JEWELRY CARE & KNOWLEDGE

JEWELRY CARE

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.

Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing large functional objects; therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength, while at the same time preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. Other metals can replace the copper, usually with the intent to improve various properties of the basic sterling alloy such as reducing casting porosity, eliminating firescale, and increasing resistance to tarnish. These replacement metals include germanium, zinc and platinum, as well as a variety of other additives, including silicon and boron. A number of alloys, such as Argentium sterling silver have appeared in recent years, formulated to lessen firescale or to inhibit tarnish, and this has sparked heavy competition among the various manufacturers, who are rushing to make claims of having the best formulation. However, no one alloy has emerged to replace copper as the industry standard, and alloy development is a very active area

Silver jewelry looks bright and gorgeous when new. We offer .925 sterling silver, the same quality as the finest jeweler's in the world. This is pure silver mixed with copper to make the metal stronger and ideal for jewelry. Over time the jewelry changes in color and turns yellowish and even black. Tarnishing is a natural process and occurs on high quality jewelry. You just need to take good care of it to keep your sterling silver jewelry look like new in using my BIAGI Polish Cloth (sold on my website).

What Causes Silver to Tarnish?

The presence of Hydrogen Sulfide in any material that silver comes into contact with is one of the prime culprits. Touching jewelry after a meal causes tarnish. Wool, perfumes, lotions, hair spray and other cosmetics also cause tarnish. Humidity speeds tarnishing.

How Can I Treat My Jewelry Right?

• Last on, first off

• Give it a little polish after each wear with our BIAGI polishing cloth, which has special micro-abrasives that will clean but not scratch your jewelry

• Put your jewelry to bed in a sealed, air-tight plastic baggie. Don't store your jewelry in the bathroom- it's humid in there!

• Keep your jewelry out of the shower, pool and spa.

How Can I Clean Tarnish?

Ok- so you're the girl who forgets to take off her makeup before bedtime, not to mention your necklace and despite your love of the swims in your jewels. Come on, your charm necklace looks good with a bikini! Read jewelry polishing instructions carefully and use ones made for jewelry (Like our BIAGI Polishing Cloth).Some will provide protection from future tarnish. No toothpaste or baking soda - too abrasive!

Is Oxidized Silver Supposed to Look Blackened?

Yes, some silver is oxidized on purpose to turn it dark and give it a certain style. The darkness gives details more "depth".

What is 14kt Gold-filled?

Gold-filled jewelry has a thick surface layer of 14kt gold. There is 100 times more gold in 14kt gold filled (rolled gold) than in gold plate. This jewelry is created by taking a sheet of 14kt gold and bonding it through extreme heat and pressure to a core of metal alloy (usually a brass). This is a very sophisticated process and only a few mills in the world do it. The quantity of gold must be at least 1/20th of the weight of the total product, which is why it is called a 14/20 Gold Filled piece and is considered a lifetime piece of jewelry. The end result is a piece of jewelry that is resistant to tarnish because of its thick 14kt gold covering. Care is easy. Just care for it as you would any other jewelry. It is quite durable. A simple inexpensive way to clean rolled gold jewelry is to soak it for a minute or two in a mild liquid jewelry cleaner. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water afterwards and let dry.

What is Vermeil?

It is a term that describes a coating of gold on sterling silver. Have you ever heard of gilded silver? That's vermeil. Electrolysis is also called electroplating or just "plating" for short. This process will stand up to normal wear. Gold-filled and vermeil products are a great, quality alternative to the much more expensive solid karat gold. Vermeil is a bit more delicate than gold-filled, but comparing them is a bit apples to oranges. Both are high in quality, but vermeil is often a bit more yellow in color due to the higher karat commonly used. Vermeil is a process used to turn charms and cast pieces into a gold tone since they can be made in silver and then dipped in gold.



BIRTHSTONES

January = Garnet - February = Amethyst - March = Aquamarine - April = Clear - Mai = Emarald - June = Alexandrite or Pearl July = Ruby - August = Peridot - September = Sapphire - October = Rose - November = Citrine - December = Blue Topaz

January: Garnet Garnets are a deep red color. The name garnet is derived from "granatum," which means seed. Garnets got the name because the color resembles a pomegranate seed. They symbolize friendship. Most garnets come from Africa, Sri Lanka or India.

February: Amethyst A beautiful purple stone, Amethysts are said to keep their wearer clear-headed and fast thinking. Amethyst is purple quartz and has historically been associated with many myths and legends. Brazil is the leading provider of Amethyst.

March: Aquamarine Displaying an icy blue hue, Aquamarine got its name from, literally, the sea. Historically, this gemstone protected sailors and other people who worked on the ocean. Those who wear Aquamarine are said to have a level head and soothing demeanor. They are mainly mined in Brazil, but can be found in other countries including Nigeria and Pakistan.

