Casio Watches

Everyone Wants Big Diamonds
As a status symbol big diamonds have no equal. It shows that you have the ability to spend an extravagant amount of money on jewelry. When not being displayed these beautiful gems are hidden away in secure locations and rarely see the light of day. When was the last time you have seen the Esther Williams famous Champagne diamond ring or the Taylor Burton pear shaped diamond?



Finding a good jeweler is the first step you need to take when purchasing any jewelry item. It is also necessary to do some research on the grading system of diamonds. Many good article are available on the internet to assist you in understanding the 4 C's of diamond grading. After you have learned the fundamentals your jeweler can clarify your understanding.



The American Gem Society (AGS), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the three most widely known and respected diamond grading laboratories in the world and each of them has developed a very similar nomenclature for identifying the 4 C's of diamonds. The 4 C's stand for Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut and I like to add shape to the 4 C's list.



The first of the 4 C's is the Carat. A carat is 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams and is always referenced within 2 decimal points. For example the the Golden Jubilee is considered the largest faceted diamond in the world and weighs in at 545.67 carts. The Taylor-Burton diamond is 69.42 carats. This is a highly accurate grading scale used to determine the weight or size of a diamond but it does not apply a value to the diamond.



The next thing you need to look at when purchasing a diamond is the color of the diamond. A white diamond is not white but clear in color. Different colors in diamonds are produced because of impurities trapped in the diamond during the formation process. Since nature rarely create anything pure many diamond will have show some color to the naked eye. Color range from totally colorless (D) to a pale color (Z). Diamonds of a higher grade than (Z) fall into the fancy color diamond range. A diamond with a color range greater that (K) usually have a descriptive phrase such as grade (M) Faint Brown.



White diamonds are usually more expensive because of their rarity, D through F, but some diamonds in the fancy color range can command a very high per-caret price. Pink diamonds have sold for up to $1,000,000 a carat. The largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond is the The Steinmetz Pink Diamond and is 59.60 carats in weight.



Clarity Grading is the third factor in determining the quality of a diamond. This grading requires education and years of practice for a gemologists to master. The number and nature of the defects in a diamond is taken into account when applying the clarity grading code. Basically the diamond is looked at with the naked eye and under a 10X magnification lens.



Internally Flawless (I.F) when it presents no internal defects under 10x magnification.



Very slightly included (V.V.S.1 to V.V.S.2) when it presents defects that are very difficult to locate under 10x magnification.



Slightly Included (S.I.1 to S.I.2) when it presents defects that are easy to locate under 10x magnification.



Imperfect (P.1 to I.1) when it presents defects that are hard to locate with the naked eye.



Imperfect (P.2 to I.2) when it presents defects that are easy to locate with the naked eye.



Imperfect (P.3 to I.3) when it presents defects that are very easy to locate with the naked eye.



Next is the cut of the diamond and the cut has nothing to do with the shape of the diamond. The proportions and symmetry of the diamond cut determines the light dispersion, brilliance or life of the diamond. If the diamond's reflective qualities are below standard then the appearance of the diamond will be adversely affected. Many of the diamond cut over a couple hundred years ago were cut to maximize the carat weight with little regard to the diamond's reflective qualities. Many of the older stones have been recut to increase its brilliance. A good cut give the diamond it brilliance or the ability to handle light in a pleasing fashion. The brightness will seem to come from the very heart of a diamond.



In 2001 the EightStar company of California wanted to prove that optical perfection of the round brilliant diamonds could be obtained by using an exclusive light-tracking instrument called a FireScope which allows a diamond cutter to align facets so precisely that the flow of light into and out of a diamonds can be completely controlled. The American Star as slowly cut from 14.89 to 13.42 carats over a six-week period. Cutting the diamond for maximum light output and not size increased the beauty of the American Star and many of the older diamonds have gone through a recut.



