“Who comes with summer to this earth
And owes to June her hour of birth
A pearl should wear against her skin
Who’s innocence many a heart shall win.”

From one of the most modest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the pearl — a gem of unrivaled beauty and elegance. Historically, this exquisite nugget has been employed as a fanciful adornment for centuries. It is believed that the origination of assigning it as June’s birthstone dates back to biblical times, when people wore particular gemstones assigned to each month. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers created an official list, allocating the magnificent pearl as June’s birthstone.

The sophistical pearl brings to June-born its persona of unpretentiousness and purity. The simplicity of its form contradicts the iridescent color that lies just beneath the surface. Like its wearer, the pearl is radically understated, but at the same time is irrefutably precious. By nature, pearls have a beautiful luster and its semi-transparency makes it one of the most preferential gemstones among women. They appear in a variety of colors, dependent on the type of mollusk that yields it, along with the environment in which it resides. The most notorious of pearls is the time-honored, milky-white hue, but they are also produced in silver, cream, white, green, lavender, black, blue and golden shades as well.

Pearls are symbolic of wisdom acquired through experience. They are believed to draw wealth and good fortune, as well as offer protection to those wearing them. Recognized for their calming effect, pearls can balance one’s karma, along with fortifying relationships. It is also said that the gem denotes wholesomeness, generosity, integrity, and loyalty. Pearls are thought to be very effectual in treating a variety of health issue including the stomach, heart and spleen. Not only do they pacify the mind, but additionally stabilize mental steadiness.

Throughout the ages, pearls have been a passion, and even an obsession of people from all walks of life. In consort with being a beloved inclusion to a diverse assortment of jewelry pieces, they have adorned crowns, clothing, and even temples. They remain steadfast, being viewed as a mark of excellent taste and refinement. They are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child, in conjunction with being the symbolic piece of June-born persons. Pearls are truly nature’s perfect gift, suitable to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt, or for an elegant evening out!!

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Arguably the most popular gemstone on earth, the diamond is recognized as the birthstone for the month of April.  Although it is uncertain how various stones became connected with specific months, some speculate it dates back to biblical times when priest’s breastplates were adorned with assorted gems.  As time passed, the gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it, thus starting a tradition of wearing a different stone each month, as sort of a good luck charm.

If you or a loved one was lucky enough to be born in the month of April, you have bragging rights to the diamond being your birthstone.  Adopted from the Greek work “adamas”, meaning invincible, diamonds are known to be the hardest and most

resilient gems on earth.  They come in a wide variety of colors including black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow.  However, the clear, colorless diamond

is the most highly revered and renowned stone employed when recognizing

April-born babies. 

  

As an Aries (the zodiac sign for the month), you are considered to be an innocent person that shows a great amount of affection towards those you hold near and dear.  You are very strong-willed, yet kind and caring.  Your diamond birthstone is in theory presumed to be a direct reflection of these fervent, yet delicate character attributes.

 

For the fortunate individuals born in April, your diamond birthstone signifies love,

clarity, strength, and everlasting affection.  No wonder it’s a staple gemstone in engagement rings and wedding jewelry.    It is believed to bring good luck, protecting

its wearing from any type of misfortune.  During the middle ages, diamonds were thought to hold healing powers as well.  By heating the crystal and taking it to bed, it was believed that the stone had the power to draw out harmful toxins from the body, curing ailments of all kinds.  To this day many remain steadfast in this belief, regardless of whether it is their birthstone, or not.  Today’s diamond is also acknowledged for having an effect on an individual’s balance and clarity, and offers boosts of energy

when coupled with other gemstones.  It is also traditionally associated with mystery, romance, power and magic.

 

The April diamond birthstone has garnered the hearts of people worldwide, and since medieval times has remained the most coveted crystal to date.  It is the most famed

and fabled of all gemstones, famous for its sparkling fire attributes, durability, and rarity.  Deemed the King of all birthstones, the diamond is unequivocally the most prized and sought-after of all gems, making it the ideal choice for April birthday gifts.  No gemstone contains as much allure and interest as does the diamond!!

