Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Leslie,On the topic of pearl care, I have a few questions. Some years ago, my grandmother gave me a pair of earrings: pearls encased in a gold net. My grandmother is known to have very expensive jewelry, but I never asked whether any parts of this jewelry were authentic. I believe the gold is a gild, and I’m not sure about the pearls, but wouldn’t true pearls be damaged by such placement? They were also slightly yellow when I received them.
However, when I checked them a month or so ago, I found that they seemed to be considerably more yellow. I mentioned this to my mother, who claimed the lack of humidity of my current residence, as opposed to the high humidity of my grandmother’s residence, had caused their degradation. This alarmed me, as my grandmother gave me a string of pearls last a little over a year ago that are of high sentimental value. The necklace is kept in its own box in a drawer.

Thank you for your comment and interest in pearls. Pearls can be a lovely heirloom and the proper care can help ensure generations of enjoyment from a strand of pearls. Without seeing the earrings, it’s impossible to determine the materials in your earrings. They could very well be real pearls.

I would suggest a regular gentle cleaning for your pearls. One of the biggest threats to a cultured pearl is an overzealous cleaner. Pearls, like all jewelry, get dirty after repeated wearings. Unfortunately, misguided pearl owners often scrub them with an abrasive. Just wash them in a mild soap and warm water.

As pearls age they do yellow. There’s not much that can be done to alter this process. Here are some tips to keep your pearls looking their best:

I hope that this answers your questions and provides you with the resources you need to take excellent care of your family’s jewelry heritage. If you’ve been insprired to take a closer look at pearls, this 3/4 Tahitian cultured pearl and diamond pendant with chain is a wonderful example of what jewelry artists are currently designing.

Hi Leslie,
I’m surprising my older sister with a mother’s ring. Her birthdate is
October 31st. What’s a cheaper alternative for opal?
Jami via email

What a thoughtful gift for your sister on her birthday! As you know, Opal is birthsone for October. Its inner fire is unique among gemstones. A wonderful and budget friendly alternative to opal is this stunning 7 1/2 carat white moonstone and tanzanite sterling silver ring. Right now, this ring is on sale for just $30! The moonstone gets its name from the milky inner gleam that suggests moonlight. It’s not the sparkle of opal but it’s very beautiful nevertheless.

Before you buy though, check out this exceptional 2/3 carat opal and tanzanite ring in 10K yellow gold for just $110. A fiery opal is the centerpiece of this beautiful ring. It’s circled by a halo of clear lilac-blue tanzanites. It’s a stunning and feminine combination any sister or mother would love!

The glorious birthstone of November is the Citrine. This beautiful and bright stone is named for the French for lemon, “citron,” Citrine is one of the most durable gemstones, and includes yellow-orange shades of transparent quartz which add flair to any outfit. Interesting tidbit: Citrine was prized in antiquity for protection against snake venom!
Citrine is the perfect stone for your fall wardrobe. Celebrate your birth month or that of a loved one with this respledent citrine and diamond pendant. Wear it with these enchanting citrine and diamond earrings for a full look that is mesmerizing in color and taste.

I wear a plain white gold band and don’t know what side the anniversary band traditionally goes on. Can you help?
Sara, via email
Dear Sara,
First of all, congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to wear an anniversary band. It’s traditionally worn along with one’s wedding and engagement rings on the left hand, but plenty of women choose to wear it on the right to create a more balanced look. Like so many things, it’s a question of taste.

The great thing about anniversary bands is that they can be given for any year. The traditional style is a row of diamonds across the top, as seen in this exquisite princess cut anniversary band. Reminiscent of the engagement ring, diamonds are the most popular gem, but another option is to go with the birthstone of the anniversary month for some elegant variety.
The anniversary band is not to be confused with the eternity ring, which is traditionally given at a later anniversary or to mark a special romantic occasion. With stones encircling the entire finger, eternity rings are precious in both their value and sentiment. This diamond and white gold eternity ring is a perfect example of the timeless elegance of these specialized rings. Wear them well.

Bob Wehle, a recent visitor to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas was able to take home the ultimate souvenir: a 5.47 carat canary diamond! According to the report, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only publicly operated diamond site where visitors can search and keep any gems they find.

