#wearepreferred #preferredspaday – Trending hashtags on Twitter and Instagram for the event and a chance to win a Preferred 105 round diamond halo pendant worth a $5,000 retail value – read more for details
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Between September 22 and 24, Wyatt Austin Jewelers – like every other Preferred Jewelers International member – will be hosting a one-of-a-kind event at its store – PJI’s SPA WEEKEND.
All of our esteemed customers are invited to visit and have up to FIVE pieces of jewelry cleaned and inspected for FREE. Along with the complimentary cleaning, every customer will receive a free jewelry cleaning kit.
You are also encouraged to post photographs of your splendid jewelry on Instagram with #PreferredSpaDay #WeArePreferred and a hashtag mentioning your jeweler for a chance to win a stunning .80 cttw round phantom 105 Halo pendant worth $5,000 in retail.
The even aims to promote good jewelry etiquette and maintenance. Good cleaning habits lead to long-lasting jewelry and a hassle-free experience.
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Giving your jewelry a good cleaning every now and then is the key to happy jewelry but there are many myths surrounding jewelry maintenance.
The Gemological Institute of America presents a MYTH-BUSTER endeavoring to dispel every myth once and for all!
- Ultrasonic Cleaners
MYTH: You can clean all of your jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner because it’s specifically made for jewelry.
FACT: Your jeweler may use this type of professional cleaning machine at his shop, but it requires care to use it correctly and appropriately at home. How does an ultrasonic cleaner work? It sends low frequency wavelengths through a liquid solution to remove the dirt and buildup on your jewelry. It is especially helpful for removing dirt in hard-to-reach places like beneath diamonds. However, many types of gemstones can be damaged by an ultrasonic cleaner, though use of just the solution will assist in removing most compounds. See our do’s and don’ts on ultrasonic cleaning before you start, to avoid any unnecessary harm to some of your most prized jewelry pieces.
- Ammonia-based Household Cleaner
MYTH: Ammonia-based household cleaners are good for cleaning all types of gems and jewelry.
FACT: Organic and porous gemstones (like coral, pearl and turquoise) should not be exposed to the harsh chemicals found in ammonia-based cleaners (like window cleaner). However, it is safe to clean most diamond jewelry with a mild solution containing ammonia unless the diamond has been treated with a non-permanent substance like a coating. Use a soft, clean toothbrush that is reserved for cleaning your jewelry. Be gentle – you don’t want to loosen any stones, especially if the setting is fragile or older as in estate jewelry. Also, try to not clean your jewelry too close to an open drain in the sink. If you are cleaning by a sink, be sure there is something to prevent your jewelry from falling down the drain.
- Commercial Jewelry Cleaning Solution or Over-the-Counter Jewelry Polish
MYTH: Commercial jewelry cleaning solution or over-the-counter jewelry polish is great for cleaning jewelry at home, as long as the metal type is listed on the bottle.
FACT: Most diamonds can be safely cleaned with a commercial jewelry cleaning solution, but that doesn’t apply to all of your jewelry and gemstones. Begin by looking at the ingredient list on the container. Avoid harmful chemicals like chlorine and other bleaching agents as they can damage some gemstones and metal alloys. Also, don’t use abrasives, like those found in some metal polishes or toothpaste, as they can erode the metal and scratch some gems.
Be sure to consider the precious metal alloy used in your jewelry. Gold is a soft metal. Take a look at an older gold ring, for example. It’s not unusual for the shank to become thinner due to normal wear. Commercial cleaning solutions specifically made for jewelry are a good choice for most gold jewelry items. If the jewelry is set with gemstones, you still need to use caution as some gemstones should not be placed in the solution. Using warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap is the safest alternative if your gold jewelry contains delicate or porous gemstones or pearls.
Platinum is a metal that doesn’t tarnish and can withstand jewelry cleaning solutions. It has a high density that makes it a very durable metal choice. Sterling silver is also quite popular as a jewelry metal because it is versatile and affordable. However, it takes on an aged appearance as it tarnishes over time. A jewelry cleaner specifically made for silver jewelry, or use a polishing cloth designed for silver jewelry with delicate, porous gemstones or plating, a smart choice to freshen up those tarnished pieces.
Regardless of the gemstone or metal type, it is always safe to use a soft cloth to wipe away the dust and oils that may have built up on your jewelry over time.
- Warm Water and Gentle Soap
MYTH: All gemstones can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap at home.
FACT: This cleaning method is safe for most gemstones.
While this gentle cleaning method is a good choice for most gemstones and jewelry, there are a few important exceptions. Porous gemstones (such as coral or turquoise) and delicate pearls (natural or cultured) should always be kept away from any chemicals. Caution must also be used when cleaning most treated gems. Each gemstone has its own specific cleaning needs. If you have any questions about how to clean jewelry, GIA’s Gem Encyclopedia has beneficial information at your fingertips.
Read more
With jewelry cleaning projects that make you roll up your sleeves, there’s only so much you can try before you know it’s time to bring in the professionals!
Visit our store at 1701 E. Woodfield Road #110, Schaumburg, IL 60173 during SPA WEEKEND and have up to five pieces cleaned and checked for free plus learn all there is to know about professional jewelry cleaning!
Log on to our website Wyatt Austin for more details or call (847-985-4046) to book an appointment.
Event from: September 22, 2016 to September 24, 2016 (All Day)
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