CONGRATS LARUE& CO!!! WE ARE OPENING A STORE!!!

ATENCIONE!! We're thrilled to announce that LaRue & Co. New York is taking a significant step forward. Our little store is officially becoming a big girl with the launch of our very first brick-and-mortar location! Join us this Saturday, November 16th, in the vibrant Stockade District of beautiful Kingston, NY.

We've found a charming space built in 1921, situated on the first floor of a lovely house, right in the heart of the hustle and bustle. As Kingston continues to grow and flourish, we believe many exciting developments are ahead for LaRue & Co. We can't wait to share this journey with you and invite you to visit our new home!

Opening our first brick-and-mortar location brings a thrilling mix of exhilaration and pressure as we step into a significant new chapter for LaRue & Co. The joy of creating a physical space where our community can truly experience our artisan jewelry and home goods firsthand is immense, promising a connection that e-commerce alone simply cannot provide. Yet, with this excitement comes the weight of expectations—curating an inviting and warm atmosphere, effectively managing our inventory, and ensuring impeccable customer service, all while diligently maintaining our unwavering commitment to sustainability. We are eager to showcase an array of unique, ethically crafted pieces and to offer exclusive in-store goodies that genuinely reflect our values of inclusivity and environmental responsibility. This exciting journey is as thrilling as it is challenging, and we look forward to sharing every step of it with our beloved customers.

Moving back to New York feels like coming full circle, especially as I set my sights on opening my very own store after spending some valuable time upstate. Growing up in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, I've always dreamt of having my own business, and now that long-held dream is finally becoming a tangible reality. This is a blessing that not only allows me to embrace my deep-rooted connections to the city but also to share my unwavering passion for artisan jewelry and home goods with the community I hold so dear. The excitement of embarking on this new chapter is truly palpable, and I can't wait to contribute to the dynamic culture of New York while promoting sustainability and inclusivity through my carefully curated brand.

Opening my first store in Kingston, NY after just two months of living here has been an exhilarating experience. The sense of community has been overwhelmingly welcoming, with neighbors stopping by to introduce themselves and share recommendations for local eateries and shops. The vibrant energy of the neighborhood has provided a perfect backdrop for my artisan jewelry and home goods brand, reinforcing the values of sustainability and inclusivity that I hold dear. Every interaction feels like a new connection, and I am eager to contribute to the local culture while learning from those around me. This city, rich in creativity and camaraderie, has already begun to feel like home.

I wanted the store to be an ode to my 13-year-old self while also welcoming my 32-year-old self, reflecting the journey of life and growth. Designed with intent and a lot of love, I hope you love it as much as I do. The foyer beautifully blends old and new, showcasing my admiration for vintage NYC style with a contemporary twist. The first room captures the essence of my 13-year-old bedroom—fun, eclectic, and infused with rock and roll vibes. In contrast, the main room offers an elegant yet playful atmosphere, accentuated with a splash of edgy street style. Each corner of the store tells a story, celebrating both nostalgia and the present moment.

Join us this Saturday from 9 AM to close as we unveil our latest arrivals! We’re thrilled to share exciting new pieces that align with our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Stop by to explore our fresh collection of artisan jewelry and unique home goods. We can't wait to see you!

We want to hear from you! At LaRue & Co., your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to create the designs you love. What styles or pieces are you eager to see in our collection? Are there specific materials or themes you'd like us to explore more or less? Your feedback will help shape our future offerings and ensure that we reflect your values and preferences in our artisan jewelry and home goods. Share your thoughts with us—we can’t wait to collaborate on what’s next!

As always,

xo,

LARUE

we hang up our whites and clean our diamonds

Before the holidays begin, and labor day comes to an end, we hang up our whites and clean our diamonds, eagerly anticipating all of the wonderful festivities to come. Proper care for your diamonds is absolutely essential to ensure they sparkle at every occasion, whether you're newly engaged or preparing for glamorous galas, worthwhile fundraisers, or important work events. We must sparkle to make a splash!