There are several standard categories for the shape of the diamond but there are many variations on each standard categories. Basic categories include Round, Emerald, Pear, Heart, Marquise, Oval, and Princess cuts.



The Round cut is the standard for the diamond shape and is used in most engagement rings.



The Emerald cut is rectangular or square step cut with diagonally cut corners and usually has 2 to 4 rows of parallel facets to the center of the stone. A very popular style of cut used for Emeralds hence the name.



Pear or teardrop in shape and may or may not have a large flat surface in the center of the stone and is usually cut to have about 56 to 58 facets.



Heart shaped cut is heart in shape and if a shield shaped cutlet is present (flat center) then it will usually have 32 crown facets. If no culet is present then 24 pavilion facets is the norm.



The Marquise shape is oval in shape with curving sides and pointed ends and was developed in France in the mid 1700s. It is believed to have been named after the Marquise de Pompador, who was a mistress of King Louis XV.



Oval in shape and covered with triangular facets.



The Princess shape is a very popular square or modified rectangular shape. There are many variations of crown and pavilion facets cuts on the market.



The final shape of the raw diamond us usually determined by the imperfections found in the diamond. Many imperfectsions can be remove or hidden by and experienced jeweler in mounting the diamond in the final jewelry piece and by the proper cut of the diamond.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit http://www.diamonds-team.com

Do You Know Limoges, of Limoges Porcelain Fame?
History of Limoges Limoges is a city and commune in France. St Martial, who came to the city around 250, evangelized the city. The Abbey of St Martial was constructed in the 9th century, and was the home of a large library. The presence of this library led to Limoges becoming a flourishing artistic center during the middle ages. Limoges was also the home of an important school of music composition, the St Martial School. During the 13th century, Limoges was at its full splendor, with a new line of walls encompassing Vienne river guarding the town proper, a populated area outside the walls, and a castle with 12-meter high walls controlled by the Abbot (while the town was ruled by Bishops). During the 14th century, Edward, the Black Prince, who reportedly massacred some 3000 residents, occupied Limoges. During the French Revolution, the population destroyed several religious edifices, including the Abbey of St. Martial. Industries Develop In the 18th century, kaolin was discovered near Limoges. Kaolin is a rock rich in fine white clay that is used for making porcelain. At that time, Limoges was an impoverished region. The administrator of the region at that time was the progressive economist Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, who decided to develop a new industry, ceramics, using the kaolinite available locally. Turgot established a manufactory for hard-paste porcelain, similar to Chinese porcelain, in 1771. A number of private manufactories were added after the French Revolution. These days, the term Limoges porcelain refers to porcelain produced in Limoges rather than in any particular factory. The industry prospered in 19th century and most of the population was employed in the porcelain industry, or incidental activities like procuring wood needed for cooking porcelain. Not only did the industry prosper, but Limoges porcelain also became world famous in the 19th century. Limoges was also renowned for Limges enamel, medieval enamels on copper, and Limousin oak, oak barrels used in the production of Cognac. An Curious Reconstruction The 19th century also saw strong construction activity in Limoges. It was more of a destruction-and-rebuilding exercise of much of the city center, considered unhealthy. Local chicken-eating contests, and a reputation as a nest of prostitution, led to this alleged bad health of the city center. Things to See at Limoges The Crypt of St Martial and the remains of a Gallo-Roman amphitheater were discovered in the 1960s. There is the Gothic cathedral of St Etienne (started in 1273 and finished in 1888) that is notable for a fine rood loft and a partly octagonal bell-tower. There are also other churches from the middle ages. Then there are the Bridges of St Martial dating from Roman times. The main railway station of Limoges is a modern structure, Limoges-Bénédictins, constructed over ten railway lines instead of to their side.

About Author : <br> Mira Lash deals with <a href="http://www.limogesboutique.com">Limoges Boxes</a>, <a href="http://www.limogesdirect.net">Limoges Porcelain Boxes</a>, <a href="http://www.e-limoges.net">porcelain figurines</a> Imported from France.

