How do you keep fragrance from harming your jewelry?
Most of us get dressed in a hurry…whether it’s for work in the morning or for the evening affair that we thought we had set aside time for but, Alas!, we’re still rushing. It is the reality we live with: multi-tasking busy people that we are. Something that many of us do not consider is the best method for applying one’s signature scent while keeping your favorite jewelry in its best condition. Or perhaps you have noticed that your jewelry is looking a little lackluster lately?
Often, we hurriedly apply our signature scent to the pulse points of neck, wrists, ears, and even ankles where the skin is warmest. Incidentally, that is also where we most often adorn ourselves with jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, watches, earrings, and anklets. In the randomness of our routine, we often put the jewelry on first and apply our fragrance around and about. What one may not realize is that, when this is the case, more product settles on the jewelry than is readily discernible.
“It is very apparent when clients bring in their low luster pearls and ask: ‘ what happened?’ ” says Gina Latendresse, President of American Pearl Company, owner of a collection of rare pearls, three of which have been displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, “They have been exposed to lots of product. It’s caked on the pearls! In some instances, we can wipe them down and restore their beauty. But in some cases, the wear is too much for the pearly nacre and it remain dull.”
Pearls are especially delicate because they are organic. Therefore, any contact with chemicals from such toiletries as fragrances, lotions, creams, body oils, hairspray and even makeup and can begin to break down the top layer of the pearl. The same philosophy holds for all jewelry, however, even gemstones set in platinum, gold, or silver. Anne Ferenz, Manager/Buyer of Tiny Jewel Box, voted Top Five Retailer of Designer Jewelry in the US by jewelry designers, says that fragrance, sunscreen and
related products will make all fine jewelry tarnish more quickly and can dim the clarity of the stones. Anne is emphatic: “Put your fragrance on first and make sure it’s completely dry before putting on your jewelry. I always wait at least fifteen minutes!”
Gina follows the same school of thought: “Wear your pearls for any occasion, [but] put them on last– after you have applied all your products. In fact, I avoid applying any lotions and oils around the pearl neckline.”
The same best practices can keep your fun (and often pricey) costume pieces from having the same ill effects. After all, crystal, faux pearls, glass, rhinestones, and wood are also susceptible to the harsh elements of chemicals found in perfumes and fragranced products and can sometimes even more quickly destroy their beauty.
Furthermore, routine maintenance can ensure that all your jewelry remains safely chemical-free. You can clean your gemstone and metal jewelry at home using a toothbrush and detergent- and fragrance-free soap. Avoid commercial cleansers with high levels of ammonia and detergent. For cleaning pearls take a soft, damp cloth and wipe them down thoroughly to remove any harmful elements as frequently as after each wearing. Make sure you do not soak your pearls. Soaking will break down the string and knots and cause the pearl strand to break.
So, it’s ok if you’re in a hurry when you get dressed but rethink your routine. Bottom line: if you never leave the house without you signature scent make sure your jewelry is the last item you put on before exiting the door!
What is a woman without her favorite jewelry and signature scent?
Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-10473-DC-Fragrance-Examiner~y2009m7d19-Fragrance-101-How-do-you-keep-fragrance-from-harming-your-jewelry
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