If you don’t have a personal ultrasonic cleaner readily available in your home, a simple yet effective solution of Dawn dish soap and a soft-bristled brush will do the trick. Gently scrub your diamonds to effectively remove any dirt or oil buildup, and rinse them thoroughly under warm water for a dazzling and brilliant finish. Taking the time to maintain your jewelry not only enhances its inherent beauty but also significantly prolongs its life, ensuring you shine bright and stand out throughout the entire holiday season.

HELLO AUTUMN STATEMENT PIECES!!

Hello Autumn! As we step into the changing of the seasons it is the perfect time to elevate your wardrobe with statement pieces that reflect the world around you. As leaves turn and temperatures drop, incorporating bold, unique jewelry can add warmth and personality to your style. Layered necklaces, oversized rings, and textured earrings are trending this fall, enhancing both casual and formal outfits. Embrace rich colors and intricate designs that capture the essence of autumn while aligning with your commitment to sustainability.

Autumn is truly a beautiful canvas painted with warm and inviting hues, making it the ideal backdrop to beautifully showcase your stunning stones. Match the vibrant tones of this enchanting season with the sunny glow of warm citrine, which echoes the golden leaves gently underfoot. Bold emerald evokes the rich, deep greens of nature preparing for the brisk winter months ahead, as it stands out beautifully against the refreshing crisp air. For a touch of unmistakable sophistication, regal amethyst adds a luxurious violet note, reminiscent of the breathtaking twilight skies that grace our evenings. Embrace these beautiful colors with utmost confidence; let your jewelry reflect the unique beauty of the season while celebrating your own individual style. Be bold, be authentically you!

Dress up your casuals with our bold fine jewelry that effortlessly transforms even the simplest of everyday moments into something truly extraordinary and memorable. You don’t need a special occasion to showcase your personal style and unique individuality. Slip on that eye-catching necklace or those stunning statement earrings as you head to the bodega or while you run errands around town, allowing your jewelry to catch the light and spark interest. Why wait for the perfect moment when you can shine bright like a diamond any day of the week, radiating confidence. Embrace a bigger, bolder version of yourself this season—let your carefully chosen jewelry elevate even the simplest outfits and make a powerful statement that reflects who you are. Make every single day an occasion to express your unique flair and creativity through your thoughtful accessorizing choices, celebrating your individuality with every piece you wear.

Statement jewelry can be styled in both fun and elegant ways that truly allow for personal expression without overwhelming your overall look. Unless you want to then live your life babe! For instance, stacking multiple rings of varying textures and widths can create a bold yet refined hand statement that draws the eye and sparks conversation; try mixing a chunky gemstone ring with more delicate bands for a striking and visually interesting contrast. Similarly, adding to your bracelet stack works wonders for enhancing your personal style; consider layering a mix of charming bangles with a standout cuff that features intricate details and unique craftsmanship that catches the light. Remember, making a statement doesn't always mean opting for larger pieces; layering subtle, beautifully designed elements can elevate your outfit while maintaining that sophisticated edge and adding depth to your look. This playful approach encourages creativity and experimentation, and isn’t that what personal style is all about having fun and playing?

Elevate your style with an edgier piece that adds an extra pop to your look. At LaRue & Co., we believe in the power of individuality, and mixing metals is the perfect way to express yours. Pair our sleek, recycled silver with bold, warm gold tones for a striking contrast that catches the eye. You never know who you will meet or what connection you could create when you leave the house. So why not have fun with it! Fine jewelry doesn’t have to be boring and stuffy you make it what you want. Whether it’s a statement ring or a layered necklace, the possibilities are endless. Embrace your unique aesthetic and create a style that’s all your own while making an ethical choice for our planet. Discover how a touch of edge can transform your look today.

