Passion for Purple

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Kristie Nicolosi

Royal Purple Fine Jewelry CleanerI was very excited last week when a project we had been working on for some time came to fruition. We have been asked many times over the years, by customers, friends, colleagues and even my daughter, Eva, why we don’t offer purple jewelry cleaner. It’s a valid question. Purple is a lovely color that would work beautifully in jewelry stores; so why wouldn’t we offer it?

The key answer is that adding colors to our line is not something we do haphazardly. From the time The Kingswood Company offered its first Emerald Green jars of cleaner in 1955, only two other colors had been added to the line: Sapphire Blue and Sweetheart Pink. So we analyzed the situation to determine if the addition of purple would bring value to our customers and be in keeping with the sophisticated products we are so proud to produce. We pride ourselves on offering the most customizable line in the industry, so in the end we determined that purple would be a fabulous addition to the other beautiful colors we offer.

Then we went to work. We knew that we had to develop the perfect shade of purple, one that evokes richness and jewel tones. We produced many batches, reviewing each shade carefully. It is surprising how many hues of purple exist; we had batches ranging from reddish pink to blueish green. There were so many pretty purples to choose from, but eventually we chose the one that spoke to us. It has that richness and jewel-like feel we were looking for. In fact, it’s such a regal color, we christened it Royal Purple.

While Royal Purple Fine Jewelry Cleaner is already in limited production, we are very excited to unveil it at the JCK show next month. If you are one of our customers who has been patiently waiting for purple jewelry cleaner, please stop by and meet the newest addition to our family of products!

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Helping Mother Earth

Posted on April 21, 2012 by The Kingswood Company

At The Kingswood Company, we celebrate Earth Day every day. We are very proud of our sustainability efforts, from producing all non-toxic and biodegradable products to reducing the amount of plastic we use in our jars, among others. But in honor of Earth Day, we wanted to share yet another earth-friendly product we offer.

Our cream-colored polishing cloths are as green as they are cream. While most fabrics are bleached and then dyed, our cream-colored fabric is untreated, natural cotton. The natural color is beautiful, and we embrace the natural fiber flecks that are not present in bleached fabrics. In addition, the fabric for our all of our polishing cloths (no matter what color) is made of 100 percent cotton, and is milled in the United States rather than being sent from overseas. This reduces the use of fuel for shipping.

So as you polish your favorite jewelry to a beautiful shine, you can pat yourself on the back for being kind to Mother Earth.


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As Seen In: Ask the Experts Feature at MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Kristie Nicolosi

Klean Karats jewelry cleaning products are distributed exclusively by Stuller and available at retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

We were delighted to be featured today in The Bride’s Guide blog at marthastewartweddings.com! We hope you will visit their beautiful site and take a look.

Here is the article as posted:

Expert Advice: How to Keep your Sparkler Sparkling

You will never forget the moment he asked you to marry him, slipping a beautiful, sparkling diamond ring on your finger. Since your diamond will be a symbol of your commitment to one another, you’ve no doubt wondered how you’ll keep it looking beautiful for a lifetime.

We asked Kristie Nicolosi, President & CEO of The Kingswood Company, the world’s leading producer of fine-quality jewelry care products, for her top five tips to keeping your engagement ring looking dazzling.

1. When you and your fiancé choose a ring, it’s best to find a setting that is in keeping with your lifestyle. Wear and tear on your ring will make it look dull quickly. For example, if you have a very active lifestyle, be aware of how high your ring is set. “When I became engaged in my 20’s, my ring was beautiful, fabulous and set very high. It was my first major piece of jewelry, and I just didn’t know what sort of setting I needed for my lifestyle,” explained Nicolosi.  “After three months and some serious damage, I had it reset lower.”

2. To prevent damage and a build-up of dirt and grime, Nicolosi recommends removing your ring when doing a variety of activities, including exercising, gardening, cleaning (due to cleaning chemicals), swimming (exposure to chlorine) and even when applying hair products, lotions, and sunscreen.

3. Though you may well have seen your mother or grandmother do it, you really should not use a toothbrush to clean your ring. The pressure you exert with the long handle of a toothbrush is too strong for the metal settings and the bristles can scratch the metal. You will do far more damage than good. “The brushes that come with a jar of jewelry cleaner aren’t little so they’ll look cute and fit in the jar,” explained Nicolosi. “They are sized so that you cannot put undue pressure on your ring.”

4. Also be wary of at-home Ultrasonic machines that use sound vibrations to clean your ring—they can shake loose a diamond if the setting has been damaged. It’s best to have your diamond deep cleaned only by a professional jeweler. You should have your ring professionally cleaned at least once a year, at the same time your jeweler will examine your ring with a gem scope, checking the prongs, verifying that the stones are secure, looking for any weakness in the metal and studying the stone for chipping or damage. Also, many insurance policies require these inspections to keep your insurance current; you should check your policy to be sure.