Selecting Your Wedding Photographer
Wedding photography is one of the most demanding areas of professional photography, we recommend you thoroughly investigate the photographers style, their personality and their packages before you trust your wedding day to anyone. Never, ever get a friend to do them. Ensure you meet your wedding photographer before making your final decision, as you don't want to get to your big day and be worrying about a personality clash between your wedding party and your wedding photographer. Every wedding photographer has a unique style, and you should also closely examine different styles and decide on photography styles you like and ones you don't. The best place to start is the internet. Take a look at their web site and make a short list of no more than 5 to consider. The photos on their web site should be their best work, so if you are not impressed, move on. Are they up front about their prices? Is the site more flash than substance? A web site speak volumes about the business. A good photographer should cost at least $1500 and up to $5000. Outside this range you are probably getting either a beginner or someone who has too much tied up in their studio decor and needs you to help pay for it. Some good questions to ask your photographer are: Are we looking at photos that you personally took How many weddings have you photographed Do we get to keep the hi-resolution images on CD Wedding Planning: The excitement of getting engaged is often replaced by panic and confusion when the time comes to actually plan and co-ordinate the wedding. There is so much to do. Decide up front whether you have time to do it yourself or whether you should seek help from a professional wedding coordinator. Many reception venues will also help you a lot with arranging many other parts of your wedding. The cost of a professional coordinator is not expensive compared to your overall wedding costs and in many ways they can save you money because they know who are the best suppliers around. If you do decide to do it yourself, then make yourself a list of everything you need to do and when to do it. You are welcome to download the free wedding planner from www.poshphotos.com.au . Getting the best wedding shot: Wedding photography is not like other photography. The subject is almost always moving, there are other people buzzing in and around your subject and a very important event is unfolding as you work. Its a mix of portrait, journalistic and action photography, with a generous amount of people management thrown in. How then does Posh Photography get the best wedding shot time after time? I guess experience is a key factor. We can anticipate what is going to happen next. When its a candid photo we usually saw something special about to happen and captured the image at the right time. When its a set up photo, we know where to have people stand for the best light and how to make them feel relaxed. If you are not relaxed, it shows in the photo. When you have a really good photographer directing the day, the photos always look natural and fun. Good equipment is important, but to be honest its better to have an average camera that you know well then the biggest and best that you haven't figured out. Understanding light and how a camera reacts to light is very important. A camera is much less sophisticated than the human eye so what might look great to people, can turn out bad when photographed. Dealing with harsh sun, random shadows, low light and human emotions all require real skill.

We are providing all types of Wedding Photography Author can be reached at :http://www.poshphotos.com.au

Men's Watches - Watches - uBid.com Online Auctions
Buy discounted mens luxury, sport, and designer wrist watches. Cheap prices on mens watches. ... Images: Lot# Description: Qty: Current Bid: Bids: Closes: 802331682: Louis Bolle ...

So - What On Earth Is Marcasite?
What is Marcasite? Marcasite is a natural mineral that is called iron sulfide and is often mined in South America although it is found naturally all around the world and marcasite is related to iron pyrite which is also called Fools Gold due to its likeness to gold but relative low value miners would mistake iron pyrite for gold when staking a claim and only realising their mistake later. The color of marcasite ranges from dark grey to black often with sparks of yellow or gold throughout the stone. As with all natural stones, the color can change slightly. Marcasite was considered to reduce damaging energy and enhance communication. Marcasite Becoming Fashionable Marcasite jewelry became fashionable in the Victorian era its black color was popular at the time especially at the end of the Queens reign when sombre clothing and adornment were the fashion. Cameo pendants and brooches/pins were especially popular and there are many examples of the dark marcasite contrasting with ivory. Marcasite Today Current marcasite jewelry is now fashionable due to its links with the past. A whole niche has been created for what is often called vintage style where traditional materials are used to make new, fashionable pieces and are regularly seen being worn my a selection of celebrities who like the style. Caring For and Cleaning Marcasite Quite often, marcasite is secured in its setting with jewelers cement and because of this, it may require special cleaning. Do Wipe gently with a soft and clean damp cloth. Dry with a clean, soft and absorbent cloth. Use a towel to ensure that the piece is fully dry. Dont Use a steamer, hot water or sonic cleaner Expose to chemicals or cleaning agents Expose to extreme heat Soak in liquids As with all jewelry, a bit of tending and patience gives its own reward with longer lasting pieces.