Design Process

Designing LaRue & Co. handcrafted fine jewelry involves a meticulously detailed process that prioritizes both sustainability and inclusivity. Each exquisite piece is thoughtfully created using high-quality recycled precious metals, reflecting our unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing and comprehensive environmental stewardship. The talented design team (aka me lol) draws inspiration from a range of modern aesthetics, ensuring that every unique item resonates with individuality, character, and style. Attention to detail is of utmost importance, from the initial sketch to the final polish, as I aim to produce beautiful jewelry that not only enhances personal expression but also aligns seamlessly with our ethical values. By embracing diverse influences and styles from various cultures and trends, we create collections that cater to all tastes, making our fine jewelry accessible and appealing to every jewelry lover, regardless of their preferences or backgrounds.

Nature serves as a profound and endless source of inspiration for my designs, with its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and organic textures seamlessly guiding my creative process. Each stone I carefully procure tells a unique and captivating story, reflecting the extraordinary beauty of the earth and the elements that have shaped it over millions of years. Whether it's the subtle, soft hues of a seashell or the bold, striking facets of a mesmerizing diamond, these natural treasures deeply inspire not only the aesthetic of my jewelry but also reinforce my unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. By allowing nature's wondrous offerings to significantly influence my work, I aim to create timeless pieces that resonate with both the wearer's spirit and the environment, celebrating the profound interconnectedness of beauty and responsibility.

The design process begins with an initial sketch, where abstract ideas gradually transform into tangible visual concepts, capturing the true essence and character of the piece. Each line and intricate detail is meticulously considered to ensure both functionality and aesthetics are harmoniously aligned. Once the sketch is finalized, I transition to the wax carving stage, where I shape and refine the model by hand. This tactile phase allows for a deeply intimate connection with the design, as subtle adjustments and enhancements breathe life into the piece. I truly love what I do, and put a lot of love into each LaRue & CO. piece. After the wax model is perfected to my satisfaction, it then undergoes the casting process, where the delicate wax is carefully replaced with durable metal, culminating in the stunning creation of the final jewelry piece. This thoughtful blend of traditional craftsmanship with innovative modern techniques ensures that each item is truly unique and genuinely reflects a profound commitment to artistry and sustainability that resonates with our values.

xo,

LARUE

LaRue & Co Brand Values

LaRue & Co Fine Jewelry For Humans is an e-commerce based handcrafted jewelry and home goods brand specializing in sustainability and inclusivity. We make it our mission to be as sustainable as possible, while also teaching sustainability to others in the industry.

We are size inclusive, offering a large array of sizes in our fine, artisan jewelry. Ring sizes range from 2 to 16.5 inches, with bracelets from 5 to 13 inches, and necklaces from 13 to 30 inches in length. Some of our more delicate jewelry tops out at 24 inches in length, as the delicate nature of the pieces is more likely to result in breakage at longer lengths.

Gender inclusion is very important to us, particularly in this day and age. We design LGBTQ jewelry, and our company is owned by a bisexual female who wishes to support her community. It is our opinion that material objects should not have a gender, and that anyone should be able to wear whatever suits their individual style and feels most comfortable. There are pieces for everyone in our edgy jewelry collection, including pieces considered more traditionally “masculine” or “feminine”.

We make it our mission to be as sustainable as possible, utilizing recycled precious metals and stones straight from the source, along with compostable and recyclable packaging and shipping materials. This can be challenging, as all of our tools typically come wrapped in plastic with oils to keep them lubricated. Lubrication with oils makes sense for machines with moving parts, but we feel that oiling tools does not make sense.

The sheer volume of packaging materials for the components of jewelry and home goods is overwhelming. We began with copious amounts of research to determine how to package our products in a way that is sustainable. We use compostable and recyclable mailers and bubble wrap from an amazing company called Hero Packaging. Our artisan jewelry boxes are made of compostable cardboard. We are currently working on a good quality compostable sticker.

