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  2. Caring For Your Handmade Jewellery

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    Here are a few handy tip for keeping your handmade jewellery sparkling!

    • Protect your jewellery from scratches, sharp blows, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and sunlight.
    • Ideally, store your jewellery in a soft lined box or pouch and try to keep pieces apart, so that they don't rub together or tangle up.
    • Keep chains fastened so that they don’t get tangled up.
    • After each wearing, gently wipe each piece of jewellery clean of make up and skin oils with a 100% cotton cloth.
    • Remove jewellery when doing household tasks such as gardening, cleaning, household repairs or other strenuous activities, or when playing sports.
    • Apply make-up and hair spray before putting on your jewellery. Make-up and hair spray contain chemicals that may affect your jewellery, as can nail polish removers.
    • Remove jewellery before swimming as chlorine and salt water may cause damage.

     

    CLEANING

    Commerical Silver Cleaners
    Read the label, and if in doubt, do not use a chemical cleaner.

    Jewellery Polishing Cloths
    Use lightly to restore lustre. Do not press hard when polishing plated jewellery or you will damage the surface.

    Easy Homemade Solutions
    The best way to clean in places where a polishing cloth can't reach is simple is to use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild washing up liquid and a soft child’s toothbrush.

    Tarnish
    Tarnish occurs when Silver is exposed to the air and atmosphere, it causes a chemical reaction that creates something called Silver Sulphate. (The black discolouration on the jewellery, which can sometimes then transfer to your skin.) This reaction can be prevented by storing your jewellery in a re-sealable plastic bag or wrapped in tissue paper. You can however remove any tarnish using a silver polishing cloth (carefully with plated items!) or with this simple homemade solution of boiling water, aluminium foil and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda:

    • Line the bottom of the pan with aluminium foil. You may also use a disposable aluminium pan.
    • Place silver jewellery or any silver object in the aluminium pan, making sure the silver touches the aluminium.
    • Pour boiling water into the pan until the object is completely covered.
    • Add a teaspoon of baking soda/bicarbonate of soda. As you add the baking soda, the mixture may froth a bit, be careful not to let it spill over.  Keep the silver submerge for at least 5 minutes. The tarnish will begin to disappear quickly.  For badly tarnished silver, you may need to repeat this process several times to remove all traces of tarnish.
    • Rinse the silver with water and gently buff it dry with a soft towel.

    PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE USED ON ANY JEWELLERY CONTAINING BEADS, GEMSTONES OR PEARLS AS THESE MAY BE DAMAGED BY THE CHEMICAL REACTION.

  4. Finalist for Northwest Sole Trader of the Year - Enterprise Vision Awards

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    How surprised was I back in June when I received an email from the Enterprise Vision Awards confirming that I had been nominted for an award in the Sole Trader category! No idea who nominted me but "thank you" whoever you are out there! I was even more surprised to hear a couple of weeks ago that I had made it through the selection process and was a finalist! The next stage is a presentation and interview with three judges at the end of July and the the awards ceremony in October!!

    The public vote is now open and therefore I would be very grateful if you would vote for me!

    Many thanks! Kim x 

    Click here to vote: www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk/eva-categories/38/Sole-Trader-Award

    eva awards 2013 | Kian Designs Handmade Jewellery

  5. Wire Wrapped Stud Earrings

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    I've finally got around to making a full batch of wire wrapped stud earrings and have added these news ones to the website under their own separate category. In the past i've made a few pairs here and there but as I keep being asked for them recently I thought I would make up a selection of colours and have them as a permanent feature, both on the website and at my Jewellery Parties and Events. These are the perfect size for everyday wear!

    wire wrapped faceted stud earrings | Kian Designs Handmade Jewellery

  6. Family Birthstone Necklaces

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    With Mother's Day approaching fast why not give that special Mum or Grandmother a beautiful Sterling Silver Birthstone Necklace that means that she can keep close to her heart the people that are most precious to her! There are a number of different necklaces to chose from and you can have however many birthstones you require!

    Family Birthstone Necklaces - Handmade Birthstone Jewellery - Mother's Day Gifts

     

  7. NEW!! Bridal Jewellery Collection

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    Well after over a year of talking about it I've finally put together the first pieces to my Bridal Jewellery Collection! With my love of wire work I just knew that I could create some beautiful jewellery that would be perfect for a Bride's special day! I've decided to offer a mix of both silver plated and Sterling Silver items in order that I can accommodate all budgets and so that I can also push my creativity without necessarily breaking the bank!

    The Sterling Silver items also include other beautiful materials including Swarovski pearls and crystals and stunning AAA grade Crystal Quartz. 

    I've definitely got the bug for creating Wedding Jewellery, therefore I will be constantly adding to my collection throughout the year! So keeping popping back to see what's new!