‘Can it clean a Diamond Ring?’ Probably, but may do more damage. Here’s how.

There is an ad on the telly box that annoys me slightly. Now I don’t really mind the fact it is mainly trader’s puff, and in all fairness the claims in the advert are true.  It will clean anything.

However even though it may ‘clean’ your Diamond Ring it may do serious damage to the metals, other stones and finish.

When I sent a Tweet pleading with all you lovely people not to clean your Diamond Rings with this product, I forgot to say do not clean any jewellery in that manner. There are one or two correct ways, and a plethora of incorrect ways.

The most you need to do is use a soft lint free cloth, or a polishing cloth.

There’s a distinct difference between cleaning and removing a tarnished look.

Is your Ring dirty? Is there grit or dirt or foreign substances on it? If yes, it may need a clean. If it’s a little off colour or tarnished then it needs a polish etc.

Now I hear you all saying ‘Oh I clean mine in Baking Soda’, or ‘Granny cleans hers in Gin’, ‘I use Vodka’, and ‘I scrub mine with an old toothbrush’.

Firstly, if you are using Gin, or Vodka, or any other clear Alcohol here’s what you do. Take a glass, fill with ice, add sliced lime (or lemon), then pour in a decent measure of Gin or Vodka, top with your favourite mixer (I use Tonic, but any mixer will do), some garnish if you are so inclined, then sit, relax and enjoy. End of. The Gin is for drinking. So is the Vodka, so no more of that.

Toothpaste is an abrasive, especially the whitening pastes etc. It can scratch stones, even the metals. Yes it can, as Gold is not indestructible, and neither is Platinum. So no more of that either.

Using a toothbrush to clean it can be a dangerous method if it is old or stiff bristled. As well as dislodging dirt, it may dislodge a stone. Dirt may have also dislodged a stone as it caked on, so an overnight soak in a proper cleaning solution would be the best option. From there you can see if your stone(s) are loose. I’ll get to that in a bit. If not, use a soft bristled brush and the same cleaning solution to gently clean the setting and the stone(s).

Carefully pace ring into solution, to leave soak.

Let’s just look at the simplest, most effective method to clean your Rings.

As I mentioned previously if it is caked in dirt it is best to soak overnight in a solution of warm water and washing up liquid. Yes, washing up liquid. What you need to do is just use that soapy solution to allow the dirt to soften so it will become easily dislodged with the minimum of effort.

For the majority of you they won’t be caked in dirt, so here you go.

Take a small bowl, preferable plastic or any material that won’t damage the Diamond Ring lest you drop it.

Apply soft bristle brush, and gently clean.

Using warm water and a drop or two of washing up liquid, immerse the Ring in and leave to soak. Take the ring by the shoulder (the pieces to the left and right of the setting), hold firmly, and clean gently with a soft brush. An artist’s bristle brush or a soft unworn toothbrush is fine for this.

Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft lint free cloth.

Your Ring is clean. If there is still some dirt remaining repeat the process, or consider soaking for a longer period.

That is it. No more.

Keep Jewellery boxed when not in use.

If your Ring still has scratches or looks dull after cleaning that does not mean you have done it incorrectly. Cleaning won’t remove that. To remove scratches it will need to be professionally done.           

There are a few points I want you to note:

Ultrasonic cleaners: Never ever put an Emerald, Tanzanite, Opal, Coral or Pearl in. Some mineral and organic Gems will crack, fracture and even dissolve! Stones that have been thermally enhanced or treated in some way can lose their colour. Be aware of your Gems, even Diamonds can come out worst for wear. So if in doubt leave it out.

Vigorous Cleaning: There is no need. As mentioned earlier a stone can be dislodged or pushed aside if dirt has built up. Here’s something you may not know. A Diamond will scratch, erode and wear metal if it is loose in its setting. Surprised? I thought so. Diamond is a very hard substance and will wear a setting if it is loose. If a stone is loose in its setting it can become looser over time by wearing away the surrounding setting.

Loose Stones: After you soaked the Ring overnight how can you check if the setting is loose? Here is a very handy way of doing this. Get yourself a cotton bud (cue-tip) remove the cotton ball, and just tip the Stone with it. If the stone moves, or appears to move, get it checked as soon as you can.

Detergents and cleaning agents: Some of these leave a soapy scum, some remove oils from Emeralds and other porous minerals. Some contain harsh chemicals and abrasives, that not only affect the Gems, but the Gold or Platinum and the metals mixed with them. So no more use of toothpaste’s or any chemical substances that could damage your jewellery.  

Care: Yes I’m going to tell you to keep your Jewellery in a pouch, or a box. I know in the real world we all don’t sit at home in front of mirrors unclipping our Diamond Earrings before we go to bed, but a little care and attention goes a long way towards maintaining your Jewellery. It minimises the amount of knocks, and possible damage.

