Trade Secrets from the Queen of Clean: Emmy Jewelry Simplicity

This year’s Emmys created buzz fashion-wise, though not completely in the positive. And while there were a number of dresses that failed to impress, the jewelry was lovely, if more minimal that in years past. Stud earrings adorned the ears of Heidi Klum, Claire Danes, Elisabeth Moss and others. And while some viewers bemoaned the lack of punch from simple studs , they can certainly make a statement in everyday life. However, when your jewelry is more minimal, it becomes even more important that it sparkle and shine. Proper care and cleaning is of paramount importance.

Stud earrings, be they diamond or other gemstones, can be the real workhorse of a woman’s jewelry wardrobe.They transition from work, to girls’ night out, to hot night on the town; but frequent wear can dim their shine. Build-up from lotions, hair products, cooking oils and more will make even the most gorgeous stones dull. So it is important to care for your favorite studs carefully. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz can be soaked in a surfactant-based fine jewelry cleaner and blotted dry with a clean cloth. Softer and more porous stones, such as opals, pearls, emeralds and turquoise, can be soaked in a non-ammoniated gentle jewelry cleaning solution and blotted dry with a clean cloth.

The Emmys also shone with yellow gold, including bangles, earrings and cuffs. Tina Fey sported yellow gold drop earrings from Fred Leighton, while Connie Britton rocked a stack of yellow gold bangles by Cathy Waterman. And Padma Lakshmi’s much-of-her-lower-arm cuff was a stunning statement with her simple, also architectural white gown. Again, ladies everywhere love their gold, and while it does not tarnish like silver, it still is important to bring out its shine with a quick polish using a professional polishing cloth. After many years of platinum and white gold, it’s refreshing to see yellow gold make a comeback.

Because it’s Hollywood after all, not all the jewelry was minimal. There were still some stunning diamonds, gleaming emeralds (Sophia Vargara anyone?) and other gemstones including opals on Leslie Mann and Anna Gunn. When cleaning your own stunners, remember this simple rule: clean based on what is safe for the most delicate element of the design. If you have a ring with opals and diamonds, the more porous opals require gentle, non-ammoniated cleaner (don’t worry, it will sparkle up the diamonds as well).

The Emmys have kicked off the awards season, no doubt influencing what is worn throughout the fall and holiday seasons. If you too want to keep it simple and elegant, be sure to do so in gems that sparkle. Subtle can still have a lot of impact.