April: Diamond or Clear Zircon Those born in April lucked out, let's face it. But many people do not realize that Diamonds come in a variety of colors. In fact, some of the most valuable diamonds are in so-called "fancy colors" such as pink or yellow.

May: Emerald Symbolizing rebirth, Emerald was believed to give its wearer youth and foresight. Its name comes from the Greek for green. Most of today's Emeralds come from Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia and Zambia.

June: Pearl or Alexandrite There are two common birthstones for June. Pearls are the only gems that come from living sea creatures and require no work such as polishing and faceting to reveal their character. The Alexandrite is like a chameleon and changes color from green to a purplish red. They were first discovered in 19th century Russia.

July: Ruby Said to provide success with money and love, Rubies signify love. It is the hardest of any gemstone - next to a diamond - so it is extremely strong and durable. The most desirable Rubies are medium to dark red, or red with a slightly purple tint.

August: Peridot By legend able to provide power and influence, the peridot is a gemstone that resides deep within the earth and is brought to the surface through volcanoes. Most peridot comes from Arizona today, although it also is found in China and Pakistan.

September: Sapphire According to folk tales, sapphires will protect their owners from harm. While we commonly think of sapphires as blue, they also come in a variety of colors including yellow, green or pink.

October: Tourmaline or Opal Loved for its variety of colors, tourmalines can be found in many shades - often called bi- or tri-colored gems. They are found in Afghanistan and Brazil. Opals are also quite colorful, ranging in color from milky white to black. Opals that have deep contrast in color between its background and its main color play are considered the most desirable.

November: Topaz and Citrine All yellow gemstones in the antiquity period were called Topaz. Today, Topaz is sometimes confused with types of Quartz. It comes in a variety of colors including orange, yellow, pink, purple and blue. Citrine is known as the "healing quartz" because it is said to provide warmth and health to its owner. It is commonly found in Bolivia, Brazil and Spain.

December: Tanzanite and Turquoise Found only in Tanzania, Tanzanite features a beautiful blue hue. They are often considered a less-expensive alternative to a Sapphire. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones in the world. Its shades range from greenish-blue to sky blue, and it is commonly used in American Southwest jewelry design.



SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES:

ROSE QUARTZ

This powder pink rose quartz gemstone is known as the love stone and helps the wearer feel a strong sense of self-worth, therefore being worth love. It is also an alternate birthstone for the month of January. Thus a popular healing gemstone, we present to you a gallery of rose quartz healing stones crafted into various forms. You can select the powerful healing rose quartz in a variety of forms like wands, pendulums or spheres and bestow yourself with its magical healing properties.

Rose Quartz is an excellent calming and healing stone. Simply handling this beautfiful gemstone can have a calming effect on the mind, body and spirit.

Wear or carry Rose Quartz when you are feeling gloomy or sad and just want to feel happy. It's an excellent stone for that. It's also extremely effective on the psyche and has wonderful magical healing powers. When feeling ill or tired, wear Rose Quartz Pendulum necklace and feel its energy begin to heal and energize you. Its magical powers include compassion, emotional balance, peace, harmony, healing, clearing and can aid in removing fear.

It is also benefit to place a big Rose Quartz stone next o your computer - absorbes negatif waves.

AMETHYST

This purple variety of quartz has a history with the Greek deities and was the stone of Bishops and Cardinals since ancient times. The deposits found in Tibet were made into rosaries and said to be the stone of Buddha. Amethyst offers protection against intoxication and addictions, it also protects crops and brings good fortune in times of war. Amethyst is known to drive out the evil spirits and inspire the wearer with higher intellect. Aids in the healing of hearing disorders and insomnia. The purple color of this quartz is unlike any other stone or mineral and beyond its healing powers of the body and mind are its baffling scientific qualities; the unique structure and coloring which changes in light or with heat. The stone of friendship makes wearer amiable and gentle in nature.

TIGER EYE

Tiger Eye is a powerful stone known for its healing powers. Tiger eye promotes balance and strength to get through difficult phases of life; relieves doubt and bestows decision making with vision and clarity. It is known to clear disorders of the eye, throat and reproductive system. Even when worn in jewelry, it is known to bring good luck apart from making an unusual style statement.

