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Passion for Purple
I 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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As Seen In: Ask the Experts Feature at MarthaStewartWeddings.com
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.
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Basel Beautiful
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!
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: The Oscars Dazzle
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?
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Golden Globes Go Green
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?
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Visiting the Peacock
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!
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: FAQ
I have one of those jobs where people don’t always “get” what I do. I get asked pretty funny questions about my job sometimes, so in case any of you are curious, here are some answers.
Q: Do you work from home?
No, I do not make jewelry cleaner at home….in my bathtub!
Q: One time, I got this great jewelry cleaner at the fair! Do you sell it at the fair?
I do not sell The Kingswood Company jewelry care formularies at state fairs countrywide. We are not Sham Wow. The person who sells it at the fair probably did make it at home in the bathtub!
Q: Can you drink it?
We drink it all the time! Fountain of youth, baby, fountain of youth.*
*For insurance purposes, we do not actually drink it.
Q: Does your jewelry cleaner come in purple?
We’re workin’ on it!
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: How Does She Do It?
I saw the trailer for the movie “I Don’t Know How She Does It” and realized that I have heard versions of that statement said about myself on a number of occasions. I am sure that every mom, whether she works outside of the home or not, has heard it.
How do I do it? The easiest answer is that I love what I do. We all want to involve our kids in what we love. So I have figured out ways to incorporate my daughter into my life at work. Eva has her own desk here, with a computer and some software, like Pixie, on which she loves to “work.” Not to out myself for violating child labor laws, but Eva also has some little jobs at The Kingswood Company for which she gets paid. She enjoys these, really!
I do travel quite a bit on business, which is one of the joys of my job. At this point Eva does not travel with me; she has her own schedule at home. But I do look forward to traveling with her as she gets older, and when it doesn’t interfere with school and other commitments. She has a phenomenal rock collection, so when I travel, I like to bring back treasures for her collection. She has a rock from the Great Wall of China, one from Mt. Olympus and several beauties from the Tucson Gem Show. As soon as she is old enough, I will bring her with me to Tucson. She will love it!
Jewelry Cleaner in Sidewalk Chalk, by Eva Nicolosi
I don’t know what she will choose to do with her life, but for now, Eva loves to be a part of The Kingswood Company. We wouldn’t be the same without her. And for all of you wondering about when we will offer purple jewelry cleaner, Eva’s been mixing some up!
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean
Just like doctors are often asked medical questions by friends seeking to take advantage of their medical expertise, I am frequently asked questions about jewelry cleaning. As The Queen of Clean, I am here to give you the answers!
Should I use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean my jewelry?
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners use high frequency sound waves to agitate a liquid cleaner, which creates bubbles that adhere to the surface of your jewelry and penetrate any cracks or recesses. This does thoroughly remove most dust, dirt, oil, pigments, grease and more from your jewelry. That’s the upside. The downside is that the vibrations caused by the ultrasonic waves can loosen or remove a stone from its setting. If you are lucky, the stone falls out in the machine where you can find it. If you’re not, then it falls out later out in the wide world to be lost forever.
It’s not that ultrasonic cleaners should never be used. But they are not recommended for in-home use for pieces that have set stones. When you take your jewelry to your jeweler for cleaning, they inspect the piece with a jeweler’s loupe before they clean it, to make sure that the setting is not loose. Unless you have a loupe and know what you’re looking for, you probably can’t take this necessary precaution.
The solutions we produce at The Kingswood Company are formulated to clean jewelry without agitation; you just need to soak it. Then when your piece needs a more thorough cleaning, I recommend taking it to your jeweler (you should be getting an annual inspection anyway). An ultrasonic cleaning should be done by a professional.
I liken it to the difference between brushing your teeth at home with toothpaste and going to your dentist for a cleaning. You get the deeper cleaning you need, but you get it done safely. If you have an ultrasonic machine, don’t worry. They are still great to use on pieces without set stones. And you can feel free to use our solutions in your machine.
Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean…
During the last week of July, I had the opportunity to travel to NYC for work (and for fun – how can you be in New York and not have fun?). The week began early Monday morning with the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) National Board meeting. This wonderful organization supports women in the jewelry industry by offering mentoring, scholarships and networking opportunities throughout the world. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this organization.
The WJA Board meetings are always stimulating for me, and this time was no exception. As I looked around the table, I saw friends, acquaintances and talented women from across the country. I saw women with vision for the organization and women with the skills to execute that vision. I saw doers and leaders; mothers and daughters; entrepreneurs and corporate CEOs. I saw women who inspire others to participate, to give, to lead, to mentor, to serve and to grow.
And as I took in all the talent and dedication in the room, I also recognized the gift of time. In a world where everyone is so, so, so, so, so busy, the commitment of these women to serve others, to give selflessly of their time and talent, was and is inspiring.
That evening, the annual WJA Awards of Excellence dinner was held on Chelsea Pier in Manhattan. Widely recognized as one of the best networking events in the industry, the dinner brings together established executives, successful entrepreneurs and aspiring women and men from all aspects of the retail jewelry industry nationwide. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with customers, both new and old, to see long-time friends, and make a few new ones. It was a wonderful evening that celebrated the successes and hard work of many women across the country, and it was a delight to share in the success. The team effort required to pull off such a successful event with such style and power was awesome.
Congratulations to all of the winners celebrated that evening, and to all of the other nominees in each of the categories. And, kudos to the women of the WJA for establishing an event that not only celebrates the success of women throughout the industry, but which creates an opportunity for new relationships to flourish – all while raising many thousands of dollars for scholarships. For more information about the WJA, visit http://www.womensjewelry.org.
More on the rest of my trip later…