If you're looking or a piece of jewelry made from a unique natural stone and metal combination, consider treating yourself to a pair of amethyst and sterling silver earrings. The cool-toned duo will complement everything from a simple jeans and t-shirt ensemble to a fancy party dress, making it a versatile addition to your jewelry collection.
A pair of silver and amethyst earrings will also make a thoughtful and beautiful present for any lady on your gift-giving list. You can treat a close friend or loved one to the earrings for almost any special occasion, such as a birthday, holiday, anniversary, bridal shower, or as a "just because" surprise.
A variety of quartz, amethyst features a vibrant purple hue that varies in intensity from dark to light. The stone is thought to have a few spiritual meanings, such as "intuition" and "trust," and due to its rich color, has been associated with royalty. Amethyst is also known to some as a "healing crystal" that encourages inner strength and peace.
Amethyst, which is a semiprecious stone, is durable in that it rates as a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness. Since it's a generally hardy stone, it's easy to clean and maintain, but a few precautions should still be taken. Sterling silver is also known to be long-lasting but can be subject to denting and tarnishing if not properly cared for.
Here are some tips for keeping your amethyst and sterling silver earrings looking their best for years to come.
Daily Basis
As with all high-quality jewelry pieces, it's best to take your amethyst earring off before taking a shower or swimming, as hard water can cause unsightly mineral deposits to form. Other water additives, such as chlorine, can damage the stone and metal.
It's also recommended that you wait to put your earrings on until after you've styled your hair. Styling products such as hairspray and dry shampoo can coat the earrings, making them dull and lusterless. You also risk snagging the earrings on a brush or comb and loosening a setting prong.
Regular Basis
Depending on how often you wear your earrings, try to give them a cleaning every month or two to loosen any dulling debris and build up. Simply soak the earrings in a warm water and mild dish soap mixture, gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with plain water, and pat dry. Store the jewelry pieces in an air-tight location, such as a zip-lock baggie, to prevent the sterling silver from tarnishing.
At least once a year, have the amethyst jewelry professionally cleaning and inspected by a jeweler. They can remove any stubborn build up and fix loose prongs as necessary.
For more information, contact a business such as Jewelry by Juanda.
