Why Sterling Silver May Turn Your Finger Green?

Why Sterling Silver May Turn Your Finger Green?

If a person has a natural high acidity level in his/her skin, it is possible for his/her finger to “turn green” from  jewelry or gold jewelry, or for silver jewelry to blacken especially when the weather is hot and humid. The green is actually caused by oxidation, and all silver will oxidize (it’s also what gives silver a tarnished look). There are some costume jewelry items that cause the same effect. Most of them contain nickel. It’s not poisonous in small quantities but it can provoke a reaction in people allergic to nickel. This “green finger effect” and the tarnishing of silver may also be an allergic reaction to alloy elements in sterling silver or gold. In some cases, the alloys, used to make jewelry more durable, may react with your body chemistry, chemicals in the air and household chemicals such as soap, salt and sun tan lotion causing a harmless green or black discoloration on the skin, which can be easily removed with soap and water, silver cleaner or with a polish cloth. For this reason, most retail silver jewelry and white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, which serves as a defensive layer and prevents this reaction from happening to anyone with allergy.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver jewelry is usually made of a precious metal mixed with a metal alloy. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals. Common metal alloys include nickel and copper to strengthen the silver since it is soft. Metal alloys can cause an allergic reaction, causing a black or green ring to form around the finger. The acid in your skin can also cause a reaction with some metals, which can result in discoloration. Most silver jewelry pieces are plated with rhodium that prevent tarnishing and green figure but it can wear off eventually.

How to prevent discoloration from silver jewelry?

Generally harmless and basic household chemicals, alloys, and acid should not keep you from wearing your rings. There are many things you can do to prevent the dreaded green or black finger stain. Remove your rings, like your wedding rings before swimming in swimming pools or hot tubs. Chlorine is a chemical. Avoid wearing your rings when handling any household cleaning products they are chemicals. Even hair spray, perfume and sun tan lotion are simple chemicals that can react with your jewelry and its finish. It a good idea to also remove your rings at night and clean them regularly. If these tips aren’t enough to prevent your rings from leaving a stain on your finger, consider taking your rings or chains to your local jeweler to have it coated or re-coated with rhodium on the inside to prevent a reaction. Your local jeweler can coat your jewelry usually fast and for an affordable amount.

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What Does Gold Karat Mean? – What is Karat Gold?

What Does Gold Karat Mean?

Jewelry Care , Blog , Education karat meaning , gold jewelry , gold

What is Karat Gold?

Karat Gold refers to a standardized industry unit of measurement regarding the percentages of metal alloy added to pure to to either strengthen it, decrease gold caratage to reduce costs or change it’s color.

This World Gold Council chart shows some examples of the composition of various caratages of gold.

 CaratageGold(Au)Silver (Ag) Copper (Cu)Zinc (Zn)Palladium (Pd) 
Yellow Gold9k37.5%42.50%20%  
Yellow Gold10k41.70%52%6.30%  
Yellow Gold14k58.30%30%11.70%  
Yellow Gold18k75%15%10%  
Yellow Gold22k91.70%5%2%1.30% 
White Gold9k37.5%62.5%   
White Gold10k41.7%47.4% 0.9%10%
White Gold14k58.30%32.20%  9.50%
White Gold18k75%   25% (or Pt)
White Gold22kN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Rose Gold9k37.5%20%42.5%  
Rose Gold10k41.70%20%38.3%  
Rose Gold14k58.30%9.2%32.5%  
Rose Gold18k75%9.2%22.2%  
Rose Gold22k91.7% 8.40%  

Notes:

White gold compositions listed here are nickel free. Nickel-containing white gold alloys form a small/very small percentage of white gold alloys and generally contain other base metals such as copper and zinc.

The following are the common standards of fineness that are used:

.375 = 9 carat (England and Canada)

.417 = 10 carat

.583 (.585) = 14 carat

.750 = 18 carat

.833 = 20 carat (Asia)

.999 (1000) = 24 carat pure gold

What are Rose Gold rings?

