- Apply lotion, cosmetics, hairspray and perfume before dressing in jewelry.

- When putting on/taking off your jewelry, wipe each piece with a clean soft cloth to remove oils and perspiration.

- Store in a fabric-lined box, separately or individually-wrapped in tissue to prevent scratches.

- Never wear jewelry when doing physical work such as housekeeping, gardening or exercise.

- Never expose jewelry to household cleaning products.

- Never expose jewelry to chlorine swimming pools or hot tubs.

- Follow the instructions appearing on the label or box.

- Clean in a secure location, not the rim of a sink where a piece may slip down the drain.

- Use only a soft brush, never sharp or hard objects, to remove dirt or particles.

- Clean your jewelry often; lotions, soaps and skin oils alter the optical properties of diamonds and gemstones, causing them to look dull.

- Seriously soiled jewelry should be cleaned professionally.

- Clean diamond jewelry with a soft brush dipped in warm water and mild detergent; rinse under running water.

- Never expose pearl jewelry to chemicals or solvents and store each piece in a soft bag.

- Don't expose colored gemstones to chemicals, solvents or ultrasonics without knowing their specific cleaning requirements.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creat- Keep your Lab Reports/Certificates & Appraisals in a safe location, separate from jewelry pieces, for security.

- Have your jewelry cleaned and checked by a professional for worn mountings, loose prongs and general condition at least every 6 months.

- Have white gold re-plated, platinum re-polished and prongs re-tipped as necessary to maintain original condition (generally every 24 months or so).

- Have frequently-worn pearls restrung as necessary, with a knot between each pearl to prevent loss if the string breaks.

- Some colored gemstones should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes; know your pieces and their needs.

- Select daily-wear jewelry that is in harmony with your lifestyle and schedule of activities.

- Treat each piece as if it were a family heirloom, for someday it may be.ive project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.