Jewelry info & maintenance
All jewelry we make is made of real gemstones and solid 925 sterling silver or 14K gold filled. To keep them beautiful for as long as possible and to enjoy them, they should not be exposed to (sea) water for too long. It is best to take them off when showering or swimming and do not spray perfume on them. Jewelry made of precious metals and stones can best be cleaned with a (silver) polishing cloth or other soft cloth.
What is Gold filled
Our handmade gemstone jewelry is made with 14k gold filled parts and or 925 sterling silver.
Gold filled is a high-quality product and should therefore not be compared to gold plate, doublé, vermiell etc. Gold filled is made up of two or three layers. The base material is copper or jeweler's brass. On top of that a layer of usually 12K or 14K gold.
The advantages of gold filled jewelry components Gold filled chains, bracelets or jewelry components will last (a lifetime) when used correctly, just like pure gold jewelry. Gold filled jewelry components retain their beautiful color. Gold filled jewelry components are of good and affordable quality. Gold filled jewelry components are tolerated by people who are allergic to metals other than gold. Gold filled jewelry components are easy to clean by rubbing them lightly with an untreated cloth or a mild soap solution.
Caring for gemstones
For a gemstone to function optimally, it must be cared for properly. Positive energy that the stone gives off to its environment must be regularly replenished (charging the stone) and negative energy that the stone has absorbed from its environment must be discharged (cleaning the stone). After you have acquired a gemstone, it is wise to thoroughly clean and charge the stone before you use it or carry it with you. (we have already done this for you) Also if the stone seems to become dull or if cracks appear, this is a sign that the stone needs to be cleaned and charged. How often you cleanse and charge the stone depends on the stone and what you use it for. Your own feeling is therefore very important. If you are sensitive to the energy of your stone, let yourself be guided by the stone itself. If you feel that the effect of the stone is decreasing or the stone has absorbed a lot of negative energy, then take care of the stone at that moment. As general guidelines you could keep in mind that if you use a stone for a healing session you cleanse it before and after. If you carry a stone with you for its (healing or therapeutic) effect, it is wise to cleanse and charge it at least once a week, depending on how intensively the energy of the stone is used. If you use a stone as a guide or to meditate with, it is sufficient to cleanse and charge it once a week or once a month.
Cleaning or discharging gemstones
Gemstones absorb negative energy from their environment. The extent to which this happens varies per stone. Some stones, such as tourmaline and amber, absorb a lot of energy and therefore need to be cleaned more often. There are various methods for cleaning stones. Which method is most suitable also varies per stone. Below is an overview of the most commonly used cleaning methods. For all these methods, it is important to convey the intention that you want to thoroughly clean the stone and rid it of all absorbed negative charge.
- Running water
- Earth Hematite
- Sage or other cleansing herbs Frankincense (especially sandalwood)
- Amethyst
- Selenite
The first method for cleaning a stone is to hold it under running water for at least five minutes. This can be done under the tap, but of course also in a stream or in the surf. This is one of the fastest cleaning methods, but not suitable as a thorough cleaning. Some stones are affected by water and cannot be cleaned in water. This applies to calcite, magnetite, selenite, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, opal and angelite. Silver jewellery and/or 14k gold-filled jewellery should also not be cleaned under running water.
For our jewellery, we prefer the method with hematite and rock crystal, which is described below.
A safe and gentle cleaning is by placing stones in a shell or bowl with hematite stones. Hematite absorbs the negative charge from the stone. Leave the stone on the hematite for at least 24 hours. The hematite itself can be cleaned and charged by, for example, holding the stones under running water. Dry them well, otherwise the stones may rust.
Charging gemstones
Gemstones have a positive effect by releasing their energy to their environment or to their wearer. This energy must be regularly replenished for optimal effect. By charging a stone, the effect (and its intensity) can be increased or strengthened. Below are the most commonly used methods for charging gemstones.
- Moonlight
- Sunlight
- Rock crystal
- Selenite
- Meru pyramid
By placing the stone in the moonlight for at least 1 night (this can be done behind glass), the natural energy of the stone is replenished. This is a very gentle and safe method for charging stones. Full moonlight is particularly suitable for this!
Finally, a stone can be charged in a very gentle and safe way by placing it on a rock crystal cluster or in a shell or bowl with rock crystal stones. Leave the stone for at least 24 hours. Make sure that you clean the rock crystal itself regularly (rock crystal can be held under running water very well).
For cleaning gemstones and minerals, it is best to place the stones in the pyramid for at least 8 hours per week (uninterrupted). For heavily polluted stones, this is 24 hours and then the same treatment as with normal use. Placing the stones in the pyramid longer and more often gives even better results.