Rose gold wedding rings are a beautiful color of gold often seen in Victorian pieces and has become popular in wedding rings today. Rose gold rings contains Yellow Gold, but with a higher or larger percentage of Copper as the added alloy to give it its pink gold or “rose” color.

What about White Gold?

To make white gold rings, or jewelry, pure gold is combined with higher or larger percentages of white metal alloys like silver, nickel & palladium. To make white gold rings or silver rings have a whiter or brighter white it is often plated in rhodium.

Pure Gold is yellow and even when combined with white metal alloys it still can appear very yellow in color therefore the white gold wedding rings like sterling silver wedding rings are plated with a very bright white metal called rhodium.

Caring for your Gold jewelry

To keep gold wedding rings and gold jewelry shiny, you should clean your Celtic jewelry regularly with a solution of 10-parts warm water and 2-parts dish soap. The favorite dish soap of jewelers for jewelry is Dawn.

In regard to white gold and sterling silver Celtic jewelry it is important to remember that Rhodium-plate eventually wears off over time and normal wear revealing the true color of the metal beneath and allowing for tarnishing. How long will it take for the plating to wear off is unknown and depends on how well the jewelry is cared for. However remember that rhodium-plating is replaceable and can be re-done by your local jeweler, and is relatively inexpensive.

Brief History of Gold Jewelry

Gold and gold jewelry has been a treasured commodity throughout ancient history. The first historical evidence of gold jewelry in a society occurred in ancient Egypt around 3,000 B.C. Gold was a highly valued metal that was easy to work with in its purest form. Gold was treasured in Egyptian mythology. Gold and gold jewelry was highly valued by pharaohs and Egyptian temple priests. So important, and highly treasured that the capstones on the Pyramids of Giza were made of solid gold.

Ancient Greeks and Gold

Later on in ancient history, the Greeks saw gold as a symbol of social status and as a form of glory amongst the immortal gods and demigods. The average Greek used gold to reflect wealth wealth and as currency.

Gold Fun Fact

The Olympics tradition of giving gold medals to the victors began during the modern Olympics and actually has very little to do with ancient Greek tradition.

Celtic Gold Jewelry History and Origins

From what historians can discern the Celts began working with gold in the early bronze age. They started working in sheet gold, creating sun-discs and crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs including torc bracelets were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

It is believed around 1200 BC the Celts began to develop new gold working techniques. It is thought that during this time many of the Celtic torcs discovered were made by simply twisting bars of pure gold or strips of pure gold.

Around 900 BC – the Late Bronze Age – and the Celtic jewelry metal work of this period consisted of two main types. Celtic Jewelry pieces including Celtic bracelets and Celtic brooches used as fasten their cloaks, in dramatic contrast to previous sheet gold collars and ear-spools.

What is Pure Gold?

According to the World Gold Council “‘Caratage’ is the measurement of purity of gold alloyed with other metals. 24 carat is pure gold with no other metals. Lower caratages contain less gold; 18 carat gold contains 75 per cent gold and 25 per cent other metals, often copper or silver.”

What is Karat Gold?

Karat Gold refers to a standardized industry unit of measurement regarding the percentages of metal alloy added to pure to to either strengthen it, decrease gold caratage to reduce costs or change it’s color.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Claddagh Trinity Knot Rings by The Irish Jewelry Company

Sterling silver is a commonly used precious metal for jewelry for its affordability and for it is lustrous color, versatility, and durability. Sterling silver is commonly used in Irish Jewelry like claddagh rings. But beautiful sterling silver jewelry requires good care or it could tarnish, losing its shine and luster.

Sterling silver is silver that has been combined with other metals. If a jewelry item is made of sterling silver, it means that it typically contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Hence the popular term when referring to sterling silver jewelry as 925. Other metals like nickel and copper are combined with silver to make it stronger but it also means it will tarnish.

Tarnish is corrosion that develops over sterling silver jewelry, causing an item to discolor and lose its shine. It typically occurs when the sterling silver reacts with the hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere. This is why silver is often recommended to be store in a sealed bag. Regularly wearing and cleaning your sterling silver jewelry helps to deter tarnish.

