Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Professional Eyeglass repair.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Why Should I Have My Jewelry Soldered Using a Laser?
Not every jewelry store has a Laser machine. This Hi-tech machine is used by jewelers instead of using a torch.
A torch uses a high heat flame to join two pieces of metal together. This method has been used since Cleopatra had her ring made by an artisan. A torch is usually safe and is used in over 90% of all jewelry procedures where you need to join or attach two metals together.
A torch uses heat and heat can be harmful to fragile stones. If a fragile stone, like an emerald, is far from the area of solder, then there is virtually no chance of harm,. But many times a repair is right near the point of solder. If stones are close then they will have to be removed and there is an extra charge because of the risk of breaking prongs.
A Laser machine joins two metals together not using heat, rather a focused light beam that melts a very small area of metal. The benefit is there is very little heat generated at the melt point, allowing the jeweler to weld within 1/2 to 1millimeter of heat sensitive areas. A laser weld is much stronger than solder and maintains the purity of the metal.
On most all items using a laser welder you will not be able to tell where a piece of jewelry has been repaired. Laser welding is the only way to preserve an antique piece of jewelry and its value.
A torch uses a high heat flame to join two pieces of metal together. This method has been used since Cleopatra had her ring made by an artisan. A torch is usually safe and is used in over 90% of all jewelry procedures where you need to join or attach two metals together.
A torch uses heat and heat can be harmful to fragile stones. If a fragile stone, like an emerald, is far from the area of solder, then there is virtually no chance of harm,. But many times a repair is right near the point of solder. If stones are close then they will have to be removed and there is an extra charge because of the risk of breaking prongs.
On most all items using a laser welder you will not be able to tell where a piece of jewelry has been repaired. Laser welding is the only way to preserve an antique piece of jewelry and its value.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
How to clean: Detailed Tips for Care and Cleaning of Your Fine Jewelry and Watches.
Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and passed down to future generations. Taking simple steps to care for and clean your jewelry today, will help ensure that it will remain looking beautiful tomorrow. Each piece of jewelry and timepiece is individual and needs to be cared for differently. Below are detailed tips, broken down by jewelry types, to care for your precious baubles:
Avoid touching your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry by its edges.
Colored Gemstones
Many natural gemstones are treated or enhanced from the time they are extracted from the earth by one or more traditionally accepted jewelry industry practices. These treatments and enhancements can affect how you should clean and care for your colored gemstone jewelry. Consult your jeweler for more information on caring for treated or enhanced gemstones.
After wearing, wipe your precious gemstone jewelry thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth. This will enhance the luster of the gemstones and ensure that your jewelry is clean before storage.
Store gemstone pieces individually in soft pouches. You should be able to obtain these from your jeweler.
Do not expose your precious gemstone pieces to saltwater or harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or detergents. These chemicals may slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
Hair spray, perfume and perspiration may cause jewelry to become dull. Apply all cosmetics, perfumes and colognes before putting on colored gemstone jewelry. Make sure to wipe your gemstones after wear to remove any chemicals, oils or perspiration.
Do not subject gemstone jewelry to sudden temperature changes.
If you have an active lifestyle, take extra precautions with some types of gemstone jewelry. Emeralds, for example, are brittle and should not be worn when doing household chores or any other activity where the stone could be hit or damaged.
Be extra careful with ultrasonic cleaners. Some gemstones are fragile and can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure for your particular gemstone jewelry. Your jeweler is also a good source for any information on colored gemstones.
Almost all colored stone jewelry can be safely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush.
Always thoroughly rinse and dry your jewelry after cleaning and before storage.
Karat Gold Jewelry
Remove all gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film, you immediately reduce the frequency with which your pieces will need to be cleaned.
To clean your jewelry at home, you'll find many commercial cleaners available. In addition, you will find a soft chamois cloth an effective and inexpensive way to keep your pieces lustrous and shining. Ask your jeweler to recommend both of these items for you.
For certain gold jewelry, especially pieces that do not contain colored gemstones, an ultrasonic cleaning machine may be appropriate. Once again, ask your jeweler to advise you.