5. Whether your ring is brand new or just back from a professional cleaning, you really can keep it in sparkling condition with proper routine cleaning. “You probably didn’t get a jar of jewelry cleaner with your proposal,” laughed Nicolosi. “So when you stop by your local jeweler to have your ring sized or to choose your wedding bands, it’s a great time to pick some up.” Your jeweler should carry high-quality cleaning formulas and polishing cloths which can be used often, even daily, to keep your ring looking beautiful. If you have a diamond engagement ring, a fine jewelry cleaning formula will work wonderfully. If your ring has other softer stones, be sure to seek guidance from your jeweler for more gentle cleaners. Nicolosi also encourages you not to use “home remedies” such as toothpaste, bleach, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda or ammonia.

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Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Basel Beautiful

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Kristie Nicolosi

I work hard. I really do! So my trip to Switzerland for the Baselworld show was full of hard work. OK, it was also full-on fabulous, but I did meet with customers new and old and was able to admire the trends that will be taking stage in the coming year. Here are some of the trends I noticed (and, of course, how to clean them!).

The Gucci booth at Baselworld.

Links remain a big trend in both necklaces and bracelets. These are not chains that bind but chains that beautify. As the trend evolves, I saw a number of pieces done in mixed materials, such as silver, gold, ceramic and wood. There were many different textures and materials, making the trend feel fresh.

Photo Credit: www.gucci.com

When cleaning mixed metals or mixed materials, consumers need to be very conscious of what materials are used in the piece. Always clean with the most sensitive material in mind. The safest route is to buff the piece with a polishing cloth; you really can’t do damage that way. If the mixed materials make it too difficult for you to clean beyond buffing, don’t hesitate to send your piece back to the jeweler for refurbishing. Proper storage of your piece and careful choices while wearing it are also key to keeping it looking beautiful.

 

Photo Credit: www.robertocoin.com

Another trend that is continuing and evolving is the statement piece of jewelry. By that I mean a ring or necklace pendant featuring a large, statement stone. Because it is difficult for jewelry designers to find very large stones of consistent quality, they have begun to use a cluster of smaller stones to achieve the same effect. To be sure, some pieces are still made with very large gemstones, but they are extraordinarily expensive. So for the more mainstream customer, jewelry designers have begun using clusters or mosaics of smaller stones or a larger stone surrounded by smaller stones to make the statement. The effect can be compared to that of stacking a large number of bangles on your wrist to give the illusion of a cuff-style bracelet.

Cleaning pieces of this kind requires a bit of extra care. Gentle jewelry cleaning formularies that do not contain ammonia are safe for most gemstones, including pearls. However, a word of caution; any gemstones that are strung on silk or set with glue require should not be submerged in jewelry cleaner (really, any liquid) for more than a couple of minutes. It’s not the gemstones that can be damaged, but the silk string or glue holding the stone in place. It is best to ask your jeweler what cleaning method is safest and most effective for pieces of this kind, as some stones are set and some are glued. Best to be safe and seek guidance.

Photo Credit: www.niemanmarcus.com

I also noted a trend of retro glamour. There are lines evoking the feel of the turn of the 20th century; think Boardwalk Empire. There were also lines reflecting the era of The Great Gatsby and the flapper, particularly pearl pieces. And some that reflected the mid-century feel of Mad Men. Jewelers are definitely reinterpreting a variety of eras gone by.

Pearls remain popular, but are being used in different ways. I saw layered pearls, tassels and baroque pearls, which are pearls of different sizes and shapes used in one piece. They are very beautiful.

But not everything I saw was a reinterpretation of an older trend. The most unusual and arresting piece I saw was an enormous yellow diamond in a wood setting. Wood! I must say that this Queen of Clean was almost stumped by that one. Perhaps I should consider adding Pledge to my line!

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Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: The Oscars Dazzle

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Kristie Nicolosi

After watching the Oscars on Sunday night, once thing is clear: diamonds are still a girl’s best friend. There were gorgeous diamonds sparkling from many a neck, wrist, finger and ear. And I mean sparkling!

My favorite look was Natalie Portman, whose v-shaped diamond necklace was a perfect complement to her strapless, red gown. While her oval diamond drop earrings in platinum dazzled in contrast with her dark hair and eyes.

I thought Penelope Cruz simply shone in a diamond and
platinum necklace and earrings. Who knew 71 carats-worth of diamonds could look so elegant and understated?
Cameron Diaz’s emerald-cut diamond necklace was
another stunner, as were her diamond stud earrings, both from Tiffany & Co.