Wehle’s 5.47-carat diamond is bright yellow and has no visible flaws, said Tom Stolarz, park superintendent. It is the second-largest gem unearthed this year at the park.

“At first glance, it makes you think of lemon drop candy,” Stolarz said.

The largest diamond this year was found by a Texas couple. Donald and Brenda Roden of Point, Texas, found a 6.35-carat brown diamond in September.

Bill Henderson, assistant park superintendent, said park officials don’t estimate values of the stones found by visitors. But he said Wehle’s gem was identical in quality to — but larger than — a 4.21-carat flawless canary diamond found in the park in March that was valued by a New York diamond expert at $15,000 to $60,000.

The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States was unearthed in Arkansas in 1924. Named the Uncle Sam, the white diamond weighed 40.23 carats.

You can get your own canary diamond without getting dirty! This expertly crafted and super stylish 2 carat yellow and white diamond 14K white gold circle pendant is a fabulous find! As you know, the circle pendant is all the rage but it’s also a piece that has enduring style. At $1,795, this pendant with 42 sprakling diamonds is an investment piece that you’ll love for years to come.

I love to answer questions from readers! If you have a question about jewelry – styles, trends, or care – send me an email and I’ll try to post a response here as quickly as I can. There is a link to my email on the top left portion of the homepage. Also feel free to leave a comment!

Zev writes:
Dear Leslie,
What is the proper way to wear a heart shaped diamond solitaire? Point towardthe nails or the hand?
Zev

While I don’t feel that there is any right or wrong way to wear jewelry, there are definitely traditions when it comes to certain types of jewelry. I searched my etiquette books and resources for guidelines about wearing heart shaped diamonds and gems but didn’t find anything specific. However, one style of ring that is very popular is the Irish claddagh ring. This ring with two hands holding a heart is a symbol of friendship or love. If this ring is worn as just a fashion statement, then it is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards (pointing toward your fingertip). If it represents strong friendship or love, it is worn on the right hand but with the hear turned inward (pointing toward the hand). Basically, you just turn the ring around. This ring can also be used as a wedding ring in which case it’s worn on the left hand with the heart facing inwards.

This tradition might be a good rule of thumb when wearing heart rings. However, a diamond solitaire is rarely a “friendship” gift! Check out this recent post featuring some other interesting heart ring styles.

This stunning 5/8 carat ioliteand diamond heart ring in 14K yellow gold is just an amazing example of heart ring design. The colorful deep blue iolite twinkles in a bed of sparkling diamonds. The setting is fabulous too with curves and folds to catch the light. This ring is available at the amazing price of just $115 which makes it a perfect gift for a serious friendship or a symbol of deepening affection.

My post the other day about rubies got me thinking about the beautiful shades of red gems. Rubies tend to be expensive due to their rarity but garnets are a budget-friendly way of adding regal red hues into your wardrobe.

With the winter holidays approaching this is the time to get some Christmas red color into your jewelry box. This garnet and diamond pendant in 14K yellow gold features a fashionable crisscross design. The large oval garnet makes a beautiful centerpiece in this pendant. You find so many opportunities to wear this necklace during the holiday season. From Christmas to Valentine’s this necklace will keep you sparkling in style.

Dear Leslie,
My wife has a birthday soon and I’d like to get her a piece of jewelry. I was thinkng about a bracelet. Do you have any suggestions?
Mark in LA

Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. When you give an especially meaningful gift, you’d like for it to be very versatile. That way the recipient can wear the piece often and with any outfit. This elegant multi-gemstone bracelet in 14K yellow gold is a perfect piece. At just $250, it’s priced right for birthday giving. The rainbow of gems allows the wearer to match it with any ensemble.

Dear Leslie,
My parents’ 40th anniversary is coming up. What material are you supposed to give for the 40th? Any ideas?
Melissa in Cleveland

You’re in luck–rubies are the traditional gift for the 40th anniversary, which means you have the opportunity to give them some wonderful gifts. Why not try matching rings? For your father, check out this ruby, diamond and black enamel mens 14K gold ring. It’s a beautiful and very masculine piece that he’s sure to cherish.
For your mother, you can match his ring with a more feminine approach with this 5/8 carat ruby and diamond 14K gold ring. This ring is a gorgeous and whimsical piece that will complement his nicely. Congratulations and here’s hoping they have a wonderful Ruby anniversary together!