Be careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear gold jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
You can remove tarnish with jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush. An old toothbrush can also be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry. If there is a heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to clean any karat gold jewelry set with colored gemstones, because some stones require special cleaning procedures.
Grease can be removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into plain rubbing alcohol. Again, check with your jeweler about colored gemstone pieces.
Platinum
Platinum jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner as other fine jewelry. Your jeweler can recommend a prepackaged jewelry cleaner that works with platinum, or ask your jeweler to professionally clean your platinum pieces. A professional cleaning every six months will keep your platinum jewelry in great shape.
Store your platinum jewelry separately and with care, not allowing pieces to touch each other, because even platinum can be scratched.
Signs of wear, such as scratches, can eventually appear on platinum. However, due to the metal's durability there is usually little metal loss from the scratch. If visible scratches do appear, your jeweler should be able to re-polish the piece.
If your platinum is set with diamonds or other precious stones, be especially careful, as these materials can be more susceptible to damage. Some fine jewelry pieces combine platinum with karat gold jewelry. Care for these pieces as you would your gold jewelry, or consult your jeweler.
Sterling Silver Jewelry
Clean your silver jewelry with a mild soap and water solution, allowing the water to bead up, and then pat dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver use. Ask your jeweler to recommend an appropriate brand.
Store your silver in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth. Store pieces individually, so that they don't knock together and scratch.
Do not rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt. Your jeweler should be able to provide these. Tissue paper or paper towels can cause scratches because of the fibers in these products.
Make sure your silver is not exposed to air and light during storage – this can cause silver to tarnish. And don't wear sterling silver in chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals.
Cultured Pearls
Apply cosmetics, hair sprays and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry. When you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to remove any traces of these substances.
You can also wash your pearl jewelry with mild soap and water. Do not clean cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives or solvents. These substances can damage your pearls.
Always lay cultured pearl strands flat to dry. Hanging a strand may stretch the threads.
Do not toss your cultured pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag or jewel box. A pearl's surface is soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges or by the harder gemstones of other jewelry pieces.
Place cultured pearls in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away.
Cosmetics, perspiration, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the threads on which the pearls are strung. Bring your pearls back to your jeweler for restringing once a year. Make certain the pearls are strung with a knot between each pearl. This will prevent loss of pearls if the string should break.
Watches
No matter how handy you are, don't attempt perform watch repairs yourself. Only an expert jeweler/watchmaker should be trusted to put your watch back into working condition.
Give your watch a quick check on a regular basis, making sure that the strap or bracelet is securely attached to the watch face.
A mechanical watch should be checked regularly by your jeweler/watchmaker or an authorized dealer and serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Wind your watch in a clockwise direction, preferably about the same time each day. Remove the watch from your wrist when winding so as not to place undue pressure on the stem.
Replace broken or scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can let dust and moisture into the timekeeping mechanism, threatening its accuracy.
Unless the degree of water-resistance is clearly specified when you purchase your watch, do not wear it into the shower or pool, or on a moist wrist.
Have your jeweler/watchmaker or an authorized watch dealer replace the battery in a quartz watch before it runs out. Dead batteries left in the watch can leak or corrode, ruining the timepiece. Do not attempt to change the battery in a watch yourself. If your watch is water-resistant, a water-resistance test should be performed after the battery has been replaced to ensure that water will not leak into and damage the watch.
Battery life varies considerably according to the type of watch and its functions. Refer to your owners manual for more information.
Oils from your skin can build up on a watch. If your watch is water-resistant, you can give it a quick cleaning with a mixture of warm water and either a mild soap or a dish detergent. Dry the watch with a soft cloth after cleaning. If your watch has a strap made out of leather or another material, you should clean only the watch face and not the strap.
If your watch is not water-resistant, or you're not sure, do not immerse it in water. Clean the piece with a slightly damp cloth and then dry.
Diamond Jewelry
Do not wear diamond jewelry, especially rings, when doing rough work. Even though diamond is one of the hardest materials in nature, it can still be chipped by a sharp, sudden blow.
Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting on your diamond jewelry. Keep your diamond away from chlorine bleach or other household chemicals. You should also remove your diamond jewelry before entering a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
Clean your diamonds regularly using a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting.
Always thoroughly rinse and dry your jewelry after cleaning and before storage.
