Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter
Jewellery creations by Anna Ruth Henriques. - Contributed Photos
For years Anna Ruth Henriques has been a phenomenal multicultural artist. As an expert jewellery designer, she has hit the jackpot, attracting international exposure. Henriques, whose main clients are retail stores in the United States, offers quick tips on the care and storage of gold jewellery.
Consumers should ensure they have no allergies to the jewellery media they choose. Stainless steel and fashion jewellery can be harmful to one's skin and some persons, like Henriques herself, are affected by the nickel alloy in white gold.
She advises persons affected by allergies to stop wearing jewellery altogether.
"There is no sense in affecting your health or using medication just to wear a piece of jewellery," says Henriques.
The only exception, she says, is changing posts on an earring to metals, such as platinum, which have no reactive properties.
Henriques warns against wearing jewellery in the sea, mainly because it is more likely to slip off or become undone in the water.
Sleeping in jewellery is a personal choice, but comfort and fragility of the piece should be the major factors determining that decision.
shouldn't touch
When storing jewellery, especially heirlooms, ensure that pieces not touch each other. Allocating individual space prevents metals and stones from being scratched, easing undue stress when accessorising or getting dressed.
Storing pieces separately prevents tangles when you're dressing quickly.
Henriques says pearls require special care, and should be kept far from perfumes and hard surfaces.
If you've inherited precious jewellery and don't like the design, you can have a jeweller change reset the stones or make other adjustments.
The jeweller also advises persons to appraise and insure their most treasured jewellery.
GOLDEN LINKS
http://jewelry.about.com/od/gemstonecare/Jewelry_Insurance_and_Jewelry_Care.htm
http://www.bernardine.com/jewelry-care.htm
http://www.afterzed.com/afterzedmarket/printezis1/jewelrycare1.html
Email comments and suggestions to anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com or saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.
