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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!

$10 OFF $50 PURCHASE

Charleigh's Closet is offering a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase and FREE shipping through Facebook.  Like the Charleigh's Closet Fanpage and receive the discount. 

4 Tips To Keep Your Fashion Jewelry Looking Great

Here are some tips on how to keep your fashion jewelry looking great.

Keep your fashion jewelry in a dry place. I suggest placing your pieces into small plastic zip lock baggies. You can pick them up at any craft store. Even the ones you can get at the supermarket will work. I also suggest placing pack of silica get into the bag with your piece. This will  help to absorb any extra moisture in the area.

I know we are all tempted to use a liquid soap or toothpaste on your jewelry to clean it. Don't do it on the costume jewelry! The best way to clean your fashion jewelry is to wipe it with a soft cloth to get rid of any dirt and sweat.  If you have a piece with crevices, you can use a soft toothbrush or toothpick.

Don't wear your fashion jewelry to swim, shower or wash your hands.

And finally, and most importantly, use all your creams, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays before you put on your jewelry. let them dry and put your jewelry on last. The chemicals in these products an damage your fashion jewelry.

Come visit us for your next jewelry purchase at Melonie's Treasures!

Come see me on Style!

Style.ly is an online source for women to buy and sell new and gently used items for sale. Users can browse through women's fashion's and accessories effortlessly. You can have your items shipped or you can meet the buyers at a specific location. Within the Style application, you can shop by category, brand, style or color. You can also search by seller, or item.

Style is linked with Facebook and  Twitter so you can share individual items or the sellers entire boutique. The website maintains a very classy design. It is a great way to buy fashionable clothing and accessories without spending a fortune!

Another neat feature of style are style points. You can earn them by taking certain actions on style such as pressing the "buy it now" button, referring friends or just by logging in! You can win up to $10 a day in style points. And for joining me today, new customers will receive a $10 welcome gift. So what are you waiting for?

Join me at My Boutique and earn $10 to spend!

Featured Item of the week 06/02/2012 ~ Vintage Costume Jewelry Star Art Pink Rhinestone Earrings

Here is a beautiful pair of pink rhinestone earrings, marked 1/20 12k GF with the Star and ART signature on the back. Earrings are approximately 1/2" wide x 3/4" long. All stones are present and sparkle brilliantly.

Star Art Jewelry is a vintage maker of delicate gold-filled & sterling silver jewelry often beautifully decorated with rhinestones.

Featured Item of the week ~ 05/29/2012

Featured item today is a beautiful Pewter Tone Hand Made Filigree Chain Necklace. This necklace is approximately 38 inches in length, long and pretty, perfect for layering with other necklaces (so boho!). You can get it here or pm me for details.

http://copious.com/listings/pewter-tone-hand-made-filigree-chain-necklace-38-long-5

What you can do with long necklaces

Long necklaces can be used for many many different things even if you’re completely covered with a mock turtle neck on and it’s a solid color; long necklaces look great because it just makes a statement on a mass block of color. Great casual look! However, if you want a dressier look, a long necklace would be perfect for a nice deep v neckline. And an even dressier look you can add some bling, for example, a chandelier necklace. Again, you want to keep it in a long “mode” of the v neckline. 

Another way to use the long necklace is to use it in a layered look. Just take your necklace, and put it around your neck and start to wrap. You can start with a “chocker” layer then the next layer and so on. So now your long mass becomes a short one and you have a completely different look. 

Here are some alternative ways you can wear your necklace and put a different twist on your outfits. Regular necklaces of faux pearls, dangles or beads make fabulous hair accessories. To wrap the pearls around a bun or ponytail, simply secure one end of the pearls (through the clasp somehow, if possible) to your hair, with a bobby pin. Secure it at a "starting point", a place where the pin won't likely show.

Next, begin wrapping the strand of beads either neatly or haphazardly (for your own preference) around the bun, overlapping and pinning strategically, if necessary. Lastly, when the strand is wrapped, tuck and secure the remaining end with a bobby pin. Use bobby pins, or accessory pins or clips to further secure the beads.
Some other ideas include using your necklace as a belt, or wrap it around your wrist or ankle for a bracelet. Oh and the next time, someone wants to charge you $20 for a necklace extension, try using your bracelets!