So there you go. I hope that covered the basics. Any questions feel free to ask. As always I welcome your feedback.

 Michael

As always you can connect on Twitter:

Follow @DiamondsIRL

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Peridot. That’s ‘doh’ don’t you know.

Pronounce it ‘Per ‘i’ doh’, Peridot is the Birthstone for August.

The Peridot is an ancient gemstone, so ancient that it can be found in Egyptian jewellery from the early second millennium B.C. In all likelihood, Cleopatra’s Emeralds may well have been Peridot due to the proximity of deposits.  

The stones used at that time were called Topazion as they came from a deposit on a small volcanic island, Topazios (now St. Johns) in the Red Sea, some 45 miles off the Egyptian coast. These deposits were not rediscovered until about 1900.

The Romans too were fond of this gemstone and revered its radiant green shine, which does not change even in artificial light. For that reason it bears the moniker ‘Emerald of the evening’.

Peridot is also found throughout Europe in medieval churches where it adorns many a treasure, an example being one of the shrines in Cologne Cathedral. During the baroque period, the rich green gemstone once again enjoyed a brief heyday, and then it somehow faded into obscurity.

It received its name Peridot in the Eighteen Century. It is a Gem of the mineral Olivine.

The Peridot as we know it is a modern gemstone, for it was not until the 20th century that Peridot deposits were located in the Kashmir region. The stones from those deposits, being of an incomparably beautiful colour and transparency, have succeeded in contributing to the image of this beautiful green gemstone.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in one colour and one colour only. Green. The intensity of the green however, depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure. The colour of Peridot gems can vary from yellow, through olive, to brownish-green. The most valued colour is a dark olive-green.

In history and folklore:

• In Hawaii, Peridot symbolizes the goddess Pele’s tears. Some Hawaiian beaches are packed with tiny grains of Peridot that are too small to cut.
• The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., houses the largest cut Peridot, a 310 carat gem.
• Ground Peridot, taken internally, was once used as a treatment for asthma.
• It was thought that Peridot brought power and influence to its owner.
• Napoleon used Peridot to assure the empress Josephine of his undying love and admiration, which, of course, happened before he had their marriage annulled.

The Peridot is a gemstone that you should definitely get to know better as its fine pistachio to olive green is the perfect complement to the Irish complexion. It looks particularly good set with Diamonds, in Gold.

It’s a soft compliment to the Autumn wardrobe, and works well with Kelly Greens’ and Ochre.

Today Gem quality Peridot comes from Arizona, Burma, Norway, and St. Johns Isle. Peridot may also be found in Meteorites.

It is thought to bring its wearer good luck, peace and success. Supposed powers include Health, and protection from Nightmares.

If you would like to get in touch and Tweet me: 
Follow @DiamondsIRL

You can always get in touch and leave a comment below.

Michael

Pre-Wedding Service

Before any Wedding I always offer an additional service to my Clients.

That is an inspection of your Engagement Ring, a clean and polish. After all everything must be right on the day. 

I also offer this to potential Clients, which means you, or someone you know. 

If you need a Ring cleaned, polished, or have the settings checked before your wedding do get in touch.

Here’s a few examples of work carried out:

Full Inspection of the Claws, Prongs, and Settings. 

A Clean and Polish of Metals.

Rhodium Plating (for White Gold Settings and Jewellery)

Re-sizing Service. 1/2 to 1 size up or down.

Full Bridal Party service available. Call for Quote.

To make an appointment, call 086 8687456 or mail michaelwallbespoke@gmail.com

If you have a question you can ask me live (almost live) here:
Follow @DiamondsIRL

Regards,

Michael

Michael Wall Bespoke

Showcase of Designs and Pieces in Gold and Platinum.

Fully Bespoke Service with G.I.A Certified Diamonds. in Gold or Platinum.

If you would like to chat to me live (almost live) you can find me here:
Follow @DiamondsIRL

Video courtesy of Nobomedia

Valuation Service

My last few posts throughout February and March were more or less pointers to keep your jewellery in proper order, with some little tips thrown in. I was scrolling down through a post in February and noticed that although I touched on Valuations, I didn’t really say where to go to get a proper one.

Now as I mentioned before, to my mind it is not acceptable to have a schedule of items with little or no information about the contents. All well and good to have a Ring listed as ‘Diamond Ring’, with a Value attached, but if you can’t tell why it is Valued at that, then it is absolutely no good to you.

As mentioned in one of my February posts; ‘Any Jeweller that undertakes to write and ‘charge’ for a Valuation should be qualified to do so. Expect a Colour, Clarity, and Carat. Expect description of Metals used, and type of setting. Expect dimension sizes, expect a detailed description. Otherwise that Valuation is rubbish.’

For Insurance purposes, many items you have covered under your house and contents, may or may not be covered in the event of loss or theft. It is worth noting that items of lesser value may be, however items that are of significant value need to be insured separately.

