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Jewelry Care & Repair

In earlier posts I explained how to properly store and care for your fashion and costume jewelry. Here are some tips on how to clean your jewelry, should it become yucky!



Ways to Remove Green Gunk and other debris from your vintage and fashion jewelry:


1. TOOTHPICK -- Sometimes a toothpick is all it takes to scrape small amounts of verdigris from small spots on jewelry. I'd try this first.


2. DRY TOOTHBRUSH -- Take a dry toothbrush and brush it across the gunk, removing as much as you can. 



3. METAL POLISH -- After brushing off as much as you can with a toothbrush, try moving on to  metal polish.  You can purchase most at Walmart or any hardware store.   These polishes are slightly abrasive and will removed stubborn debris.  Squeeze a pea-sized drop of polish on to a clean, soft cloth and rub softly on the jewelry.  After about 30 seconds of rubbing, check your jewelry out.  Hopefully, some of the green is off the jewelry and on your cloth.  Finish polishing your jewelry with a clean portion of the cloth. If metal polish has not worked satisfactorily, it's time to move on to "home chemical treatments".


WARNING: Some of the options below may work but I use them only as a last resort. Many times, even after the verdigris is removed, the metal underneath is no longer gold plated and may not match the finish on the rest of the piece of jewelry.  Keep this in mind before you try the treatments below. 


4. VINEGAR -- Pour a small amount of white vinegar in a bowl. Soak your jewelry for about 20 minutes.Use a soft toothbrush to clean off the debris. Rinse and wipe with clean, dry cloth.  Do NOT soak jewelry with soft gems like pearls, fake pearls, rhinestones with foil backings, glued in rhinestones. 


5. KETCHUP -- I've used ketchup in the past because it is acidic and stays in place. The warning about protecting soft gems and rhinestones applies to ketchup as well as vinegar.  Lay the jewelry on a paper towel. Squirt the ketchup on the verdigris, wait about 30 minutes, rinse the jewelry well and dry thoroughly.  If you can get over the smell and mess of the ketchup, it can sometimes work well.

Tribal Jewelry

One of my favorite styles of jewelry is Tribal jewelry. I am particularly drawn to this style of jewelry because of it's soulful nature. The bold, beautiful Tribal designs make a bold, personal statement. "Tribal style" has been a major runway trend since 2010. People are inspired by the Ancient cultures of Africa, India, the American Indians and countess others. Traditional designs can be mixed with new fashions to create breathtaking results.

Lots of wood, shells, bone, ceramic, animal prints and tribal markings all make up these wonderful pieces. Large chunky styles, like the one shown here are especially a favorite of mine. However, Let what you choose to wear reflect who you are. that's the beauty of Tribal jewelry. Everyone can find a style that respresents who they are. Like this 

Turquoise stone tusk and metal disk link necklace earring set. This necklace has lots of color with a large chunky style. 

But how do you choose what style is right for you? 

Begin with what is your favorite color? What colors are most abundant in your closet? What colors do you wear most? What is your personality? Are you outgoing? This bold Tribal Turquoise necklace probably suits your taste better. Are you more into calming colors? Are you most laid back? Then you probably like the above necklace set better. 

Tribal jewelry is so versatile that most everyone can find a style they like. try pieces made out of copper, brass, silver or other metals. Like this pair of brass earrings.

  Pick a metal that you respond to. Remember to represent yourself.Whether going to a casual picnic or summer wedding, Tribal Jewelry  just the right touch of class and sophistication. 

Does Copper Jewelry leave you Black? Tips On How To Keep your Jewelry and Your skin Looking Great!

I love copper jewelry. The rusty red-browns go great with almost everything. I think copper looks especially great with swimsuits. Looks fabulous with your tan! I have alot of great pieces. Unfortunately after  short honeymoon, my piece would tarnish and turn my skin black. The natural acids in our skin, hand lotions and other chemicals can quickly make copper jewelry oxidize and turn our skin black.

Here is how I keep my skin and my copper pieces looking great. I would not try this, however, with pieces that have stones, rhinestones or beads do not use this methods. Also if you have an heirloom piece, I don't suggest risking damaging it.

I use two different methods of treating my copper jewelry. For example, I have a copper and brass bangle bracelet that I love. I used clear nail polish to coat the entire inside of the bracelet. I used two coats to be sure that I'd have a good protective barrier. Be sure to allow to dry before you put on your jewelry. The nail polish will wear off over time, so you will have to re-apply once the discoloration reappears. This methods works great for rings too.

Another method uses spray paint. Suspend your piece in a cardboard box and spay a couple of thin layers of clear spray paint. This methods works great for earrings, barrettes and necklaces.

Featured Item of the Week ~ 06/24/2012

This ring is a gorgeous genuine Mother of Pearl Two-tone Fashion Ring. Ring is available in size 7 and 8. The top of the ring is 1 1/4" long in white jewelry brass with a platinum coating. Guaranteed to be completely Lead Free,  and Tarnish Free. Don't miss out on this one ladies! Come visit me at Fabulously Frugal Fashions for more beautiful jewelry, and accessories. 

Why Does My Sterling Ring Turn My Finger Green?

Sometimes when people put a sterling silver ring on their finger within hours they will get a green tint on their finger. Don't worry! Sterling Silver is around 88% fine - pure - silver and about 12% copper. It is the copper that turns your finger green.

So why do they put copper in Sterling Silver? If the ring where to be made of pure silver and not Sterling Silver, the ring would be so soft, if would bend very easily. By adding the copper, it gives the ring a hardness and strength that will last literally a lifetime. 

Again, some people have a reaction to the copper in the ring. Don't freak out! the first thing you do is wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry your hands very well and you'll see that the green discoloration on your finger comes off. If this happens to you. Here is what you do.

Wash and dry your hands well prior to putting on your ring. Be sure to take your ring off at night; don't sleep in your rings. You perspired at night which can cause a reaction. If you wash and dry your hands prior to putting on your rings and after you take them off;you will find your reaction to the silver will be less and less. Your body chemistry will adjust to the silver over time  - about a 2 week period - and your finger will no longer turn green.

Check out all our beautiful Fashion Jewelry at Fabulously Frugal Fashions!

Game Night

Once again, I had a great time at game night. For some of those of you who don't know what game night is. It's where we play games at Fabulously Frugal Fashions. Each Sunday at 9pm EST, I host a game where participants win tokens to spend in our Tokens Album.  I love game night with my Facebook community. Players not only win tokens but giveaways are done throughout the night. I usually post specials and dsicounts throughout the night too. Great times, great prices! Come join us!