The Most Popular Precious Gems and Stones in Jewelry Today

"Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue." Carrying one of each is a time honored wedding tradition. What could embody tradition more beautifully than a cherished piece of antique jewelry? With the right necklace to set off the silhouette of your gown, or the perfect earrings to accentuate a graceful neck and intricate up-do, antique jewelry lends an elegant finishing touch to your bridal fashion choices. Such unforgettable treasures deserve the highest level of care long after the big day. You can preserve their beauty and value when you know how to protect and clean them properly.

Storing Your Antique Jewelry

One of the most important considerations for preserving valuable heirlooms, like jewelry, is choosing the correct means of storing them. Earrings and rings should be stored flat, in lined boxes that will protect them from being misshapen or scratched. In some cases, it is advisable to limit their exposure to air, in order to prevent the discoloring effects of oxidation. Whenever possible, keep these precious keepsakes in their original, velvet or satin lined boxes. This also serves to prevent them from becoming tangled, or from losing small but valuable pieces like the backs that secure earrings, or delicate clasps. Finely crafted chains and necklaces are best hung to avoid becoming knotted or tangled. If you have a set of hand strung pearls, it is essential that you store them flat, and away from excessive moisture. Pearls are hand knotted onto a fine strand of silk, and moisture can cause such fibers to weaken and break.

Cleaning Your Antique Jewelry

Although many antique jewelry pieces can safely be cared for at home, it is very important to consider each individual piece when choosing your cleaning method. In some cases, you will want to take your fine jewelry to a jeweler for a professional cleaning. At home, there are a variety of dipping baths, and even ultrasonic cleaners. However, ultrasonic cleaning is not safe for all jewelry. Pieces like pearl rings usually have their gems secured with adhesives that may be dissolved by the cleaning solution. Some gems, like pearl and emeralds are porous. Submerging them and subjecting them to the vibration of the cleaning machines is inadvisable. Ultrasonic cleaners are best for non-electroplated gold or silver chains, and hard gems like topaz or sapphires set in precious metals. Others, with the exception of pearls, can usually be gently cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water.

Use you’re at home cleanings as opportunities to inspect settings for loose stones, or bent prongs. Doing so can save you from the heartache of losing precious gemstones that have sentimental value, or whose colors may be hard to match. Taking a few seconds for this extra step will save you considerable expense; it's much more affordable to replace a prong than a diamond, after all.

Austin jewelry store can be on the more expensive side for many people. In fact, besides the more rare metals such as platinum and titanium, gold is one of the most expensive metals that is commonly used. But for some in Austin, the look of gold is preferred over the look of silver. So what can you do if you prefer that look but cannot afford to purchase it?

This look does not need to be as expensive as buying Austin Tag Heuer watches. Silver is a much cheaper alternative. However, the look of silver is not the same. Gold plated silver jewelry is an alternative where you get the best of both worlds. The sterling silver core of the item is less expensive to make and purchase while the gold coating allows you to enjoy the look.

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