“I wear my jewelry all the time.”
A phrase I hear regularly in my studio. And understandably so – you want to keep a precious piece of jewelry close to you, day after day. Especially when it has a story or memory attached to it.
So let me preface: jewelry is there to be worn. They are allowed to live, to get a scratch, to endure something. But with attention, love and the proper care from time to time.
Just as you don’t take a beautiful bag out in the pouring rain, or have leather shoes polished and protected from time to time, the same applies to jewelry: proper maintenance extends its life.
Tip from this goldsmith: So for example, do not go gardening with a pearl ring on your hand…..
The right stone in the right place
When I design a piece of jewelry, I always look at its use.
– Is it a ring that will be worn daily? Or is my client willing to take it off while sleeping, doing chores or gardening?
– Is it a pendant worn occasionally on a special occasion?
– Or perhaps a bracelet that is worn often and with which you move around a lot?
Every situation calls for different choices when it comes to gems and pearls.
Some gemstones are hard and able to withstand daily use, such as sapphire or tourmaline. Others – such as moonstone or opal – are actually softer and more sensitive to knocks or scratches. In technical terms, we look at the Mohs scale, a scale from 1 to 10 that indicates how hard (and thus how durable) a gemstone is. Diamond scores a 10, sapphire a 9, and moonstone sits around 6.
So for rings, which are going to take a lot of abuse, I recommend harder-end gemstones. Pearls or softer stones are beautiful – but perhaps better suited for earrings or a pendant. Or for a ring that you deliberately take off when you know it will get some wear.
Be well advised. I like to think with you about which stone best suits your jewelry and how you wear it.
Annual checkup: prevention rather than cure
A well-made piece of jewelry will last for years – but that doesn’t mean nothing ever wears out….
A setting (the edge or legs that hold a gemstone) can become thinner or even bend (read: break off) over time. Clasps of a necklace or bracelet are susceptible to wear, especially with daily use. And gemstones or pearls can become dull over time from skin grease, soap scum or other daily “life.
What many people do not know is that it is perfectly normal – and even advisable – to have your jewelry checked annually.
Just as you have a car checked, or your bicycle’s chain tightened once, so too does a treasured piece of jewelry deserve a little attention from time to time.
A little inspection really makes all the difference. Just checking the legs, checking the clasp, cleaning the gemstones and maybe having the ring polished or matted nicely again. This doesn’t have to be a major procedure – but it can save you a lot of trouble. Because often it is only noticeable when it is actually already too late….
Emotion deserves attention
Many pieces of jewelry I make or rework carry a story. A memory of a loved one, a new phase of life, a promise or a grateful moment.
And that is precisely why it is important to take good care of it. A piece of jewelry is allowed to live, but it is also allowed to be cared for from time to time. Just as you cherish your story, it is nice if you also treat the jewelry itself with love.
Are you curious if your ring is still set properly? Would you like advice on gemstones or pearls? Or would you like to give your jewelry a check-up?
You are welcome to visit my workshop.
I am happy to look with you, think with you – and tell you what the jewelry needs to be worn for many years to come.
Love,
Sarah