About Gold, Platinum, Silver

Overall Jewelry Care Information
Platinum Mesh Bangle Cuff Bracelet
About Precious Metals

PLATINUM
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PLATINUM

The platinum group metals (PGM), comprise six closely related metals: Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium and Osmium.

Platinum has a deep luster and a rich, white color. It is rarer, heavier and denser than all precious metals and considered to be more valuable than gold.

Platinum is often used to set the most valuable gems to produce the finest jewelry because it holds gemstones most securely and it neutral color enhances the brilliance and depth of diamonds and precious stones.

In the United States platinum is usually marked PT or PLAT. In Europe, it is marked 950 or PT950
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GOLD

Gold is a beautiful and imperishable metal. It was one of the first metals to be mined because it commonly occurs in its native form (100% Pure).

Pure (100%) gold is too soft, and it is usually mixed with other metals (gold alloys) to make it stronger and more usable for jewelry.
The metals that are mixed with pure gold for strength can also modify the color of gold resulting in different shades of yellow, white, and pink.

KARATS - Indicate the amount of pure gold in the metal. Abbreviation: kt

% of GOLD:

 37.5% 41.7% 58.5% 75% 100%

USA:

 9 kt 10 kt 14 kt 18 kt 24 kt

World Wide:

 375 417 585 750 999

PRICE - The following are some of the factors that determine the value of a gold jewelry piece.

  • weight: gold is sold by weight - grams(gr) or pennyweights(dwt), the heavier the piece, the higher the gold content, therefore it is more expensive.
  • design: designer jewelry is more expensive, especially if it is a one of a kind piece.
  • finish: special finishes to the metal such as matte, or sand-blasted finish add to the cost of the gold jewelry piece

MORE ON GOLD
Gold won't tarnish, rust, or corrode, and though it's very strong, it is also the most malleable of all metals.
 
Gold is the metal that never goes out of style.The color of gold jewelry is determined by allowing other metals to pure 24kt gold. Yellow is the most natural, warm and sensual color. For a more elegant appearance, white gold is created by alloying pure gold zinc, palladium and silver. Looking to express a burning romantic fire? Choose a combination of copper with pure gold to make a pink or rose gold romantic statement.
 
Gold’s purity is measured in karats. 24kt. gold is 100% pure, but is rarely used in practical jewelry creation given its malleable nature. 22k gold is 91.7% pure and is too soft for most jewelry. 18kt gold is 75% pure and 14kt gold has 58.3% gold content. The latter are commonly used in most fine jewelry creations. Each has excellent strength and the malleability to form and hold the exquisite shapes and detail that are created by our studio designers.
 
In jewelry at Quintessential Bling, you'll find 22k, 18k and 14k yellow gold. Because 18k gold contains more precious metal than 14k gold it has a very rich yellow color. 14k gold is most commonly found in cases where strength is most important, like in jewelry subject to daily wear, earring backs and bracelet clasps.
 
Gold is rich and it is practical. Gold is art and it is a statement. Celebrate the glory of gold and let its beauty express your style.

Platinum Care
The platinum jewelry at Quintessential Bling is made of fine quality jewelry grade platinum. Its cool white sheen makes platinum our most popular metal of choice for settings, as it accentuates the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds.
 
A scratch in platinum may leave a mark on the metal, but this metal is so strong that it will not readily chip or splinter.
 
Soaking fine platinum jewelry in a mild solution of soap and warm water and gently scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush is usually all that is required to maintain the metal's luster.
 
Silver and Gold Care
Fine Silver jewelry and fine gold jewelry can be cared for in pretty much the same way. You can use these methods to clean and polish .925 sterling silver, 10K to 18K gold, and 14 karat gold filled:
 
Commercial silver/gold cleaners. Be sure that any stones in the jewelry can withstand the chemicals in the cleaner. Read the label, and if in doubt, do not use a chemical cleaner. Some gemstones that cannot be placed in most commercial jewelry cleaners are: pearls, lapis lazuli, malachite, opals, coral, turquoise, and others.
 