And the fabulous diamond cuff adorning Gwyneth Paltrow’s wrist looked amazing set against her column dress with cape. The
cream dress and the colorless diamonds allowed the shape of the dress and cuff to make the statement. Stunning.

While we look to the red carpet for trends that will influence fashion for the season, in reality most us won’t have access to jewelry such as this. Even the stars borrow their bling from Hollywood’s hottest jewelers! But that doesn’t mean the styles from the Oscars won’t be found on women everywhere. You may not have Penelope’s 57-carat necklace, but a beautiful tennis bracelet makes quite a statement too.

Whether you are digging in your jewelry box for diamond long unworn, or donning a favorite you wear all the time, you will want to make sure your piece is clean and sparkling. While diamonds are very strong, proper care and cleaning is essential to keeping them looking beautiful.

Diamonds lose their sparkle when dirt and grime build up on the surface. You can minimize this build-up by removing your jewelry when exercising, gardening, cleaning, swimming and when applying hair products, lotions and sunscreen.

But no matter how careful you are, your diamond jewelry will get dirty. The best way to clean your diamonds is to soak them in a fine jewelry cleaning formulary. These products are specially formulated to be safe for diamonds and their metal settings. Through soaking, the dirt, oils and grime that have built up on the stones will be washed away. After removing it from the cleaning formula, simply wipe the piece with a polishing cloth to bring back the shine on the stone and metal. This can be safely done as often as daily.

You may have friends and family who own an ultrasonic machine for at-home jewelry cleaning. I strongly discourage you from using these machines. They clean by way of sound vibrations, and while these vibrations do remove dirt and oils, they can also loosen your diamonds from their setting. When you feel your diamond jewelry needs cleaning beyond an at-home cleaning formula, take it to your jeweler for an inspection and professional cleaning.

Still basking in the glow and glamour from Oscar night, I can’t wait to wear some of my favorite diamonds this season. How will you interpret the Oscar trends in your jewelry wardrobe?

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2011 Marks Significant Growth

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Kingswood Company

We were excited this week to distribute this press release regarding our growth in 2011. We are so grateful to all of our customers, old and new!

The Kingswood Company Announces Significant Growth in 2011

The Kingswood Company, the industry’s leading supplier of private-label fine jewelry care products, reported in January significant growth during 2011, with the addition of more than 130 new accounts. The company asserts that such growth reflects its focus on customized product offerings and superior customer service. Kingswood saw expansion in the United States, Canada and Asia.

“The economic realities of today require that we focus even more closely on our customers,” explained Kristie Nicolosi, President & CEO of The Kingswood Company. “We have sought to distinguish ourselves from our competitors with a wide range of customizable products offered by a staff unparalleled in the business. Clearly that approach is working.”

Building on a successful 2011, Kingswood plans to announce new product offerings in 2012 that will further differentiate the company from its rivals. Each new product offering expands the wide array of options available to customers, which allow them to design their own packaging using a variety of artwork, cleaning formulas, polishing cloths, container sizes and colors.

Headquartered in Columbus, OH since 1956, The Kingswood Company is a member of the American Gem Society, the American Chemical Society and the Private Label Manufacturers Association and is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

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Imitation Jewelry Cleaner: A Dangerous Drug

Posted on January 27, 2012 by The Kingswood Company

While we usually write fun stories about beautiful, sparkling jewelry, now we have a darker story to share. In recent months, we have seen numerous news reports from around the country about synthetic drugs which mimic the effects of cocaine being sold as “jewelry cleaners.” These drugs were previously marketed as “bath salts,” but states began passing laws banning “bath salts” in an effort to combat the drug problem. In fact, “bath salts” were banned in Ohio in October of 2011. 

Unfortunately, in most areas where “bath salts” are banned, drug-makers have just continued production of the product but changed the name to “jewelry cleaner.” In this way, they are staying a step ahead of the law. These drugs are especially dangerous, because they can be purchased at legal retailers and have been linked to deaths in Ohio and elsewhere. 

You may be wondering how we know these products are not actually jewelry cleaner. To start with, this “jewelry cleaner” is priced at around $50 per ounce. We at The Kingswood Company sell the highest quality jewelry cleaners on the market, and they do not retail at anywhere near that price point. In addition, the imitation products are sold in a solid form like bath salts rather than a liquid. 

This is a terrible masquerade of a common consumer product. And a dangerous one. We are confident that law enforcement will catch up with the criminals again, but in the meantime, we hope you will help spread the word about this dangerous phenomenon. 

