Jewellery Odyssey:
Throughout the history of jewellery, earrings have been worn across many ancient civilisations and cultures, by both women and men. Archeologists have discovered that over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Sumerians would often import gold or silver (from modern day Iran and Turkey) along with lapis lazuli (Afghanistan) and carnelian (India), to embellish their intricate jewellery designs. During this era it was fashionable for both men and women to wear earrings.
Located on the Greek Island of Crete, the beautiful, colourful and expressive Aegean culture, thrived during the Bronze Age Greece (c. 3100 BCE - c. 1100 BCE). Minoan women used fashion, hair and jewellery such as hoop earrings, for a decorative and bold statement.
From being commonly worn by Ancient Egyptian children, to the upper classes of the Roman Empire, earrings continued to remain a favourable accessory. During the renaissance epoch, smaller earrings including baroque pearls, were famously seen being worn by both men and women. The ornate, opulent and chandelier design of Girandole earrings, during the Georgian period, were extravagantly heavy. In contrast, single stone solitaire earrings rose to prominence, towards the end of the Victorian era.
Within the last 100 years, the design of earrings have been influenced by art nouveau, art deco, retro, modern and contemporary periods. Culminating in a diverse range of earrings styles with multiple piercing options. It has never been more exciting to curate your earring style!
Gem Lore:
Aquamarine - can be broken down into latin words ‘aqua mare’, which simply translates to ‘sea water’. The gemstones notable blue hue, is frequently compared to the sea, from its name to the assortment of references in ancient literature. In greek mythology, the gemstone is known to be created by Poseidon from seawater or washed ashore from the treasure chests of sirens. The romans believed the gemstone to bestow protection and luck, when travelling at sea and quickly became referred to as the ‘Sailor’s gem’. Today, aquamarine is thought to symbolise serenity and tranquility.
Pearls - the gemstone of the sea, dates back to the 5th Century BC whereby, ancient Romans and Egyptians would use the gemstone for adornment. In Greek mythology, it has been said that pearls were the tears of joy, shed from the Goddess Aphrodite. The gemstone was famously crushed by Cleopatra in a glass of wine, to prove to Marc Antony, that she could serve the most expensive dinner in history. Currently, pearls are thought to symbolise wisdom and serenity.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
White Gold:
White gold is not an element and does not occur naturally in a pure form. Pure yellow gold is mixed with alloys of white metals (such as palladium) to produce, a silver coloured alloy, known as white gold. It is further coated in a precious metal called rhodium (an element that derives from the same metal family as platinum), to increase its lustrous sheen and protect it from tarnishing and scratching.
Over time with exposure to oxygen and moisture, the rhodium coating will naturally wear and you will begin to see the natural yellow colour of gold. Rings will experience this more than other types of jewellery. The general guide for re-applying rhodium coating to your rings is between 1-2 years. However, the rate of wear depends on the pH level of your skin, exposure and contact to chemicals. For professional cleaning and rhodium coating, our workshop will provide the TLC your jewellery needs.
Aquamarine, Beryl:
Hardness: 7.5 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Good
Mild Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (knocks), Heat, Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean with mild soapy water and dry with a soft cloth.
Pearl:
Hardness: 3.5-4 | Toughness: Fair | Stability: Poor
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Cosmetics (hair sprays, lotions, perfumes, make-up), Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Porosity, Jewellery Cleaners (dip, ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean using water and cotton wool, dry with a soft cloth. If strung, lay flat to dry to avoid stretching the thread. Regular, careful cleaning and restringing is advisable. Pearls may be damaged by: household cleaners, mild acids such as the natural acid secretion from the wearers skin, exposure to mild heat will cause dehydration - which will lead to cracking and powdering of the surface. Nacre can be scratched easily, avoid wearing whilst doing any activity which can cause abrasion. Avoid dry/hot storage conditions. Do not soak in jewellery cleaners.
Remember, when dressing or undressing, pearls should be last on and first off.