Ammonia and water. Use a light solution of ammonia and water on a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water. Ammonia should not be used on the same types of gemstones that should not be used with commercial cleaners
 
Jewelry polishing cloth or sunshine cloth. Use lightly to restore luster. Note: Do not press hard when polishing 14 karat golf filled so that you do not damage the gold surface.
 
Additionally, tarnish can be retarded by storing your jewelry in the resealable plastic bag included with each piece, or in a commercial jewelry bag with anti-tarnish papers. Pearls and opals, however, should not be stored in plastic because they need to "breathe."
 
 
Copper and Brass Care
Fine Copper jewelry and fine brass jewelry are also very simple to care for. While they do tarnish more quickly than sterling silver, they can be restored to their original shine easily. Methods for cleaning and shining copper and brass jewelry are:
 
Commercial copper/brass cleaner. Again, be sure that any stones in teh jewelry can withstand the chemicals in the cleaner or do not use it.
 
Ketchup. As unlikely as it sounds, the acid in the tomato of the ketchup shines up copper and brass quite nicely. Apply it with a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting ketchup on the same types of stones as should not be used with chemical cleaners. I'm not sure about it, but I expect the acid in the tomato might affect more delicate stones.
 
Worcestershire sauce. Another unlikely sounding cleaner, worcestershire sauce is similar to the ketchup in its mechanism of action. Add the worcestershire sauce to a small dish, and place your jewelry in the dish for a few minutes, remove, and rinse thoroughly. This method should not be used with gemstones or pearls that cannot be cleaned with chemical cleaners, as the acid in the tomato of the worcestershire may affect more delicate stones.
 
Another kitchen cleaner method for copper and brass is a combination of water, lemon or lime juice and salt. Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice to a container of water, then add a teaspoon of salt and stir gently. Place the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly. If needed, the dip in the solution can be repeated. Again, this method should not be used with gemstones or pearls that cannot be cleaned with chemical cleaners.
As with sterling silver, copper and brass jewelry will tarnish slower if stored in a recloseable plastic bag or jewelry case with anti-tarnish paper.
About Rhodium
 
Sometimes referred to 'Platinum Plating', rhodium is part of the platinum metal family. Rhodium is commonly electroplated to white gold as well and sterling silver jewelry. It is best known for its beautiful platinum finish and allows you the look of high priced platinum at a fraction of the cost.
Rhodium is electroplated over sterling silver to enhance your jewelry's durability and resistance to tarnishing. Being a part of the platinum family, rhodium is extremely hard and resists scratching. Another well known attribute of rhodium is its resistance to tarnishing. Rhodium will not tarnish and does not require polishing.
There are several precautions to take with your Rhodium-plated jewelry. Be careful not to use abrasive cleaners or wear your jewelry when performing tasks that may cause friction with your jewelry (such as cooking or gardening). While rhodium is very durable, over time with everyday wear, the plating may wear thin and expose the sterling silver beneath. Your rhodium plated, sterling silver jewelry can be re-plated fairly cheaply and easily by your local jeweler.
Overall Jewelry Care
TIPS FOR JEWELRY CARE
 
Overall Gold & Diamond Jewelry Care
 
Gold jewelry pieces can scratch and damage each other if not kept in separate compartments or wrapped separately. Store you jewelry in small felt pouches to prevent scratching.  For additional protection against scratches and nicks, keep your jewelry in a fabric lined jewelry case, fabric jewelry roll, or in a box with compartments and dividers.
 
Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place out of direct heat and light. Heat and direct sunlight over time can damage gold jewelry.
 
See your personal jeweler at least once a year to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, general wear and tear, and to have it professionally steam cleaned.
 
When traveling with jewelry, give care to packing your pieces for optimum preservation. There are many styles of totes that are especially designed for jewelry travel. They come in all sizes, shapes and patterns. Most have velvet pads inside to attach pins and earrings with special compartments for bracelets and necklaces. Packing a small bottle of prepared jewelry cleaner with your cosmetics is a good idea as well. It will give you the opportunity to give your precious pieces a quick shine before wearing.
 