Martin Mallett is webmaster and co-owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.miltongems.co.uk/">Milton Gems Jewellery</a> which is a UK online store supplying silver jewellery gifts.

Emeralds; Captivating Gemstones of Great Value
Emeralds are amazing gemstones. The intense green color they possess can be compared to none. Human beings have been captivated by emeralds since Egyptian times. It is even said the some Egyptian mummies were buried with emeralds. The fact is that these gems are fascinating, natural wonders that humans cherish now and will love for a long time to come. Emeralds belong to the gemstone family of beryl. Other well known members of this family are aquamarine, morganite and heliodor. Pure beryl is colorless; in the emerald, the green color occurs when chromium or vanadium are present. Emeralds come in many different green and bluish shades. The gemstones with the most clear surface and most vibrant colors are more valuable because of their beauty and rarity. Some emeralds can be even worth more than diamonds. Many emeralds today are oiled and treated in order to improve clarity. Although these treatments are commonly viewed as an acceptable way to increase the gemstone’s appearance, the buyer should be made aware of the treatment before purchasing the gem. This is something important to remember when looking to buy high quality emeralds. Although fine emeralds can be found today in countries like Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe and India, Colombian emeralds are the most prized due to their transparency and amazing color. A Trapiche emerald is a rare emerald sometimes found in Colombia, which displays six raylike spokes that emanate from its center. These emeralds are extremely valuable and rare. Today, because of the great demand of emeralds in the market, many scammers have come to play a dirty role in the emerald business. Many emeralds are grown in labs and closely resemble the real thing. You could be cheated hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you are not extremely careful when purchasing an emerald. Make sure that you buy the gem from a trusted jeweler, and always ask if the emerald is natural or synthetic. The difference in price can be major. For thousands of years man has loved emeralds. Many have gone to great lengths to find the precious gems and others have even worshiped them. The fact is that the love that man has for the natural beauty and for the cultural meaning of emeralds is not going to go away. Demand for them will keep rising and beautiful fine jewelry will be made with them. Have you had the privilege of owning one of these beautiful gemstones?

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What Are Conflict Diamonds
Because of the successful advertising campaigns in the United States, diamonds symbolize Eternal Love, A Diamond Is Forever, Continuing Affection, A Successful Relationship, Independence, and Wealth. Diamonds also stand for The Africa's Killing Fields, Bloodshed, Anarchy, and Genocide.



Diamonds known as conflict diamonds originate from the war zones of Africa. On December 1, 2000 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution defining the role of conflict diamonds with the intent of cutting off the sources of funding for rebel forces and to help shorten the wars and prevent their recurrence.



Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.



Among the countries most affected by the terror inflicted by traders in conflict diamonds are Liberia, Sierra Leone and also Angola. Prominent among the military groups involved in such trade are the UNITA in Angola, Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone and even the government of Liberia that funds rebel activities in Sierra Leone without paying any heed to the international condemnation such activities are eliciting.



It has been estimated that in 1990 as much as 15 percent of the total production of diamonds were conflict diamonds. In 2004 it was reported that this percentage had fallen to approximately 1 percent. The first step in stopping the trade in conflict diamonds was to stop purchasing raw diamonds from those countries that are involved in selling such diamonds and thus choking the funding channels for arms and ammunition.



