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Sizes
Bracelets: The size of a bracelet may vary
depending on the types and sizes of the beads used. Bracelets are guaranteed to
be within 1/4 inch of requested size. Standard size or is 7 1/2 inches, small
is 7 inches and a large is 8 to 8 1/2 inches. Individual size can be determined
by measuring the wrist and adding 1" to the bracelet length.
Jewelry Care
If your piece contains silver, remember it is sterling and
can tarnish. Tarnishing is a natural process caused by oxidation, and does not
damage the silver. Tarnish can easily be removed by rubbing the piece gently
with a soft, treated polishing cloth. Jewelry stores and many department
stores, including Target, sell polishing cloths.
Do not use tarnish-removing dips (or creams) on pieces that have decorative
oxidation. For example, Bali silver beads have oxidation in the grooves to
produce an antique look. Using dips may remove the oxidation that gives your
piece dimension. Never use silver cleaners on pearls as they may lose their
luster.
Avoid wearing your bracelet while swimming, doing dishes, cleaning with
chemicals, or anything else where the jewelry would come into contact with
abrasive soaps or chemicals.
Definitions
Aurora Borealis: Named for the
Northern Lights. In costume jewelry, a term for crystal stones that have a
highly iridescent surface. The effect is achieved by vapor blasting the facets
of the lower part of the crystals with an invisible, micro thin metal sheet.
This effect was created by Swarovski in 1955 in collaboration with Christian
Dior. Also known as AB, the term now refers to any iridescent finish. This
finish can be scratched, but wont rub off with normal wear.
Gold Electroplate: An electrolytic coating with gold,
or with an alloy of not less than 10% fineness to a minimum thickness
throughout that is equivalent to seven millionths of an inch. This means that
where the fineness is less than 24kt, the thickness must be proportionately
greater, so that the same amount of fine gold has been seven millionths of an
inch, it may be marked - heavy gold electroplate.
Gold-filled: A gold alloy plate made by soldering,
brazing, welding or other means that is not less than 10kt fineness, where the
plating constitutes at lest 1/20th of the weight of the metal in the entire
article. The term must be preceded by the karat fineness of the plating, such
as 14kt gold filled. When using the term gold overlay, manufacturers are
permitted to use a layer of gold that is less than 1/20th the weight of the
entire piece, but they must stamp the proportion of the gold layer on the
jewelry.
Semiprecious Stones Natural stones that generally have
a lower value than precious stones, including amethyst, aventurine, carnelian,
garnet, opal, rose quartz, and others. Primarily used in fashion jewelry.
Bonding (Stabilization) The use of a colorless bonding
agent (commonly plastic) with a porous gemstone to give it durability and
improve appearance.
Vermeil Gilded or gold-colored sterling silver, copper
or bronze.
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