Jewelry

Archive for February, 2009

Stones Couture

Jewellery Care - Looking After Butler & Wilson, Kenneth Jay Lane and Other Costume Jewellery

Costume and Fashion Jewellery has been a favourite choice over the decades for women and men of all societies. Contemporary fashion jewellery is reaching the same heights of popularity as it did in the early 20th Century.  The choice today has never been wider with designs to suit any fashion or budget.  From top designers such as Kenneth Jay Lane, Butler and Wilson to more pocket friendly unbranded and unsigned designers, there is a wealth of options to accessorize your outfit.

Costume and fashion jewellery ranges from cheap and cheerful plastic designs from your favourite high street store to the top-drawer  handcrafted necklaces and earrings, often embellished with Swarovski Crystals and enamel detailing that is made to last and collect for future generations.  Some stunning costume necklaces use semi-precious materials and  look as good as their fine jewellery counterparts.

The best way to ensure your favorite costume earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, charms watches, pins and brooches last is to look after them so you get to enjoy them even more.

Some key tips for looking after your jewellery and accessories:

Do not get your jewellery wet!   Jewellery and water just do not mix so avoid going swimming in your jewellery, washing up with your rings and bracelet on and  leaving them in moist environments such as the bathroom.

No tangles!   Display your jewellery on earring holders, necklace stands, bracelet and watch displays to avoid messy tangles that can harm your accessories.

Keep pieces apart! When storing, traveling or carrying your jewellery around use a roll - also known as an organizer - as it is soft so it protects your treasures from nasty knocks.  Storing them together can lead to scratches and crystals being knocked out.

No Sprays! Fashion jewellery hates hairsprays and perfumes so put yours on after you have sprayed hair spray and perfumes.  The droplets can damage plating and finishes so do treat your jewellery pieces with care.

No direct sunlight. Many components used in Costume Jewelry can be sun affected such as Wooden Beads, bone beads and the like so keep them out of the sunlight.

Avoid letting your costume Fashion Jewelry coming into contact with soap, face creams, or moisturizers. If they do rinse clean and pat dry. Make sure they're fully dry before putting it away.

Keep them clean! Clean your jewelry gently with cotton buds or a soft toothbrush with a little distilled water. Make sure it is properly dried so to look after the metal settings.

In the event of damages, some pieces may be repaired by specialists.  Some vintage pieces make have missing beads or stones – these may be replaced if the cost of repair can be justified.

Many talented jewellery designers have created simply stunning pieces, especially with the focus in the 20th Century on colorful and sparkling affordable designs.  Statement jewellery is highly popular and can cost substantial amounts.  Whatever your style make sure you get to enjoy your beloved fashion jewellery for the years to come simply by caring for them.  Your pocket and your wardrobe will thank you!

About the Author

Tom Coulter is the owner of www.zentosa.com where we offer a large range of statement costume jewellery by top designers such as Kenneth Jay Lane.

Which movie would you rather see with an all-star cast in it?

The Expendables: Starring: Sylvester Stallone
Jet Li
Jason Statham
Terry Crews
Randy Couture
Mickey Rourke
Charisma Carpenter
Bruce Willis
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Dolph Lundgren
and Stone Cold Steve Austin

or

Grown Ups: Starring: Adam Sandler
Kevin James
Chris Rock
Rob Schneider
David Spade
and Gary Busey

This was a bit hard, but I'd go for Grown Ups.

Angelica Couture LA Fall Collection 2009

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