Cleaning your sterling silver witha mild dish washing detergent is important. It is the first cleaning method you should do before trying other complex silver cleaning methods.

Cleaning Sterling Silver

To get started, fill a medium-sized bowl or basin with warm water and add about 6 drops of mild dish washing liquid. Next, dip a soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the silver item with it.

Cleaning Plated or Rhodium Plated Silver Jewelry

In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup of a mild liquid detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Then, soak your rhodium-plated items in the solution. Leave the items in the soapy water for about 10 minutes, but don’t let the jewelry sit any longer than 15 minutes. The extra time could cause damage.

If this method doesn’t achieve the desired result a professional cleaning and or refinishing at your local jewelry store might be necessary from time to time.

Summer Jewelry Care Tips

Panorama of mother and daughter with bike on a beach at sunset

Summer weather and all that comes with the excitement of the season can be very hard on jewelry of all kinds. Protecting your jewelry from the harsh summer elements and outdoor activities are every important part of your jewelry care routine. So as your pack up for your summer vacation or plan on that summer hike or even taking a trip to the beach, you should learn the best ways to care for your jewelry this summer in order to maintain its beauty! 

5 Tips on Maintaining Your Jewelry All Summer

  1. Consider the activity your are about to participate in when wearing jewelry. Will your jewelry make impact against hard surfaces when doing activities such as summer sports like hiking, rafting, climbing or biking can damage your jewelry by scratching the surface and dulling the finish. Be sure to remove any rings, bracelets or necklaces and store safety before embarking on your next active adventure! 

2. Hot temperature and high humidity can have an effect on the finish and look of your jewelry. Be sure to clean and wipe down your jewelry after wearing to keep sweat, humidity, and sunlight from dulling its sheen.

3. When gearing up for a fun day at the beach, remember that some types of jewelry may be better off left at home. Harder gemstones like diamonds and rubies can better withstand impact with sand and abrasive materials like salt, while softer gemstones like amethysts and opal might not fare as well. Also remember that sun tan lotion is a chemical and can also dull the finish of your jewelry.

4. Remember you can easily lose your jewelry while hiking or at the beach or even at a water park. Cold water can cause your hands to shrink making it easy for a ring to slip off. You might want to consider removing your claddagh ring before going in a pool, ocean, lake, or any water to avoid losing them! 

5. If your diamond, gemstone, or precious metal jewelry has had prolonged exposure to chemicals like chlorine or sunscreen, it is best to clean your jewelry daily to protect your favorite jewelry pieces from appearing dull or even tarnishing.  You might want to consider a professional cleaning after the summer.

Men’s Jewelry Trends

Let’s talk about social media infuencers, those trend setters. These day with the popularity of social media these days trends in jewelry especially are spreading quickly. Men’s jewelry trends in fashion are on fire as of late. As it turns out men like to accessorize just as much as women. They are taking a lot more pictures of their own curated style on social media showing off their various talents, body art and fashion sense just as much as female influencers are these days.

Men’s Celtic Cross Tigers Eye Bracelet

Bracing for Bracelets

All over social media there are images of men wearing bracelets. Often these bracelets are stacked and they are a mixing looks such as chunky metal and beaded men’s bracelets. Usually multiple beaded men’s bracelets.

The Statement Ring

With every image of a man wearing a bracelet undoubtedly he also has on a big bold statement ring. Often multiple men’s rings on one hand. These rings are large statement rings that ooze a certain bad boy, rock and roll style.

Oxidized Celtic Knot Ring Silver 10K Gold

Bands are tried and true favorite

Often mixed in with the men’s statement ring is an assortment other rings including a few simpler yet stylish wedding band usually to accent these more bold statement rings. Men are wearing rings and multiple rings in a variety of metals such as stainless steel, sterling silver and gold. In all sorts of combinations. I have even see a few rock-in a claddagh ring.