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis Lazuli opens the brow chakra and organizes/quiets the mind. It is said to also open the throat/thyroid chakra for self expression, writing, creativity, and dream insight. Lapis Lazuli protects is wearer against anxiety, reslessness, lymph inflammation, pain - especially headache and is good for better hearing. This stone amplifies thoughts and aligns mind-body alignment. Said to impart ancient knowledge to its user. When ground, Lapis Lazuli was the blue pigment used in Renaissance paintings where blue was called for. Brings wearer/user objectivity and self acceptance as it expands the intellect. Lapis Lazuli soothes throat ailments and helps with eye cataracts. Lapis Lazuli represents sympathy & love and is gifted on the 7th and 9th wedding anniversary.

CRYSTAL QUARTZ

Clear quartz crystal clearly, the best all purpose stone! The symbol of elemental wholeness, containing the four elements of creation. Assists in the amplification of focus, direction, transmission and storage of energy. Its greatest attribute is known to be its use as an aid to opening the psychic centers, enabling the ability to meditate at a deeper level and to free the mind from the mundane and the trivial. It releases the higher consciousness and develops mystical and spiritual gifts. It is also particularly useful for meditation and when working to contact or align with ones higher self! The Quartz Crystal attracts the powers of light and energy and is said to be an excellent powerful general healer and dynamic working tool which works on all levels - strengthening, cleansing, and protecting. Purifies air. Protects against harmful electrical vibrations. Assists the user to think intuitively.

JADE

In ancient times this stone was revered for its toughness and thus used to make weaponry. Known in china as "Yu" it came about around 3000 BC and was the royal gem of that time. Jade embodies Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty, and courage. This ancient stone is beneficial to the heart in both the physical and spiritual sense making expressions of love easier and attracting love into one's life. It remains the symbol of purity and serenity. Physically said to help stimulate healthy hair, kidneys, hips and spleen.

MALACHITE

To enumerate on its healing properties, malachite is said to protect its wearer specially children from physical hazards, aid regeneration of body cells and calm the mind. Useful in freshening and renewing the outlook and connection to the higher power. Malachite is said to be soothing to the soul and help find a balanced path between desires of the ego and our higher will. Stone of pregnant women and a successful remedy against heart pain and cardiac asthma. Can counteract self destructive romantic tendencies for a more pure, truer love. It is a fragile gem and should be handled with care. In addition, it is the anniversary stone for the 13th year of marriage, birthstone for the month of July and associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces, Capricorn & Scorpio. If placed in the four corners of a room can cleanse toxins in room and carpet.

BLOODSTONE - JASPER

Bloodstone healing. This green Jasper also known as the "martyr's gem" was used in carved scenes of the crucifixion due to the belief that it carries Christ's blood. Bloodstone is a deep green colored opaque gemstone flecked with red spots. The red flecks and the name find their origin in the belief that during crucifixion, the blood of Christ spilled onto the green jasper. Thus, sometimes known as "martyr’s stone," it is a stone of courage. Numerous beliefs are associated with this unique gemstone that draws people to adorn this fascinating gemstone in various ways on their body, or simply to use it in healing rituals. Finely pulverized it is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India even to this day. Said to stop hemorrhages, relieve digestive ailments, and have a positive influence on the bladder. It strengthens the blood of its wearer and is believed to contain magical powers. Mined in India and Australia, in times of yore was the birthstone of the month of March.

CARNELIAN

The Carnelian comes in a variety of shades and hues, each one as beautiful as the other. Carnelian is an energy booster. It helps the insecure person to find strength within them so they can come into their own. It is said to increase the appetite and boost creativity needed for problem solving and strengthens concentration. Aids in relieving skin disorders due to its connection with the 2nd or spleen chakra.

AVENTURINE

The name aventurine comes from "a ventura" which in Italian means by chance as it was found by chance by glass workers in Italy. An all purpose healer used to reduce stress, develop confidence impove imagination and aid in prosperity. This popular gemstone is often called the "stone of opportunity" for its power to attract luck, wealth, and good health. Semiprecious.com presents an impressive collection of aventurine healing crystals that include green as well as red aventurine healing stones. Aventurine occurs in a soft green hue but shades of blue, brown, orange and red can also be found. It is the stone for February and August birth months.

LABRADORITE

The magical Labradorite gemstone is also popular for its unique healing and mystical properties and is widely adopted as a gemstone. Believed to bring clarity of thought and wisdom to its wearer, Labradorite brings forth the wearers inner strength, originality, and individual skill to share with the world. It is also known to be good for easier, restful sleep and quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness, and depression replacing it with enthusiasm, self confidence, and inspiration. Enhances clarity of thought improving one's ability to cooperate with others in harmony. Dispels negativity and helps its wearer or user to relate to others. Helpful in treating eye and brain disorders.

FLUORITE

Flourite is a mineral found in rock formation in various parts of the world. Its metaphysical properties include opening the heart in connection with the throat brow, crown chakra for clarity in seeing realities. Because it is a mineral, it benefits teeth and bones. Said to help rekindle the libido and stabilize energy. The stone for the birth months of Pisces and Capricorn.