If you are interested in learning more, you can check out this story from the CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, PA: http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Synthetic-drugs-sold-as-various-substances-as/9VgSGB-u6k6IJNExR3hJZw.cspx.

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Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Golden Globes Go Green

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Kristie Nicolosi

The awards season is upon us, and there will be beautiful jewels galore. The Golden Globes kicked things off on Sunday and did not disappoint. With actresses from both the big and small screens, we had even more gorgeousness to take in.

My favorite earrings of the night were worn by the beautiful Debra Messing. These amethyst and emerald three-stone drop earrings designed by Lorraine Schwartz looked fabulous with her red hair and hazel eyes. The combination of purple and green was an evident trend, with Julianna Margulies wearing it as well.

I also loved Julianne Moore’s emerald tassel earrings designed by Fred Leighton. They are classic and fresh for spring.

Both Debra and Julianne looked lovely in their emeralds. I know that fashion on the red carpet often drives trends for the year. Being me, when I look at the trend, I wonder if they people know how to clean it.

Emeralds are actually a relatively hard gem, as measured on the Mohs scale. A 10 ranks the highest (meaning a diamond, not Bo Derek), and emeralds come in at a 7.5 to 8. Opals, turquoise, peridot and coral are all softer than emeralds.

You may be thinking, “Great, that means I can’t hurt them.” Not true. Most emeralds are formed with natural inclusions or cracks within them, which makes the stones more susceptible to breaking along an inclusion line. So you should be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging the stone along a fissure. This is a great example of why at-home ultrasonic machines are unsafe. Your pretty emerald could crack.

Also, emeralds are often treated with oils to minimize the appearance of inclusions and improve the stone’s clarity. So you should avoid cleaning methods that remove these oils, which will damage the look of the stone. Do not expose the stone to strong heat or steam, strong solvents such as ammonia or soak them for a prolonged period of time. If you do happen to damage the oil treatment, it can be redone or re-enhanced by a qualified jeweler.

Emeralds can safely be cleaned with a liquid cleaner formulated especially for delicate jewelry, one that does not include ammonia or any strong solvents. You can soak it for a short amount of time and then dry and buff the piece it with a polishing cloth.

Both Debra and Julianne’s earrings are made of mixed stones (Julianne’s have diamonds and Debra’s include amethysts). While those stones are stronger, because they are combined with emeralds, the pieces require the more delicate care. Always remember to clean based on what is safe for the most delicate gemstone, metal or setting in any piece.

I was so excited by the beautiful jewelry on display at The Golden Globes. While most of us don’t get to borrow goodies from Harry Winston or Neil Lane for the night, we can borrow from the looks for ourselves. I can’t wait to wear my sparkling clean emeralds this spring. Do you have any favorite emerald pieces you plan to get out of the vault?

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They Live to Deliver

Posted on January 6, 2012 by The Kingswood Company

The art and science of shipping is a mystery to most of us. You wrap up a package, call or drop by the shipper, and poof, it is off. Most of the time, it reaches its destination, and you never have to think or worry about it. But when you think (or worry) about it, the fact that most what we ship gets where it’s going is pretty amazing.

We at The Kingswood Company ship stuff - A LOT OF STUFF. Our shipper is integral to what we do, so when FedEx offered us a tour of their facility, we jumped at the chance to see the process in action! About half of all the boxes we ship and about 95 percent of all our shipments are shipped via FedEx. As a team, we were thrilled to learn about how our product is handled once it leaves our dock.

We got to watch “the sort” from way up on high, which was fascinating; this terminal processes 15,000 packages per shift during regular business and up to 30,000 packages during the holidays. We also got to see a truck loaded with some of our product. Some of our boxes were upside down (yikes, it’s full of liquids!), but that was an opportunity to talk with the Terminal Manager about the importance of keeping our boxes upright.

We know that is not usually a problem for FedEx, because very, very few of our boxes come back to us with damage or leaking. This is helped by the very sophisticated packaging we have developed to help prevent leaking. In addition, 99.8 percent of our boxes are delivered on time – an impressive statistic that helps us meet our very high customer service standards.

Thanks to the folks at FedEx for taking the time to show us around. It was an experience we won’t soon forget.

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Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Visiting the Peacock

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Kristie Nicolosi

On Saturday, December 17, I was a guest on the NBC4 Today show in Columbus, Ohio. It was fabulous spending some time with Mindy Drayer walking through the do’s and don’ts of jewelry cleaning, dispelling some “old wives’ tales” and sharing how to get your jewelry sparkling for the holidays. She even tried to get me to give up our trade-secret formularies!

Check out the clip of the segment and let us know what you think. Do you have another question you’d like to see answered? Maybe Mindy will have us back for a follow-up!

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