Dear Leslie,
I’m clueless as to what to give my niece as a Sweet 16 gift. My sister highly recommended jewelry, and I’m having a hard time figuring out what is appropriate for a sixteen-year-old. I also have younger nieces ages 13 and 9, and want to give them something too. What would be good for these ages?
Ron in Takoma Park, MD

Defining the line between what is “adult” and what is appropriate for younger girls is always a tricky jewelry question. Sometimes it boils down to taste, but more often you can find some great pieces with a more youthful look that will be worn and appreciated.

For the young woman celebrating her Sweet 16, you want to find something that is elegant yet modern, and that really stands out. Consider this stunning diamond white gold heart pendant w/chain . For her first diamond, it’s attractively priced at $150. It’s also unusual and whimsical, a piece no one will ever forget.

Thirteen is a great age for your niece to receive her first set of pearls. This three-piece cultured freshwater pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set provides the perfect combination of youthful beauty and classic adult elegance. This is the kind of thing your niece will treasure at this age and will wear forever.

For the little one, I’d say stay away from earrings–they tend to get lost easily, and she may not have her ears pierced yet. Bracelets also aren’t recommended, as it’s hard to know upon ordering whether or not they’ll fit, and they can also be lost very easily. My recommendation is to go with a pretty pendant, such as this gorgeous sterling silver heart enamel diamond pendant w/chain . It’s young, but sophisticated enough for her to wear into her teens. Plus, I know from past experience that little girls love lockets.

Dear Leslie,
Thanks for your great posts on diamond care. I’m wondering about the best ways to care for other types of jewelry, notably sterling silver and cultured pearls. Any ideas?
Rena in Ohio

Great question. Proper jewelry care is crucial to maintaining your pieces’ shine and beauty. Let’s start with the sterling.

Sterling silver should always be stored in a cool, dry, and semi-dark place. Excessive exposure to air and light can lead to tarnishing. Silver should be cleaned with a light soap and water solution, and patted dry with a soft polishing cloth or felt cloth. Never use disposable products such as kleenex or paper towels to clean silver–the fibers in these products often leave scratches. For more serious stains, as your jeweler to recommend a good silver cleanser.

IMPORTANT: Never wear your silver in chlorinated water or when using household chemicals.

As for pearls, remember to always treat your pearls like the precious jewels they are. Cultured pearls are precious jewels and should be treated as such. They’re also the products of living creatures. Cultured pearls are created when a mollusk secretes a substance called nacre, which gives pearls their luster but also makes them very delicate.
Put on all of your makeup and other beauty products before putting on your pearls. Upon removal, wipe them carefully with a soft cloth to remove the product. As with silver, it’s okay to clean cultured pearls with light soap and water–but never use a chemical solvent on them. Also, be sure to store pearls on their own, wrapped in tissue, and never with other jewelry, which could scratch or damage them.

It’s also a good idea to have your pearls restrung every year or so, as wear and skin oils can weaken the delicate threads on which they’re strung. To prevent loss of pearls due to breakage, always have them strung with a knot between each pearl.

Hope this helps. Just taking the extra minute or two to care for your silver and pearls after wear can make a world of difference in their beauty, shine, and longevity. Good luck!

Dear Leslie,
My boyfriend and I have been looking at many engagement rings. After seeing so many designs, my head is spinning. If you had to pick, what would your dream engagement ring be?
Nicole in Richmond

If money were no object (I wish!) then this incredible 1 1/6 carat diamond ring would be my dream engagement ring. First of all, the center stone is huge but not tacky. The baguettes on the side balance the weighty center stone elegantly. Take a good look at this setting too. It’s a lot of luxurious platinum. There is elegant filigree design work on the setting that adds feminine touches to this stunning ring. At $3,9995, this ring is an investment piece. Many people suggest using two months salary as a guide with buying a wedding ring. That means, whatever you earn in two months is what you should spend on a wedding ring. This is very flexible of course, but is a good guide for how much to spend.