To get around the United Nations General Assembly resolution, these diamonds were sold through contacts in neighboring countries and after the stones are polished, ascertaining their origins becomes next to impossible.



The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).



In May of 2000, the diamond producing countries of South Africa first met in Kimberley to develop a plan that could halt the trade of conflict diamonds by establishing a way that diamond origin could be certified. During the next several years the World Diamond Congress, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, World Diamond Council and other originations became involved with trying to halt the flow of conflict diamonds. After 2 years of negotiation between Governments, Diamond Producers and Non-Government organizations the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was created.



The benefits to countries that put an end to trading in conflict diamonds is immense and it could mean better economic development and prosperity. With the institution of curbs in conflict diamonds such as the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, there has been a dramatic improvement noticeable in its trade.



Resourceful and unscrupulous groups still manage to elude the legal barriers and still find ways of infiltrating the diamond centers of the world. It may not be feasible to stop the trading in conflict diamonds by 100 percent but with marked drop reported in 2004, there is hope for the world that the strife and genocide taking place in Africa will soon come to an end.



Please do not support the war effort. Insist on a certification before purchasing a diamond. It will tell you the stone's carat weight, its color and clarity, flaws, and its origins.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit http://www.diamonds-team.com

Benchmark Wedding Rings - Beyond Ordinary Gold Band Rings
Are you preparing to be married? If you are, then certainly you have given thought to the symbol of your marriage-the wedding band ring. Beyond the tradition and lore of the wedding ring from centuries past, it is your personal definition of what your wedding ring should be, in design, style and features that is most important. A wedding band ring with its circular form exemplifies eternity, this is the ideal of marriage, two people commit to living their entire lives together. Therefore, while a wedding ring can be a simple band of gold, the quality of that gold should reflect a timelessness that speaks to your devotion to one another. You can enhance your wedding band ring as a symbol of your fidelity by having your names and marriage date engraved inside. In fact, while there are traditions that view the giving of the wedding ring as the last in a series of gifts, today this custom is evolving into new ways to express the continuance of commitment in marriage with the "eternity" ring, to symbolize the happiness of a lasting marriage. In addition to this ring, there is now the "trilogy" ring, set with three brilliant cut round diamonds to represent the past, present and future of a relationship. A wedding band ring is not just another piece of jewelry. Once it is placed on your finger, it will be worn more consistently than any other jewelry item you may acquire. Hence, the quality of the material is of utmost importance. Should you purchase a wedding ring based solely on the fact that it is being sold for a low price, you may find that over time, your wedding ring begins to lose its luster. However a quality wedding band does not have to be prohibitively expensive, the Benchmark jewelers have a splendid array of wedding band rings in gold, platinum as well as rings made by combining two rings with both of these precious metals. The tradition of the gold wedding band ring stems from ancient times as gold has always been considered the most beautiful and most valuable metal, partly because of its link to the human heart which has a high concentration of gold. Gold has an intrinsic beauty, the warmth of its color continually reminds us of the center of our solar system, and in essence, when a gold wedding band ring encircles your finger in marriage, you become the center of another persons' universe. Benchmark jewelers have designed an extraordinary selection of 14 karat gold wedding band rings of outstanding quality that truly reflect the deepest inner emotions that create a lasting marriage. But, perhaps you prefer a wedding band ring with diamonds? If so, with the hundreds of styles and designs available for you to choose from, it is very easy to become overwhelmed, but the jewelers at Benchmark have made it simple: they provide you with only the best. No doubt you have heard this phrase before, so how can you be sure that the gold wedding bands at Benchmark are indeed the best? Because they are one the only handful jewelers in the world that uses precision setting for their jewelry with diamond settings. Precision setting reveals a higher percentage of the stone to the eye, while providing a more secure setting for the stone. There are many details involved in creating a lasting marriage filled with happiness, as you select your Benchmark wedding ring bands, you can be confident in its quality craftsmanship and design that it will continue to be as beautiful in the years to come as it was on your wedding day.