Diamonds aren’t just a girls best friend

With the recent launch of a famous retailers men’s engagement ring collection it is more and more obvious there is a market for cross over men’s bridal and unisex wedding ring styles. Diamond Wedding rings that have a classic style that works for any and all sexes.

Mens Celtic Tag Necklace

Symbols of faith and love

Men all over social media are depicted wearing symbols of their faith and love around their necks. Layered necklace in various combinations of crosses, like the Celtic cross and saint medals in a mix of metals. Claddagh necklaces for men have always been a traditional favorite symbol of love.

Ring Warmer Ceremony Guide

A ring warming ceremony during an Irish wedding is typically performed in lieu of a unity candle ceremony. A ring warming ceremony is an endearing way to include the bride and grooms friends and family in their beautiful nuptials.

A ring warming ceremony involves passing your wedding rings around to your wedding guests to have them give their “Irish” blessings, prayers, and warm thoughts of good luck for your marriage.

The origins of the ceremony can be traced back to Ireland, where the bride and the groom have guests pass their wedding rings around to give a blessing, prayer, or wish to the couple with it before they exchange their vows.

What is a ring warming ceremony?

An wedding ring warming ceremony is exactly what it sounds like. The ring warming is a tradition that involves literally passing around those costly and precious wedding bands to each trusted guest to actually be warmed. The precious metal wedding bands are in their hands on warmed by their touch and warm thoughts of encouragement.

Traditional Ring Warming Ceremony Steps

Step 1: Take your wedding rings and tie them together with a beautiful piece of ribbon and secure them inside a decorated box or onto a bridal cushion. You ca really get creative and maybe add some fresh shamrocks or use some Irish lace as decoration.

Step 2: Just before the bride and groom make their final exchange during the ceremony the wedding officiant will announce to your guests that the ring ceremony with brief instructions is beginning and the wedding rings are going to be passed around to each guest. Make sure to assign someone special; to assist in seeing the rings move swiftly and loving among the quests.

Step 3: Music should be played while the rings are making the rounds among the quest. Remember the music tempo will help set the pace. Have each guest hold the rings for a few seconds and make a quick wish for success and pass them.

Step 4: When all your guests have sufficiently warmed your wedding bands that special designated ring assistant should promptly see that the precious bands make their way back to the couple or the best man.

A ring warming ceremony is an enduring way to include your guest in you wedding however its probably best performed for smaller wedding gatherings as it could take up significant time.

Ring warming ceremony ideas for large weddings

For large weddings with a hundred or more guests a traditional Irish ring warming ceremony can take up a substantially amount of time. Time couples aren’t often afford during an extremely busy day.

A fun alternative to passing your wedding rings around to each guest tie your wedding rings to a piece of decorative ribbon, maybe embellished with a sprig of shamrocks and leave them displayed on a table maybe on a piece of Irish lace towards the entrance of your reception area before the wedding ceremony with a trusted guardian of the rings of course. Place a sign or a isle on the table instructing your wedding guests to hold or warm the rings in their hands for a moment and make a wish for you both. Kindly ask your guardian of the rings to see they get back to the best man before the ceremony begins.

The Scottish Luckenbooth History and Origins

Exclusive Luckenbooth Brooch from The Irish Jewelry Company

The Luckenbooth is traditionally a Scottish love token. The Luckenbooth brooch design is an ancient symbol of Scotland, and a traditional token of betrothal as a symbol of affection, friendship and fidelity given as a loving gift for the past four hundred years.

Scotland a land of exquisite highland beauty and now synonymous with the popular TV series Outlander and its leading main heartthrob Jamie.  During season 5 of Outlander Jocasta, Murtagh’s lover can be seen wearing a beautiful luckenbooth worn on a cord given to her by Murtagh as she and Jamie lament over his passing.  The luckenbooth brooch is as traditional to Scotland as are kilt pins are to kilts dating back to the 17th century.

History of the Luckenbooth..