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Did you know Aquamarine is not only the birthstone for March-born babies, but it is also the stone of choice given as gifts for 19^th wedding anniversaries?  But, putting all of this aside, the stone has only grown in popularity among all people, in large part due to of its broad range of blue hue color variations.  The diverse range of the blue shades make the Aquamarine stone a perfect complement to spring and summer fashion wardrobes.

Deriving its name from the Latin words “aqua marina”, the gem was appropriately coined its title because of its many shades of blue, to blue-green, to sea-green uniformities.  The “water of the sea” gemstone has long been known to symbolize youth, health and hope, along with faithfulness, courage and friendship.  The serene color, reminiscent of the sea, is said to cool the temper, and allow those in fear to remain calm and level-headed.  Wearing such a stone allows one to stand stoic and in control, despite any provocation.  The reflective colors of the Aquamarine stone are representative of the soothing and relaxing emotions that the sea evokes in the human race.

 

The Aquamarine birthstone is mined in Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, Brazil, Mozambique and Madagascar, with Brazil being the largest source.  Hence, it is no wonder that in 1910 Brazil tendered the largest Aquamarine stone, weighing in at an astounding 243 pounds.  It was cut into smaller stones which yielded a total of over 200,000 carats.  Yet another of the biggest Aquamarine gems, also found in Brazil, was given the name Dom Pedro and is now being housed in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, for all to gaze upon.  Without a doubt, these were, and are two of the most remarkable gems to have ever graced our earth.

 

Pisces is the zodiac sign for the month of March.  Anyone whose birthdate falls during this month is blessed to have the blue majestic Aquamarine as their birthstone, symbolic of the watery domain where the fish live, tying in with the serenity and tranquility that it brings.

 

Like the new spring that comes each March, the cool and optimistic Aquamarine stone imparts a sense of youth and hope.   Whether it is your birthstone or not, adorn yourself in the soft blue hue of Aquamarine, creating a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.  Your mind, sprit and body will thank you!!

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C.D. Peacock sells premium jewelry from different brands. Fine jewelry made of gold should not tarnish, but the costume jewelry made from malleable metals, mainly brass, will eventually tarnish because it is natural for metals to get oxidized over time.

Every woman wants to look fabulous and elegant in gold earrings without breaking the bank, be it the studs, the drops earrings, threaders, teardrops, hoops, chandeliers, or dangling statement pieces, or any other earring type.

Different brands make trendy costume jewelry. The designer earrings are very artsy and gorgeous. Some brands you’ll find are Hearts on Fire, Gucci, Smiling Rocks, Chanel, Michael M., Nambé, and more.

Earrings made of gold, sterling, diamonds, platinum, and other expensive metals are too pricey, so different brands make fashion jewelry from alternative metals to achieve similar looks, but at cost costume jewelry tarnishes faster if not well taken care of.

These non-precious metals are gemstones made of glass. Often, resins, leather, or ribbons are incorporated.

This post will tell you why gold jewelry tarnishes and give you some tips to preserve its beauty for a long time.

What can cause gold jewelry to tarnish?

Gold jewelry tarnishes (discolors) when it's wrongly stored or when it gets into contact with cosmetics chemicals, water, sweat, lotions, and humidity. 

Costume or fashion jewelry metal is not real gold, so it is bound to tarnish. If you take good care of your gold jewelry, it can stay elegant for an extended period. Your environment, humidity, and temperature will affect how quickly costume jewelry discolors.

In fashion jewelry, some preferred cheap metals, also known as base metals, include metal alloys, brass, nickel, aluminum, copper, and pewter. They easily form into desired shapes without breaking. Often gold jewelry is not pure gold and has a metal mix and this is why it tarnishes eventually.

Here are some of the reasons why costume gold jewelry tarnishes.

Oxidation of the Copper within brass 

Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, and it naturally turns brownish as the copper oxidizes. 

You might find a greenish residue (verdigris) after wearing brass jewelry if you have sensitive skin. Sterling silver and gold are good alternatives for those allergic to brass. 

Chanel Coco Crush Hoop Earrings Beige gold

Improper Storage

Storing pieces of costume jewelry together makes them rub on each other and sometimes chip. Keep them individually in their respective cases when on the move or in your home.

