? Here is a quick guide on how to clean diamond jewelery ♦

The diamond jewelry are the most coveted. But they do not shine forever. It is not their fault: engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, can with time become dull. Blame the natural fat from the skin, the powder that sticks above, the substances with which they come in contact jewels. So the question is: how to make brilliant the brilliants?

Anello con diamante
Anello con diamante

What you need
Club Soda (very sparkling water)
Dishwashing liquid (but avoid bleach or other cleaning products)
Toothbrush with soft bristles
Soft cloth or cotton of an old shirt or a microfiber cloth
How to do
Fill a glass or a bowl of sparkling water and add a few drops of detergent. Stir the water to dissolve the detergent. Deposited the jewels in the water: the bubbles act to clean better the jewel. Let the jewelry soak for 20 minutes, then use a toothbrush to remove any dirt. Put in water and detergent for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Pulizia di un anello con diamanti
Pulizia di un anello con diamanti

Forceful methods
And if the diamond is stained with strong dirty? There is another method, more radical. But beware: each jewel is different and, therefore, think twice before acting. If there are other stones or pearls, for example, you could cause damage.
Given this, one of the most effective methods involves the use of ammonia, which is used to shine even gold. Prolonged or excessive use of ammonia, however, can damage and discolor the metal, wear down the precious stones, diamonds and even ruin: be careful.

Spazzolino da denti con setole morbide
Spazzolino da denti con setole morbide

How to do
Put in a bowl with a solution of one part ammonia and 5:00 to 6:00 parts warm water.
Leave to soak the jewelry for ten minutes.
Clean the jewelry with a soft bristle toothbrush.
Put to soak the jewelry for ten minutes and rinse.
If the jewelry is still dirty, repeat all the steps. In addition to ammonia, you can also add a few drops of dish detergent, which serves to remove any tarnish. At the end dry with a soft cloth (without fluff).

Controllo della qualità del diamante
Controllo della qualità del diamante
Il diamante in vendita da Sotheby's
Diamante flawless da 102 carati venduto da Sotheby’s
Verifica dello stato della pietra
Verifica dello stato della pietra
Anello con diamante ripulito
Anello con diamante ripulito
Diamante taglio brillante
Diamante taglio brillante







Silver jewelry, what to do in the summer

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Even the silver suffer from the weather, much more than gold. When temperatures rise and the humidity increases, your silver jewelry are in danger and tend to become blacks. Here’s what you need to do.

Un bracciale in argento che si è ossidato
Un bracciale in argento che si è ossidato

Rule number one: keep them dry. If the climate is humid, more quickly they tarnishes up the jewelry. To keep your silver shining and bright, try to put the jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from the sultry air. Do not mix more than pieces of jewelry in the same container: silver is a soft metal and especially with the heat the individual pieces may scratch each other. If you have any gypsum (like those used by the blackboard), you can place them close, because this material it absorbs moisture. Alternatively, you should take a little bag with silica gel, ie the colloidal silica. It is a polymer of silicon dioxide (a kind of plastic) which has properties desiccants and absorbents, there are usually inserted in the boxes that contain electronic material.

Collana in argento di Tiffany
Collana in argento di Tiffany

Rule number two: avoid exposure. Humidity, some acids and cosmetics such as lotions and perfumes or the contact with the rubber bands can cause fogging of the silver, due to the presence of sulfur in the elastic material. Silver is also sensitive to substances such as mayonnaise, egg, mustard and onions, which contain sulfur. When it’s hot, the chemical reaction can be accelerated. Do not wear silver jewelry even for swimming and sunbathing.

Pulizia dell'argento con acqua e poco detergente
Pulizia dell’argento con acqua e poco detergente

Rule number three: cleaning. Hygiene helps your jewelry to shine for longer, especially when the heat threatens their integrity. You can clean your silver jewelry simply using ingredients from your kitchen. Soak in warm water and soap the jewel, and clean with a soft brush. Then just rinse under running water. After this, wipe with a soft cloth or a damp cloth.

Pulizia dell'argento con acqua e poco detergente
Pulizia dell’argento con acqua e poco detergente

Rule number four: polishing. If your silver is tarnished, you can choose to polishing: just use a soft cotton cloth or muslin. Rub carefully, but without using too much energy: the heat, easily deformed the metal. Giulia Netrese

Se per errore si fa il bagno in piscina o in mare con i gioielli, meglio lavarli subito dopo con acqua corrente
Se per errore si fa il bagno in piscina o in mare con i gioielli, meglio lavarli subito dopo con acqua corrente

Ciondolo nella versione argento
Ciondolo in argento

Modelle con i gioielli della collezione Incipit
Modelle con i gioielli della collezione Incipit







The jewels? They are home to 23,000 bacteria




Your ring? It is a den of bacteria. Your earrings? They are a danger. Not to mention the watch … Est1897 is a British brand that retails jewelery and watches that come from the main UK pawnbrokers. But, in addition to this, Est 1897 also offers news and analysis on the world of jewelry. Among these, there is an alarming one: Est1897, in fact, conducted a study to find out how much your jewelry can carry bacteria. It was a serious study looking at how many bacteria grew after just one week of use. Result: 23,000 bacteria were identified. They are largely not too harmful bacteria. But among these there is also the dangerous Staphylococcus Aureus, which is resistant to methicillin (an antibiotic), or fungi that can cause oral candidiasis. In short, we need to take the topic seriously.