Many natural gemstones are treated or enhanced from the time they are extracted from the earth by one or more traditionally accepted jewelry industry practices. These treatments and enhancements can affect how you should clean and care for your colored gemstone jewelry. Consult your jeweler for more information on caring for treated or enhanced gemstones.
After wearing, wipe your precious gemstone jewelry thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth. This will enhance the luster of the gemstones and ensure that your jewelry is clean before storage.
Store gemstone pieces individually in soft pouches. You should be able to obtain these from your jeweler.
Do not expose your precious gemstone pieces to saltwater or harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or detergents. These chemicals may slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
Hair spray, perfume and perspiration may cause jewelry to become dull. Apply all cosmetics, perfumes and colognes before putting on colored gemstone jewelry. Make sure to wipe your gemstones after wear to remove any chemicals, oils or perspiration.
Do not subject gemstone jewelry to sudden temperature changes.
If you have an active lifestyle, take extra precautions with some types of gemstone jewelry. Emeralds, for example, are brittle and should not be worn when doing household chores or any other activity where the stone could be hit or damaged.
Be extra careful with ultrasonic cleaners. Some gemstones are fragile and can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure for your particular gemstone jewelry. Your jeweler is also a good source for any information on colored gemstones.
Almost all colored stone jewelry can be safely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush.
Always thoroughly rinse and dry your jewelry after cleaning and before storage.
Remove all gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film, you immediately reduce the frequency with which your pieces will need to be cleaned.
To clean your jewelry at home, you'll find many commercial cleaners available. In addition, you will find a soft chamois cloth an effective and inexpensive way to keep your pieces lustrous and shining. Ask your jeweler to recommend both of these items for you.
For certain gold jewelry, especially pieces that do not contain colored gemstones, an ultrasonic cleaning machine may be appropriate. Once again, ask your jeweler to advise you.
Be careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear gold jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
You can remove tarnish with jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush. An old toothbrush can also be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry. If there is a heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to clean any karat gold jewelry set with colored gemstones, because some stones require special cleaning procedures.
Grease can be removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into plain rubbing alcohol. Again, check with your jeweler about colored gemstone pieces.
Platinum jewelry can be cleaned in the same manner as other fine jewelry. Your jeweler can recommend a prepackaged jewelry cleaner that works with platinum, or ask your jeweler to professionally clean your platinum pieces. A professional cleaning every six months will keep your platinum jewelry in great shape.
Store your platinum jewelry separately and with care, not allowing pieces to touch each other, because even platinum can be scratched.
Signs of wear, such as scratches, can eventually appear on platinum. However, due to the metal's durability there is usually little metal loss from the scratch. If visible scratches do appear, your jeweler should be able to re-polish the piece.
If your platinum is set with diamonds or other precious stones, be especially careful, as these materials can be more susceptible to damage. Some fine jewelry pieces combine platinum with karat gold jewelry. Care for these pieces as you would your gold jewelry, or consult your jeweler.
Clean your silver jewelry with a mild soap and water solution, allowing the water to bead up, and then pat dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver use. Ask your jeweler to recommend an appropriate brand.
Store your silver in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag or wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth. Store pieces individually, so that they don't knock together and scratch.
Do not rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt. Your jeweler should be able to provide these. Tissue paper or paper towels can cause scratches because of the fibers in these products.
Make sure your silver is not exposed to air and light during storage – this can cause silver to tarnish. And don't wear sterling silver in chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals.
Apply cosmetics, hair sprays and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry. When you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to remove any traces of these substances.
You can also wash your pearl jewelry with mild soap and water. Do not clean cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives or solvents. These substances can damage your pearls.
Always lay cultured pearl strands flat to dry. Hanging a strand may stretch the threads.
Do not toss your cultured pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag or jewel box. A pearl's surface is soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges or by the harder gemstones of other jewelry pieces.
Place cultured pearls in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away.
Cosmetics, perspiration, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the threads on which the pearls are strung. Bring your pearls back to your jeweler for restringing once a year. Make certain the pearls are strung with a knot between each pearl. This will prevent loss of pearls if the string should break.