The earliest luckenbooth brooches are on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The first brooches were remarkably simple hearts usually inscribed with romantic sayings such as “Wrong not the heart whose joy thou art” or “My heart you have and yours I crave”. They were mostly made of silver and given to a sweetheart or as a betrothal gift. It was known as a witch-brooch and used to save children from the evil eye as a talisman of protection for new parents to ward off witches and pinned to the newborn’s clothes.  Nursing mothers also wore them as a magical charm to help their milk flow.

The Luckenbooth brooch or Scottish Love Brooch is a heart-shaped brooch, either a single or double intertwined heart with a crown. Historians believe the original design was created as a betrothal brooch for Mary Queen of Scots from the teenage Dauphin of France, whom she married in 1558, hence the two hearts and the crown.

Origins of the Luckenbooth name…

These Luckenbooth brooches often have a crown above one heart, or two intertwined hearts. They are typically made of silver since it was affordable, easy to work with and may be engraved or set with stones. The name comes from the Luckenbooths or “locked booths” of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where jewelry and trinkets used to be sold, including this type of brooch.

Today you can find many variations of the traditional luckenbooth design from reputability online jewelers like The Irish Jewelry Company. Shop their selection Scottish Jewelry including their exclusive Thistle Heart Luckenbooth Pendant, Thistle Heart Luckenbooth Earrings, Luckenbooth Brooch and their Luckenbooth Corded Necklace.

JDPN Celebrates Women’s History Month

To promote Women’s History Month the JDPN is having 2 webinars about women in the Jewelry Biz. Our first one features 2 women in unconventional careers in the diamond trade, Aleah Arundale and Jaime Feld. It’s tomorrow at 6:30pm ET.
Register with this link: https://lnkd.in/dzT9B-8

The Romantic Irish Tradition of The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh is a legendary jewelry item that epitomizes timeless values. The legacy design cues hands on either side of a heart and a crown on top. The classic Claddagh ring shows the wearer’s family situation. Thus, a heart looking out the fingertips means you’re single, whereas this element pointing towards the wrist means that the owner is taken.

Today, this ring has a huge number of design variations, but the main three elements have remained intact. This Irish jewelry item is presented to girls and women as a symbol of companionship or as a Claddagh engagement ring.

The Story Behind The Claddagh Ring

The Irish Claddagh ring tells a heartwarming romantic story steeped in heritage and life-long affection. This story began a long time ago – three hundred and forty years ago, to be exact.

The protagonist of this most widespread legend is Richard Joyce. One day, he ventured off to what is now known as the North American islands. On his way back, he was going to walk his sweetheart down the aisle, but on the way to Claddagh, his ship was seized by Algerian pirates. 

In those days, pirates tore the blue waters, filling travelers with dread. Many noblemen died in the fight and thousands of merchants lost everything they had earned. Thus, Richard was enslaved and brought to a famous jeweler. He spent in slavery fourteen years. Joyce mastered the jewelry craft to perfection and became an excellent craftsman under his master’s guidance.

Richard kept on dreaming of meeting his bride. This inspired him to create a ring that portrayed two hands holding the heart under the crown.

Later, the goldsmith was set free. However, a Moorish jeweler liked the capable lad and even offered him to tie the knot with his daughter. But Joyce refused since a bride was waiting for him in his homeland. 

When Richard arrived to the motherland, he gave the ring to his faithful girlfriend, who had been waiting for him all these years. They married and settled down in the village. Richard went on to pursue his favorite and lucrative business – he opened his own jewelry workshop. Since then, these rings have sprouted into the local culture.

Although there are different legends circulating about the origin of this item, the romantic history seems the most plausible. The fact remains that the oldest surviving rings bear his trader’s mark, and that a jeweler named Richard Joyce actually existed. It is also interesting that this goldsmith’s mark features an anchor, which is a symbol of hope.

Today, this ring has rightfully taken its place among the cherished Irish wedding traditions and customs alongside with locking of the church door, the make-up beds, and others.

The Bottom Line

Today, the Claddagh is the eternal embodiment of affection and wholeness. The charm of this item is that it can be used as both a promise heirloom and a marriage symbol. So whether you are into the traditions or prefer a more modern stance, this lovely heritage can be worn and adored by everyone.

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