HOW TO CLEAN PEARLS

Most pearls that we see in jewelry these days are cultured pearls. The unique look of these pearls is created by the nacre, a patina that is created by the clam or oyster. The thickness of this nacre is determined by the length of time the pearl is left in the clam. The thicker the nacre, the more valuable the pearl; protecting this outer layer is of utmost importance. Mild, gentle cleaning will keep your pearls beautiful and lasting for many years.

What do you need to clean pearls

* Mild detergent such as Ivory or Joy

* Small bowl

* Warm water

* Small strainer (if cleaning earrings or rings)

* Soft cotton cloths

THE CLEANING PROCESS OF PEARLS

1. Close the drain of the sink or insert a strainer into the drain. The last thing you want is to see your precious jewelry slipping down the drain.

2. Fill the bowl with about 2 cups of warm water.

3. Add a few drops of mild detergent and mix.

4. Dip the soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe off each pearl. Do not soak a string of pearls in the solution or it may cause the string to stretch.

5. Place the pearls on a soft towel or hang and allow to air-dry overnight.

ADDITIONAL TIPS AND ADVICES

* Wait to put on pearls until after you have applied make-up, lotions, perfume and hairspray.

* Never use ammonia or any harsh chemicals to clean pearls. They will rub off the nacre, leaving you with a plain bead.

* Wearing your beads often will allow them to absorb the natural oils present on the skin and give them a beautiful luster.

* Wipe your pearls with a soft lint free cloth each time you take them off.

* Do not place pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. Store pearls separately to avoid scratches



MEANING ABOUT APPLE - DID YOU KNOW THAT?

Apple Lore: Few of our Mother's gifts are so celebrated in lore as the apple. Often associated with fertility goddesses, apple is, for many peoples, a Tree of Knowledge.

Apples may be incorporated into any ritual in which one desires to give honor to a god or goddess of fertility. The seeds may be planted in establishing a shrine of trees to Aphrodite or other fertility goddesses. Dried seeds and bark may be powdered to be used as incense. Apples may be eaten, the juice shared in the ritual cup, or incense offered when seeking knowledge through the Tree of Life, an act requesting wisdom from the dieties. The apple may also be used as a symbol of security.

Apples are often associated with good luck. Many enjoy cutting the apple in half horizontally, where the seed cavity produces a five-pointed star. The apple is believed to improve one's spirits and elevate one's happiness.

MEANING ABOUT DOLPHINS - DID YOU KNOW THAT?

Suggested symbolic dolphin meanings:

Playfulness / Transcendence / Gentleness / Harmony / Intelligence / Contentment / Friendship / Community / Resurrection / Generosity / Power

Considered the "king of fish" by many ancient cultures, dolphin meaning is closely associated with kingly qualities. Not the dominating kind. Observe the dolphin for any length of time and you know if dolphins ruled the world they would be gracious in their reign.

And that is the core theme to dolphin meanings. Grace.

Indeed, Christian symbolism conveys the dolphin as an aspect of Christ. Dolphins seen in Christian art are symbolic of resurrection. Some artists utilize the protective, stabilizing, compassionate demeanor of the dolphin as a message of wellbeing to the pure of heart. Some artistic renditions speak of dolphins transporting the spirits of the faithful to Christ's side upon leaving their physical bodies.

This dolphin meaning is mimicked in ancient Greece where legend tells us the dolphin was responsible for carrying the souls of the dead to the Islands of the Blessed.

Also in Greece, the dolphin is a compatriot of both the god Apollo (sun) and the goddess Aphrodite (moon). Both lunar symbolism and solar symbolism are represented in the dolphin.

Sun Dolphin meanings: Active, Life, Vibrant, Health, Renewal, Intelligence Moon Dolphin meaning: Hidden power, Intuition, Dreams, Conception, Feminine

Celtic Dolphin: Many a tale has been told about the magic of dolphins. Their appearance off the shores of Ireland urged the Celts to contemplate an unknown universe – the sea. Those who could not settle to simply cogitate – Celtic seafarers held the dolphin in high regard. It became a symbol of friendship, intelligence, and good luck. Its status of luck was likely related to the fact that the dolphin was most commonly seen on the seas when the weather and waves were calm and fair. The Celts innately understood the intimate relationship between nature and beast. However, did the sight of the lucky dolphin cause fair weather, or was it the weather beckoned the dolphin out of its depths? Clearly, it's a question of which came first – the chicken or the egg. Regardless, the dolphin is viewed as quite lucky indeed – and this quality combined with it's cleverness and speed in the waters made the dolphin a highly respected among Celtic animals.