Throughout history women have had a love affair with gold. From ancient Egyptians to modern New Yorkers the lure of gold jewelry is still going strong. The basic designs have changed to follow current styles, making it possible to trace history through the designs on jewelry.

Rosa’s Cluster Style Pink CZ Gold Plated Ring

Gold is one of the softer metals and can be easily worked even with the crudest tools. It can be fashioned into jewelry, ornaments, and even dishes. When properly polished gold holds a luster that is very pleasing to the eye, which is one of the reasons it has always been so highly prized. But when gold is worn close to the skin or with other metals it can lose some of its shine.

Basic Home Care Instructions

Gold jewelry worn on an everyday basis can become dull and dingy. Because of the malleability of gold, it is often mixed with other stronger metals to ensure that it will hold its shape better and longer. It is these other alloys in the mixture that are actually changing color. This slight change in color or dullness can be easily fixed with a few common household items.

To get started all that is needed to clean gold jewelry is a mild detergent and a soft brush, an old toothbrush works great for this process. Dip the brush in the detergent and gently scrub the item, paying attention to the small cracks and crevices. Rinse the item thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. The cloth should be a professionally recommended polishing cloth to ensure the jewelry isn’t scratched during the polishing phase. This will take away the dirt and grime that can build up from normal use.

Geena’s 20 Inch Double Gold Link Layered Necklace

If the jewelry has heavy caked on dirt it might be necessary to make a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water, and then soak the piece for 1 to 2 minutes. This should loosen the grime and make it easier to brush away. After brushing and rinsing, it is a good idea to use a soft cloth to polish a shine onto the jewelry.

Things to Avoid

There are some things that can be avoided to ensure many years of enjoyment from your gold jewelry. For example, avoid interaction with chemicals. Some everyday chemical combinations can be harsh on gold. Cleaning products can affect the surface of the gold jewelry robbing it of its natural sheen. Even products that are used on the skin such as lotions, bleaches, or hair dyes can be harmful.

Ivey’s Gold Faux Pearl & CZ Cluster Ring

Wearing jewelry made other metals should also be avoided. Gold is a softer metal and can be damaged when worn in conjunction with a harder metal, such as silver. The friction can scratch or elevate the wear of the piece reducing its life.

Also be aware of where you remove your jewelry, setting on the edge of the sink can sometimes end in tragedy when your ring rolls down the drain. Following these simple tips can help in extending the life and enjoyment of your gold jewelry.

Zamira’s 18″ Faux Gold Metal Necklace Set

Source: EZ

Jewelry and accessories can transform any basic outfit and add a personalized touch to your ensemble. Earrings can help draw attention to your best features, so it’s important to select a pair of earrings that will balance out your face shape and complement your style and personal tastes.
Whether you want to elongate your face or draw attention to your eyes, here’s how to select the earrings that will accentuate and flatter your face shape:

Best Earrings for the Round Face Shape

Pearl Dangle Earrings - Cultured Fresh Water White Pearl Diamond Pearl Dangling Silver Earrings

Oval, square and long dangling earrings are the best match for the classic round face shape, since these draw attention to the cheekbones and jawline and can balance out a wider forehead. Round face shapes should avoid hoops of all sizes, since these can make the face look heavier and less sculpted.

Earrings for the Heart-Shaped Face

Diamond Hoops - 14KT White Gold Diamond 1.50 CT Hoops 1 inch in diameter

Tear drop earrings that fall just a couple of inches below the ear lobe and medium sized hoops are the best match for heart-shaped faces. Earrings in bold designs and bright colors will draw attention to the cheekbones, and work well with this face shape and an updo hairstyle. Avoid wearing studs or miniature hoops, since these can create a rounder or ‘chubbier’ appearance around the cheeks and jawline.

Best Earrings for the Long-Shaped Face

CZ Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings and small drop earrings are the best picks for those with long faces, since these will draw attention to the cheekbones and can help fill out the face. Avoid long and skinny earrings that fall at the jawline, since these will further elongate the face.

Earrings for the Oval-Shaped Face

Threader Earrings - 14k White Gold Spiral Threader Earrings 2 1/2 inches long

Long, oversized dangling earrings are the best match for the oval face shape, but this ‘ideal’ face shape can get away with almost any type of earring design. Spiraled earrings, medium sized hoops and teardrop earrings are a good match by day, and the longer lengths work well with an updo for a glamorous touch.

Best Earrings for the Square-Shaped Face

Whitney’s Light Blue CZ Briolette Teardrop Earrings

Long tear drop earrings and oversized round hoops are the best match for square shaped face, especially if they fall right near the jawline. Square shaped faces need to be balanced with round, oversized earrings, so you can get away with large hoops or chandelier earrings by day or night.

Earrings for the Diamond Face Shape

14k Gold Cultured Pearl Emerald Flower Stud Earrings

The diamond face shape is already fairly balanced, so you’ll want to wear earrings that are simple and classic in design. Small drop earrings that fall right near the chin line are ideal for evening outfits, and small studs or hoops that fall right under the ear lobe are the best match for the day.

Source: AC