Fall can be a beautiful time to fall in love. I think of that scene in When Harry Met Sally where they’re walking through New York surrounded by beautiful fall leaves. The coziness of a crisp fall evening all sunggled up next to a fire can be very romantic! You can get a bit of the love in the air with this glorious garnet heart and diamond ring in 14K yellow gold. The rich yellow gold echoes the colors of the season while the garnet flashes just like leaves on a sugar maple. This unique ring has a dazzling design that truly stands out.

Sweet and tender moments come to mind when I see this beautiful crafted diamond and 14K white gold heart ring. If you like modern design but are still a romantic at heart, this is the ring for you. The 14K white gold adds cool sophistication to any look while the hearts sweeten the overall design. It’s a great signature piece for just $125!

Libra is associated justice and the symbol for this zodiac sign is a set of scales. People born under Libra are thought to have a fair, pleasant, charming, and diplomatic character. A perfect way to show your Libra pride is with this beautiful 14K white gold diamond pendant. Covered with dazzling diamonds, this zodiac glyph is a great gift for the Libra in your life!

If you’re a Libra, you’re in good company! Toni Braxton, Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon, Virgil, Oscar Wilde and Matt Damon are all Libras too! Another way to express your astrological association is with this cute 14K white gold libra pendant. The polished white gold in this pendant is accented with a sparkling diamond. It’s a wonderful every day look!

Dear Leslie,
I’m having trouble finding a new watch that is decorative and affordable at the same time. Anything in my price range is either cheap-looking or tacky. I really need your help!
Christina in San Francisco

Finding the right watch can be quite the challenge, especially if you’re looking for something that will go with just about any outfit and will also double as a nice piece of jewelry. You literally have to find the perfect piece for you, as you’ll be wearing it on a daily basis. I understand that it can be difficult in a limited price range, but there are some great options open to you.

At just $35, this ladies Timex expansion band watch is a beautiful, classic, and inexpensive choice that will go with just about any ensemble you wear. It’s a traditional option that will serve you well.

This ladies Timex fashion bracelet watch is another great choice that will provide a beautiful accent to just about any accent. It’s also affordable at just $49.95.

I myself own one of these pieces, and I can tell you from experience that it’s not only a great watch but a gorgeous bracelet as well. I love wearing this watch and highly recommend it.

If you’re willing to stretch your budget just a bit, consider this enchanting Julie Leah sterling silver white leather watch with Swarovski crystal. It’s a great piece that really makes a statement and will go with just about anything. Remember, you’ll be wearing this piece quite frequently, you may want to think of your watch purchase as an investment. And at just $75, it’s a great one.

Opal is the birthstone for October. Beautiful gemstones that shine with a rainbow of inner colors, an opal can have a light or dark “body” color and it can be transparent or translucent. Even though it is the birthstone of October, it is very popular with people born in other months of the year as well.

Black opals are the most expensive because of their rarity. Their body color can range from black to dark gray with fiery flashes of color. Another option is the precious fire opal. These stones have a base color that ranges from yellow to orange, making for stunning jewelry.

Opals require some special care. Do not use harsh cleaners on your opal jewelry and do not clean them with ultrasonic cleaners. For this reason, also take care when you’re housecleaning so as not to get chemicals on your opals. Never rub oil on an opal. Even though it seems to make the fire brighter, it could damage the stone. Some jewelers suggest that you periodically soak opals in water to help them reabsorb moisture.

In folklore, the opal is thought to relieve depression and to help the wearer find true love! Opals are said to enhance the positive attributes of people born under the zodiac sign Cancer. People born under Scorpio are thought to have positive associations with black opal.

A perfect gift for an October birthday are these lovely and classic 7/8 carat opal and diamond earrings in 14K yellow gold. The fiery sparkle of opals is accented with eight elegant diamonds. These earrings are suitable for work, religious events, or every day wear.

Modern and sophisticated, these earrings put a little zip into the classic opal earring design. These 3/4 carat opal earrings in 14K yellow gold settings provide a gorgeous every day look that transitions well to evening. Priced at just $75, they are a budget friendly way to add the unique sparkle of opals to any outfit!