Grease can be successfully removed from gold jewelry by dipping it in plain rubbing alcohol and quickly cleaning with a mild dishwashing soap to remove the alcohol. Rinse with warm running water.
 
Diamond Care
 
Even though diamonds are the hardest substance known, diamonds can chip if you hit them against a hard surface. Remove your diamond jewelry before engaging in any sports or house cleaning activities.
 
Chlorine is harmful to the settings, as well as your diamond. Diamonds get chemical coated and pick up dirt/dust hindering light refractions that give diamonds their sparkle. Hand lotions, powders, soaps, natural oils, and perfume can put a film on diamonds and reduce their brilliance.
 
Remove all gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy.
 
You can clean your diamonds at home by using a commercial jewelry cleaner, or you can make your own by mixing water and a very mild dishwashing liquid. Dip the jewelry into the solution and using a very soft brush remove any dirt or grime from around the stones and under the settings. Dry by using a soft cloth. NEVER use toothpaste as this scratches the settings and mountings.
 
 
Gemstone Care
 
Gemstones require specific care and cleaning procedures. Here are some general care and cleaning rules that apply to all natural and color-treated gemstone jewelry:
 
1. Many natural gemstones are treated or enhanced by one or more traditionally accepted chemical or applied-heat treatments. These treatments affect how you should clean and care for your precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry.  For the safest storage ideas and cleaning methods see the gemstone chart at http://quintessentialbling.com/ gemstone care.
 
2. After wearing your gemstones wipe your jewelry thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth or jewelers cloth. This will enhance the gemstone's luster and ensure that your jewelry is clean before storage.
 
3. Store gemstone pieces individually in soft pouches or a fabric-lined divided box.
 
4. Do not expose your precious gemstone pieces to salt water or harsh chemicals such as chlorine or detergents. These chemicals may slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.  Everyday products such as hair spray and perfume cause jewelry to become dull.  Apply all cosmetics, perfumes and colognes before putting on colored gemstone jewelry.
 
5. Sudden temperature changes can cause some gemstones to crack.  Emeralds and opals, for example, are naturally brittle and should not be worn when doing household chores or exposed to sudden changes in temperature.
 
6. Ultrasonic cleaners and cleaning chemicals can irreversibly damage your gemstones, particularly organic gemstones such as amber, coral, pearls, and opals. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular.
 
 
Silver Jewelry Care
 
Sterling silver slowly tarnishes when exposed to air.  Properly maintained silver jewelry can improve with age and develop a lovely patina. Most people prefer their silver jewelry to be bright and shiny which requires regular maintenance cleaning. See Cleaning Silver Jewelry at http://quintessentialbling.com/.
 
Store your silver in a cool, dry place. Store pieces individually so that they don't rub together and scratch. Use fabric pouches and tarnish prevention strips with plastic ziploc bags for storing your fine silver pieces.
 
Do not rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or a soft lint-free cloth. Especially, do not use tissue paper or paper towels, because these cause scratches. Do not wear sterling silver in chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals as this can cause permanent damage to sterling silver finishes.
 
 
Pearl Care
 
Pearls are precious jewels and should be treated as such. Always apply cosmetics, hair sprays and perfume before putting on pearl jewelry. Chemical irreversibly damage the surface of pearls and can even dissolve them.
 
Upon removal of the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to remove any traces of harmful substances. Body oils are NOT harmful to pearls unless your skin is especially acidy.
 
You can wash your pearl jewelry with mild soap and water or you can use a mild commercial solution specifically made for pearls. Do not clean pearls with regular jewelry chemicals, abrasives or solvents.
 
Place pearl jewelry in a cloth pouch or wrap them in tissue when putting them away. Cosmetics, perfume, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the strings on which pearls are strung. Bring your pearls back to your jeweler for re-stringing at least once a year if you wear them often. Pearls are traditionally strung with a knot between each pearl prevent loss of pearls if the string should break. Get more pearl information at http://quintessentialbling.com/pearls.html