Jewelry has been a popular gift for centuries, adorning people with unique and beautiful accessories that add charm and character to their outfits. From necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings...
Whether it's gemstones or copper, earrings or necklaces, this guide will help you care and maintain all your handmade jewelry. The guide is broken up into twelve sections including Identifying Gemstones and Caring for Mixed Metal pieces.
How many of these mistakes are you making with your jewelry? After reading this, you'll stop...
Whether your purchase hand stamped, birthstone, set, or custom jewelry, your gift will be loved for years to come. Bella Ornamenti offers hand stamped, birthstone and custom jewelry with a lifetime repair/replace guarantee. Just visit our shop (or see our custom order request form under services)
Until Next Time...
Andrea
Never taking off your jewelry.
When you find a piece of jewelry you love, you're tempted to always wear the piece. If you never take your jewelry off it’s likely you wear it when showering, doing the housework, cooking, sleeping, and all those other countless daily tasks. Without realizing you could be exposing the precious metal to harsh chemicals that may cause corrosion, tarnishing, and discoloration over time. Even subjecting your jewelry to a daily shower can take its toll. Remember to remove your jewelry during activities to protect it from accidental damage.
Not storing your jewelry properly
It’s tempting to take your jewelry off at the end of the day and keep it at the side of the bed ready for the next morning. But jewelry can become easily tangled and exposure to sunlight can slowly cause discoloration. Jewelry should be stored in zip lock bags, with an anti-tarnish strip and most of the air removed. When storing your jewelry, make sure the chain is fastened to prevent tangling and never leave your jewelry in direct sunlight or stored in a damp environment.
Cleaning your jewelry incorrectly
Searching the internet for DIY jewelry cleaning is a mistake! Simple is always better; we recommend using lukewarm water, a mild soap, and a gentle cleaning cloth. The cleaning methods depend on type of jewelry, metal, stone, etc... When in doubt, ask your jeweler. We provide cleaning instructions with every order.
Putting your jewelry on first
When getting ready for the day, it's tempting to put your jewelry on first; don't make this mistake! Jewelry can get caught on clothing, discolor from fragrances and make cleaning difficult by getting makeup on the piece. Dress, apply lotions and fragrances and apply makeup BEFORE putting on jewelry.
NOT wearing your jewelry enough
If you’re worried about damaging your jewelers by wearing it too much or not cleaning it properly, it’s understandable you might only want to wear your jewelry for special occasions. It might come as a surprise that not wearing your jewelry enough can do just as much damage. If stored properly your jewelry should be safe but certain metals, like sterling silver, naturally tarnish over time and wearing it regularly will help prevent the natural tarnishing process. When you wear your jewelry the rubbing motion against your skin and clothing gently polishes the metal helping to maintain its lustrous shine.
There were days I thought that 2023 would never end and days when I realized it was almost over! 2023 gave me a new grandbaby, who is too adorable. My mental health went through many ups and downs last year. From dealing with Lichen Planus (not a fun autoimmune disorder) at the beginning of the year to falling into a depression later in the year. I'm lucky enough to have family to talk with when I'm feeling "off" and the amazing support of the online community I've come to think of as friends over the years.
Just as 2023 was coming to an end my funk wore off and my creating mojo came back. I've been creating at least one new item a day and plan to release a new collection on January 12. I'll give you a hint, it's gnome much cuteness! My goal for 2024 is to release a new collection (some small, some larger) every month. Hopefully my mojo continues!
While I'm not always great at blogging, I will try and do a new post each month.
Until Next Time,
Andrea