Suneva is a part-time copywriter for Titanium Kay featuring <a href="http://www.titaniumkay.com/Benchmark-100420.html">Benchmark wedding band rings</a>.

The Understated Beauty of Pearls
My love affair with pearls began many years ago when my husband bought a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings for our fifth wedding anniversary. I had never worn pearls and never thought I would enjoy owning any. My opinion of pearls at the time was that they were a step down from the diamonds and gold that most of us are accustomed to, and I likened them to gaudy costume jewelry baubles or southwestern turquoise jewelry that I still wouldn’t be caught dead in.

That all changed with my first pearls, and ever since, I’ve been a pearl devotee. At that time, I had already amassed a fairly nice collection of yellow and white gold jewelry, from rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings. I had diamond earrings and rings, ruby pendants, emerald rings and quite a bit of silver jewelry as well. I remember wearing the pearls on the night they were given, and the next day made a place for them within my jewelry collection. In the back of my mind, I had already designated them for permanent placement and thought they would rarely see the light of day again.

Pearls are beautiful on their own, but when placed next to other types of jewelry, one quickly realizes what makes them so unique. Pearls have an understated beauty that I can only describe as rich and deep. A diamond will reflect light and occasionally, the colors surrounding the room. Gold’s beauty is almost lost once it’s polished, as the inflections of what makes it gold disappear into a shiny haze. Pearls, on the other hand, have beauty from within. There is a depth to the reflection of a pearl, and an iridescence that sets pearls apart from everything else.

Since then, I’ve made it a point to ask for and purchase pearl jewelry, and I find that wearing pearls imparts an intelligence to my wardrobe that simply wasn’t there before. I prefer the understated beauty of pearls to the other options at my disposal. Best of all, pearls can go with almost anything, and when I’m getting dressed, they almost always do.

To purchase Pearl Pendant http://www.purepearls.com/pure-pearls-pendants.htm or Pearl rings http://www.purepearls.com/pure-pearls-tahitian-pearls.htm visit our jewelry store http://www.purepearls.com for other pearls.

Jewelry Cleaner Mishaps
How Not to Clean your Jewelry

I can still remember sitting in a chemistry class, so bored that I was supporting my increasingly heavy head on the heel of my left hand, when I got a whiff of the most disgusting odour. I looked at the classmate to my left, from where the smell seemed to be emanating. He was an immaculately turned out pupil who smelled more of soap than, well, soap did. The culprit lay closer to home. I gazed down at my wrist. A quick sniff of my watch strap, and I nearly gagged. A few weeks of washing-up at home without bothering to take my watch off had taken its toll. My watch-strap, and particularly the thin rungs that connected the strap to the watch, reeked of rotting detergent and semi-dissolved food particles. It was as though the dog had thown up on my wrist. I was in need of a strong chemical to neutralize the smell. I was in need of a jewelry cleaner.

Professionals can clean any item of jewelry. It can be a tricky task to find the right cleaning tool/chemical combo to get the job done, but an indepth knowledge of gems, metals and stones enables the professional to come up with the right solution every time. However, for a gangly, acne-ridden 15-year-old school boy, taking a minging watch to the jewelers would have been a devastating experience. I might as well have donned a sack-cloth and walked around ringing a bell and intoning 'Unclean!' to warn my classmates away. I had no choice. I had to do it at home.

You might well come across articles that warn of the 'risks' associated with certain types of jewelry cleaner. By 'risks,' such articles probably mean the risk to the jewelry. Nobody seems to be worried about the risks to the person whose wrist its wrapped around. In fact, the dangers I was about to face were manifold.

