CARE OF JEWELRY AND GEMS: Just like pearls, it is advisable to store them separately from other jewelry, so that they are not damaged or scratched; b) stones are also sensitive to chemical products such as perfumes, cosmetics, vinegar, lemon and cleaning products in general (with the exception of neutral soap that can help clean the stone), so only wear your jewelry with gems after bathing and after have already used your cosmetics and perfumes; c) Do not use a toothbrush or any abrasive material to clean the stones (always a soft fabric or suede); e) Check your necklace cord periodically. CLEANING: Whenever necessary, it is recommended to clean jewelry or gems with a soft bristle brush dipped in a soap or neutral detergent solution. To dry, the easiest way is to leave them on a soft towel until they are dry. Some professionals like to use the boiling method to clean them, however it is an extremely risky method as each stone reacts in a different way and there can be thermal shocks when subjecting the gems to sudden changes in temperature. For those who are professionals in the matter, boiling should be done by placing the gem or jewelry on a sieve-type support, which does not allow direct contact of the gem with the container, raising the temperature of the solution of water and detergent or neutral soap, until slowly reach a boil, leaving it like this for 10 or 20 minutes. Using a brush to brush the jewelry and gemstone is always advisable. A much more viable option is to heat the water with neutral soap, place the warm solution in another (cold) container and place the piece inside for a few minutes (more recommended for amateurs than the boiling method); The use of vibration or ultrasound when cleaning jewelry and gems is not advisable when not carried out by professionals. There is a high risk of breaking or internal fractures occurring in the gems during the process; To energize the stones, place them in a container of cold water with coarse salt. From time to time, do this, leaving them in the sun to energize.
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· CARE FOR PEARLS: Pearls are fragile and need special care to avoid losing their characteristics; a) one of the first precautions is not to store your pearls together with other jewelry, so that they are not damaged, so place them in a separate bag; b) pearls are very sensitive to chemical products such as perfumes, cosmetics, vinegar, lemon and cleaning products in general (including liquid or bar soap, detergents, bleaches, washing powder, chlorine, etc.), so only use your pearls after bathing and after using your cosmetics and perfumes; c) Heat (whether near the stove, fire or sun) and dry air can also damage pearls, making them darker, drier and more brittle; d) Do not use a toothbrush or any abrasive material to clean the pearls; e) Check the string of your pearl necklace periodically; f) And, prefer to use your jewelry, especially necklaces, with fabrics that are not too rough. CLEANING: After being used, as they are sensitive and absorb acidity from the skin, it is recommended that they be cleaned. Wipe with a soft cloth (dry or damp) to prevent dirt from accumulating and keep the pearl free from sweat, preventing corrosion of the nacre. You can also put a little good quality olive oil or almond oil on the cloth and rub it over the pearls, to help maintain their shine; Curiosities: The price of pearls is based on the quantity available on the market, their size and quality. The same happens with precious stones, their rarity, color (quality) and size are the three characteristics that will determine their price;
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· Noble Metals have low reactivity, they have greater resistance when undergoing oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons). It's very common to see steel wool oxidizing (corroding, changing color) in the kitchen, but we rarely see this happen with a gold ring. The elements that are considered noble metals are: gold, silver, platinum, palladium and copper. 925 silver is the best in the jewelry industry, unlike Indian silver (darker) or that used in decorative ornaments for the home (which would be sterling silver), the most superior of all. Rhodium plating is applied to some pieces to add shine, prevent the metal from darkening and prevent scratches.
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· Thread used for threading necklaces and japamalas is suitable for jewelry, that is, it is quite resistant, although care is necessary when handling them. We generally use the Brazilian brand Settanyl Letta (with strong nylon plasticized with 100% polyamide), or an imported line, which is just as good.