No matter how handy you are, don't attempt perform watch repairs yourself. Only an expert jeweler/watchmaker should be trusted to put your watch back into working condition.
Give your watch a quick check on a regular basis, making sure that the strap or bracelet is securely attached to the watch face.
A mechanical watch should be checked regularly by your jeweler/watchmaker or an authorized dealer and serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Wind your watch in a clockwise direction, preferably about the same time each day. Remove the watch from your wrist when winding so as not to place undue pressure on the stem.
Replace broken or scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can let dust and moisture into the timekeeping mechanism, threatening its accuracy.
Unless the degree of water-resistance is clearly specified when you purchase your watch, do not wear it into the shower or pool, or on a moist wrist.
Have your jeweler/watchmaker or an authorized watch dealer replace the battery in a quartz watch before it runs out. Dead batteries left in the watch can leak or corrode, ruining the timepiece. Do not attempt to change the battery in a watch yourself. If your watch is water-resistant, a water-resistance test should be performed after the battery has been replaced to ensure that water will not leak into and damage the watch.
Battery life varies considerably according to the type of watch and its functions. Refer to your owners manual for more information.
Oils from your skin can build up on a watch. If your watch is water-resistant, you can give it a quick cleaning with a mixture of warm water and either a mild soap or a dish detergent. Dry the watch with a soft cloth after cleaning. If your watch has a strap made out of leather or another material, you should clean only the watch face and not the strap.
If your watch is not water-resistant, or you're not sure, do not immerse it in water. Clean the piece with a slightly damp cloth and then dry.
About Us
This is our first post on our new blog. We are new to the blogging world so we'll see how it goes.
Parkers' Karat Patch has been serving the Asheville area since 1980. The Parkers, our store manager, Kristin and staff welcome you to visit our jewelry store located at 311 Weaverville Hwy. in North Asheville. The existing rock building that now houses The Karat Patch has been a landmark since 1938. With the help of local architect, Wade Macfie, the building has had a new roofline, decking and porch added to produce an attractive and easily recognizable, destination store with plenty of on-site parking.
As exclusive members of the two largest jewelry buying groups in the U.S., IJO (Independent Jewelers Organization) and RJO (Retail Jewelers Organization), the Karat Patch offers the finest selection of diamonds from Antwerp, Belgium and Colored gemstones from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, as well as custom jewelry designs, jewelry repair and engraving using our computerized engraving machine.
Corporate Values and Management Philosophy – Parkers’ Karat Patch has dedicated our business to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our core values and management philosophy are structured upon biblical principles – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Parkers’ Karat Patch has prospered under the philosophy of giving extraordinary personal service with honesty and dependable work ethics. We believe in treating people as more important than things.
“Voted 2001 1st runner Up Best Jewelry Store” – Asheville Citizen Times
“Western North Carolina’s Favorite Jeweler – voted by the listeners of 96.5 WOXL Radio – Hometown Favorites 2005”
Parkers' Karat Patch has been serving the Asheville area since 1980. The Parkers, our store manager, Kristin and staff welcome you to visit our jewelry store located at 311 Weaverville Hwy. in North Asheville. The existing rock building that now houses The Karat Patch has been a landmark since 1938. With the help of local architect, Wade Macfie, the building has had a new roofline, decking and porch added to produce an attractive and easily recognizable, destination store with plenty of on-site parking.
As exclusive members of the two largest jewelry buying groups in the U.S., IJO (Independent Jewelers Organization) and RJO (Retail Jewelers Organization), the Karat Patch offers the finest selection of diamonds from Antwerp, Belgium and Colored gemstones from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, as well as custom jewelry designs, jewelry repair and engraving using our computerized engraving machine.
Corporate Values and Management Philosophy – Parkers’ Karat Patch has dedicated our business to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our core values and management philosophy are structured upon biblical principles – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Parkers’ Karat Patch has prospered under the philosophy of giving extraordinary personal service with honesty and dependable work ethics. We believe in treating people as more important than things.
“Voted 2001 1st runner Up Best Jewelry Store” – Asheville Citizen Times
“Western North Carolina’s Favorite Jeweler – voted by the listeners of 96.5 WOXL Radio – Hometown Favorites 2005”
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