If you mix up all types of jewelry - fine, fashion, or semi-fine jewelry - in one velvet pouch, in a big box, or in a drawer with a felt lining, this might be the reason why the gorgeousness of your earrings doesn't last. 

There is a particular way to store earrings when traveling or for later use, and that’s in individual ziplock bags or perspex jewelry organizers.

Open humid places with fluctuating temperatures wear down your pieces and result in tarnish, so don’t store them in your bathroom.

Make-up, body lotions, oils, and deodorants

Cosmetic products have chemicals that react with the metals included in fashion jewelry, which may cause them to tarnish. 

If you are fond of wearing your jewelry first and then cosmetics, body oils, and deodorants later, this is why your gold jewelry doesn't last. Put your gold earrings on only after applying lotions or make-up.

Spraying the earrings with perfume

If you spritz some perfume behind your ears or on your neck after wearing gold earrings, you will be horrified when they lose their shine so fast.

Sweat makes earrings tarnish

Jewelry pieces, like bracelets, and earrings, tarnish if they regularly come into contact with body oils, so remember to take them off when engaging in strenuous physical activities or during sleep. 

Some of us forget to remove studs when going to the gym, out for a run, or when hiking, then we wonder why they tarnish so fast. It's because of the sweat. 

Water can discolor jewelry

Water, especially salt water, can discolor or damage your gold jewelry, so you’d better remove them when going into the ocean.

Water splashes as you wash your face and lands on your earrings. Sometimes, you have a gold bracelet on, and you forget to take it off when washing your hands. This might result in discoloration.

Sulfur tarnishes any jewelry

Sulfur also quickly tarnishes any jewelry, including gold jewelry. Sulfur is in some pesticides, harsh cleaning agents, cement, and bleaching paper. 

Aside from being harmful to our bodies, it also hastens the wear and tear of jewelry. 

So, how do you keep your earrings as good as new? Keep reading; we have curated some detailed tips for you.

How to preserve gold jewelry

Most gold jewelry stays valuable over time and is an obsession for many. If you want to sell pre-loved gold jewelry on e-bay, Etsy, or any online shop, a pair of earrings, a necklace or a bracelet is an asset that will fetch a good amount of money, so it’s important to keep them in pristine condition. 

Here is how to do that:

Use proper storage

Store your gold jewelry pieces in their cases as individual items or in ziplock bags. Also, arrange them according to metal and type (fine, costume, semi-fine) in a perspex jewelry organizer. The perspex box should be rubber-lined. 

MICHAEL M CARVE KNIFE EDGE NECKLACE

You can do with the drawer type or the stackable option, but whatever you choose, do not use the drawers with felt linings as they oxidize jewelry.

Avoid storing your earring in a bathroom or any humid place.

Also, avoid contact with water, and if you must, wipe them dry with a soft cloth. Keep gold jewelry dry at all times, away from acids, detergents, or chemical solutions that would cause them to discolor.

Take good care of your gold jewelry

At least once a month, wipe down all your earrings with the lint-free soft cloth used to polish silver or gold. That's to take off the grime and dirt build-up and keep them shining. Do not use water in this process.

It would be best if you could wipe them after each use to rid them of moisture, lotion, and sweat. 

Put on your gold jewelry after applying your perfume and make-up to avoid staining and discoloration.

You could also spray them with an anti-tarnish spray.

Don't go to the gym, sauna, swimming, or take a bath with your earrings on.

Do not over-expose your costume jewelry to sunlight or LED lighting.

Follow the brand’s recommended care instructions, such as always putting them in their jewelry box after use to keep them in perfect condition.

Conclusion

You cannot be carefree with your gold jewelry and expect the pieces  to stay in perfect shape for a long time. It would be best to keep them clean, dry, and away from cosmetic chemicals, detergents, moisture, sweat, sulfur, and water. 

Also, use an anti-tarnish spray to preserve them.

Periodical gentle rubs with a lint-free soft cloth will keep the shine. 

Additionally, carefully follow the care instructions for each purchase and store them in their cases or perspex jewelry organizers.

Did you gawk at some gold jewelry pieces recently? Have you longed to add some earrings to your collection? C.D. Peacock has some beautiful Coco Crush Hoops that you could pair with denim and a boyfriend jacket or blazer for a casual look. 

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