I batteri individuati sugli anelli
I batteri individuati sugli anelli

Again according to the survey by Est1897, the dangers are greater considering that, on average, a person touches his face 16 times per hour. And that every day the hands are in contact with a myriad of objects literally covered with bacteria. The analysis, therefore, used gels for the culture of bacteria at room temperature for over 74 hours and a sterile technique to measure the result. And, as mentioned, while most bacteria aren’t particularly dangerous, jewelry is also home to micro organisms that can be very harmful. On the rings, for example, five different types of bacteria and 504 bacterial colonies were found that grew after a week of using the ring. And this after only seven days.
Collezione Ink, anello in oro
Peruffo, collezione Ink, anello in oro indossato sul dito indice

In the rings, for example, a colony of penicillin-resistant staph bacteria has been identified, which can cause infections in different parts of the body. Or corynebacterium diphtheriae, bacteria that produce poisonous toxins, which can cause diphtheria, have been detected, with difficulty in breathing, heart failure, paralysis and, in some cases, even death. Another danger comes from micrococcus, which could cause pneumonia, septic arthritis, peritonitis, meningitis, and more. In addition to Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Micrococcus, the rings also showed traces of black fungus and mold, which can cause dry, flaky skin and rashes.
Anello di Jaubalet indossato
Anello di Jaubalet indossato

In addition to the rings, the experiment included an analysis on watches (identified four different types of bacteria and 20,000 colonies grown in a week) and earrings (four different types of bacteria and 485 bacterial colonies after one week). The earrings, in particular, also had Bacillus, a diverse group of bacteria which, for example, causes food poisoning if ingested. Just fiddle with the earrings and then grab a cookie and, voila, the bacteria come right into your mouth. The conclusion of the experiment is obvious: in order to avoid any dangers, you need to wash the jewels often and adequately.
Pulizia di un anello con diamanti
Pulizia di un anello con diamanti







Does sanitizer gel wear out jewelry?




Is sanitizer gel dangerous for jewelry health? Okay, gels and other hand hygiene products are needed to kill germs and viruses. But, while they are effective for the health of the person, can they harm the health of jewelry? More than a jeweler and many women have asked themselves these questions. So let’s talk about the effect of hand sanitizer gel on rings, necklaces or bracelets.

Gel anti virus sulle mani
Gel anti virus sulle mani

The problem is frequency
As a rule, a disinfectant gel should not have a negative effect on jewelry, if we consider a ring in gold or silver, and not even on jewelry with very hard stones, such as diamonds. But, attention, there is another aspect to consider: the frequency in the use of the gel or liquids necessary to eliminate viruses. Continuous use of these products involves frequent friction, for example if you frequenting public places that require the use of disinfectants. In this case, the prolonged use of gels and the like can affect the brilliance of the jewel, for example a ring, because it ends up ruining the rhodium-plated patina that is usually found on the surface to make the metal more shiny. If this happens, it is necessary to bring the ring back to the jewelry to rhodium it again.
Frizione delle mani
Frizione delle mani

Hazardous materials
The greatest danger concerns porous stones or pearls. There are gems, such as emerald or opal, which can easily lose their brightness if they come into prolonged contact with liquids, due to the alcohol contained in these substances. Even jewels with a galvanic treatment, that is, covered with a very thin film usually of gold, are among the objects at risk if continuously subjected to friction.
Giovanni Ferraris, anelli Vanity
Giovanni Ferraris, anelli Vanity con perle

The risk of compromising a jewel, or only of making it less shiny, does not concern, however, those who use disinfectant gels only occasionally. The women who risk most are obviously those who make frequent use of the sanitizing products, perhaps because they work in public environments, where gel use is frequent.
Sutra, collana e orecchini con opali rosa e diamanti
Sutra, collana e orecchini con opali rosa e diamanti

Cleaning the jewels is ok
There is, however, another aspect to consider: it is true that a continuous use of the gel disinfectant can ruin jewelry in the long run. But washing your hands carefully and frequently cleaning your jewelry is a good practice: viruses can easily hide in a jewel in contact with the skin. Better to eliminate the danger, in the right way.
Pulizia di un anello
Pulizia di un anello