The Search for the Perfect Polish

At lunchtime, I gathered together the change to be used in the school canteen for lunch along with a little more I'd saved up from my dinner money that term and hurried into town. Rather than go to the jewelry store in the centre of town where I'd risk drawing attention to myself and my school uniform - wandering around town at lunchtime was strictly forbidden - I went into the hardware store on the outskirts. There, after a quick search amongst the dusty shelves, I found what I was looking for - an industrial strength metal polish. I made it back to school just before the start of the next class. I'd missed lunch, but I didn't care. I had my jewelry cleaner safely ensconced in the depths of my pealing addidas bag.

After school, I went straight out into the garden shed holding my gleaming tin of polish in one hand and my watch at arms length in the other. I waited for my eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness, then I unscrewed the lid. Immediately I was engulfed by a invisible cloud of pungent fumes. This stuff was powerful! I poured a small measure onto a rag and began dabbing at my watch.

Unbeknown to me, my kid brother had followed me to the shed. He had some kind of sixth sense for sniffing out my clandestine operations. Rather than open the door and say, 'Hey, whatya doin'?' he burst in and jumped on my back. In the ensuing struggle I managed to tip the entire contents of the metal polish over our school uniforms. We stopped struggling and looked at each other.

'What is this stuff?' he asked.

'Nothing,' I answered.

So he sucked at a large dollop of polish that had landed on his sleeve. I'm not sure whether he started coughing or throwing up first.

To cut a long story short, we spent an unpleasant evening at the hospital where we had to sit through lectures from every adult who heard our story. My brother was administered with water and a stern warning, while I was largely frozen out. The next day he was fine, but I felt hot and itchy. When I crawled out of bed and looked in the shaving mirror I saw the elephant man staring back at me. Later on, the doctor told me and my frantic mother that I was suffering from nettle rash brought on by an allergic reaction to some toxic substance or other. I was promptly smeared in calamine lotion and confined to bed for three itchy days.

And my watch? Well, it went the way of the empty tin of polish. I imagine it was much cleaner though.

A Safer Approach to Jewelry Cleaning

The most common item of jewelry that most people take in for cleaning is their wedding ring, particularly one with diamonds. A wedding ring suffers the same exposure to the everyday onslaught of food and washing up that my watch had, not to mention the dirt and grease that can accumulate under and around the band itself. Routine cleaning can be carried out with a toothbrush - as long as you don't use it on your teeth afterwards. However, to rid your wedding ring of the long-term build up of tarnish and grease, you need to clean it thoroughly with a jewelry cleaner.

There are several options open to you if you want to clean your jewelry at home:
1. ultrasonic jewelry cleaners
2. ammonia-based scrubs
3. total immersion in a chemical jewelry cleaner.

Of course, it is essential that you choose the jewelry cleaner appropriate to your item of jewelry. If you use ultrasonic cleaners on opals, tanzanite, amber or any other gemstone you risk opening up tiny hairline cracks in the structure of the stones. Another example would be class rings which are often coated with a film to diminish their lustre. The wrong type of jewelry cleaner will strip this coating with ease. You also have to take care with emeralds and pearls. They are soft and permeable and will absorb cleaning fluids which may erode and discolour their surfaces.

I know that after recounting my story, I can't really get away with advising you to use common sense when choosing a jewelry cleaner. However, I learnt my lesson the hard way. It's actually much easier to ask for professional advice before you buy a jewelry cleaner, read the instructions on the tin, or, if it is a particularly valuable piece, hand it over to a professional who will clean your jewelry for you. Oh, and make sure, when you have your jewelry cleaner open and ready to use, that your kid brother is not lurking somewhere behind you.

Eoin Beckett is a freelance writer and editor. He writes both short fiction and non-fiction for both online and print publications. Although he stems from Ireland, he currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark. Find out more about <a href="http://www.jewel-in-the-crown.com/jewelry/jewelry-cleaner-15/">jewelry cleaning</a> and jewelry in general at <a href="http://www.jewel-in-the-crown.com/">The Jewel in the Crown</a>.