From May, I will be offering a Fully Comprehensive service to you all. The details of which are as follows;

• A full Valuation service on ‘Multiple Items’ of Jewellery.

• An Itemised list of all Items of Jewellery.

• A full check of the Settings, and Stones in your Jewellery.

• A printed Schedule of all Items for Insurance Purposes.

  Flat Rate of €60 for all of the above.

I will NOT be charging a ‘final value fee’ of the Item(s).

Along with the above I will be on hand to take all questions, offer you advice on any aspect you might like addressed.

All is on a ‘by appointment only’ basis. The reason for this is to devote as much time to you, making sure all items are properly classified, and to answer all queries you may have. I will be available each week where you can come and have all the above carried out for €60.

I am not buying, selling, or receiving any scrap, old, or broken jewellery.

If you do have any broken pieces, and would like some advice on repairing or re-modelling, then feel free to bring them along.

MAY APPOINTMENTS – CORK CITY

To get in touch by telephone: 086 8687456                To get in touch by e-mail: michaelwallbespoke@gmail.com

Regards,

Michael 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Often times we come across pieces of Jewellery long past their ‘sell by’ date. Pieces that are broken, much loved, but worn so much that it is nigh on impossible to wear for fear of it breaking apart and being lost. Other times it’s a piece bequeathed by a relative, so out of style and fashion it just sits in a box, unloved and unworn.

Don’t despair, dust down those little treasures, as help is at hand.

I’m not a fan of so called Commercial Outlets offering cash prices for your old, worn or broken Jewellery. There’s a reason it’s old and worn. That is because it probably has been worn with love for years, and in the event of it being passed down to you, then was previously worn by a loved one.

So why part with it?

I have a pretty logical way of looking at this. A piece of Jewellery in its entirety is commercially saleable, but when you take it apart, the components are based on their values in today’s market. Specifically gold.

But why try and realise a fraction of a Rings value by breaking it up and discarding the stones?

Gold and Platinum or any metal used in a piece are for the Settings. They hold the Stones, and show them off to their full glory. You won’t get the value of the stones, and they are most likely thrown away.

So here are the options available.

• Have a Ring, or another piece of Jewellery? Not wearing it? Ask advice about remodelling. You have all the components, so apart from an extra gram or two of Gold you are only faced with the Labour cost.
• Have broken Ring or another Piece of Jewellery, and there is a stone missing? Replace the stone. If the setting is good, then there is no problem. And if there has to be some other work carried out, then it won’t cost the earth to repair.
• If you have been left a Ring or other Jewellery, and don’t want to wear it, then you have the option of getting it valued for Sale or Auction. This of course will differ to getting a flat rate from a Commercial outlet dealing in Gold and Precious Metals. It will be valued as a piece. Once you have a value you can offer it to an Auction house if you so wish.
• If you have a lot of broken Jewellery then why waste it by giving it away? It can be used to make something you will wear for the rest of your life, and hopefully pass down to another generation.

That’s pretty much it. It is as simple as that. And seeing as this is the shortest Blog piece I have written, I’ll leave it at that. As always I’m here to help. So if you have any questions feel free to mail me at GemInfo@iol.ie

Regards,

Michael

A Commitment to Love, Honor and Respect

I’m always happy to meet new clients, and this morning’s meeting was no exception. There is no necessity to stick to the traditional, and in this instance the formality of engagement was not considered.

In the 8 years that this couple have spent together there was nothing symbolic required save the love and commitment they have shown each other since the time they first met.

I relish the opportunity to begin what I like to call a personal service. It is something more than having a quick browse through a catalogue and settling for a generic piece of jewellery.

My service offers something additional.  I carry out a fully bespoke service that is tailored to each individual.

I have known David and his partner Ben for over 5 years, and was delighted when they announced they were settling down and building a life for themselves together as one. Even more delighted when they asked me to create two bespoke Rings based on their designs.

Always intrigued as to what Rings people choose for Civil Partnerships and given the penchant for ‘Rainbow’ themed industrial metal Bands, I was glad to see that both guys had come up with designs that were evocative of their feelings and love for each other.

Ben chose an 18kt Gold Ring with Centre Row of brushed 18kt Yellow Gold set with intersecting Princess Cut Diamonds, and polished 18kt White Gold Rims, while David chose the reverse.

So how do Same Sex Rings Differ? ‘Surprise Surprise’, they don’t. A band on your finger is Symbolic. It means what you and your partner want it to mean. They are bands of devotion, a commitment to Love, Honor and Respect each other.

Be it a Celebration of your Sexuality, a discreet band, or a Bespoke Diamond Set Piece it is all down to choice. It is yours and yours alone.

I am very glad both David and Ben chose me to be part of their Celebration. I hope that they spend many happy years together.

If you are considering a Civil Partnership this year, and would like some advice and/or suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.

Call on 086 8687456 or mail GemInfo@iol.ie