LaRue & Co recycles our metals, meaning we melt older designs down to scrap metal over and over. We also try to find recycled metals, which have been melted down and reshaped. Another of our sustainable practices is buying stones for our ethical jewelry straight from the source, which removes the middle man, resulting in less travel and environmental impact. Buying stones from sources where they are native and abundant avoids digging up the earth to find them.

For example, emeralds are native to Columbia, Brazil, and Afghanistan. Purchasing them from other areas results in whole mining compounds just to locate one small deposit of stone, with the resulting machines and pollution. Opals are native to Ethiopia and Australia, and aquamarine is native to India. This is where we obtain the tradition of something blue for the bride to bring good luck!

We also make our natural soy wax candles sustainably, with essential oils that are better for your kids, pets, and yourself. We have a refill service where you can reuse the jars; or send one of your choosing to fill with your favorite LaRue scents. We also teach trade secrets such as how to determine whether stones are real or fake to make the best purchasing decisions. If you are looking for handcrafted, sustainable, inclusive jewelry and home goods, we’d love to hear from you!

xo,

LARUE

Choosing The Right Metal For Your Fine Jewelry

How do we decide which metal is the right choice for us, and why? As there are many different metal options available when selecting jewelry, we’d like to provide some information with regard to silver, gold, and platinum for fine jewelry, as well as 10k and 14k gold filled demi fine jewelry. Read on to learn all about metals, their properties and durability, and you’ll be in a better position to make an informed decision when buying handcrafted artisan jewelry!

Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. Sterling silver marked 925 is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% of other types of metal: typically copper, nickel, or zinc. Fine silver is significantly more expensive than sterling silver, is much softer, and less likely to tarnish. Fine silver is not suggested for rings, unless the wearer takes the utmost care with the piece. Fine silver is superior for necklaces or earrings which do not receive as much wear and tear as a ring.

Sterling silver does tend to tarnish due to moisture and humidity. We recommend keeping your sterling silver in a sealed airtight bag if you live in a high humidity climate, or plan on wearing those pieces to the beach. Although sterling may tarnish more quickly than gold, gold filled, or fine silver, white toothpaste does an excellent job as a silver cleaner and is more budget friendly than silver polish.

Most individuals are not allergic to fine or sterling silver, but may be allergic to the chosen alloy of sterling silver, depending upon what the particular jeweler utilizes for the piece. Typically, mostly nickel and copper are used to make the alloy that comprises the sterling silver we know and love today. Make sure to check the alloy type and content prior to purchasing sterling silver.

24K gold is 100% gold, and only seen in yellow, as that is the true state of the metal. 18k is 75% pure gold, and 14k is 58.3% pure gold, typically mixed with copper or silver. 10k gold is 41.7% pure gold mixed with some metals. Those listed above are industry standard, and most commonly seen in the market. In some countries, you may see 22k or even 9k, as well as other variations. For the purpose of our discussion, we are going to stick with the industry standard.

Visually, 24k is a warm yellow, with 18k a little lighter, and 14k lighter still. There is no such thing as rose or white 24k gold. 18k rose gold is comprised of 75% gold, 23% copper, and 2% silver. 14k rose gold contains 58.3% gold, 38.3% copper, 2.1% silver, and 1.3% zinc. For this reason, rose gold will generally be a bit less expensive than 18k and 14k gold.

18k white gold is 75% gold, 18.5% silver, 1% copper and 5.5% zinc. 14k white gold is 58% pure gold with 42% nickel or silver alloy. Hardness, price, and durability are a function of karat and alloy mix. 24k is great for necklaces, but very expensive. 18k is a great alternative for necklaces, earrings, or a bracelet, and is stronger. 14k is the strongest, and is best for the most durable jewelry, such as wedding bands.

There are many negative connotations with “gold filled” jewelry. Plating is a surface treatment over alloyed metal. Although affordable, it is not durable, particularly with lotions, perfumes, the ocean, etc. Vermeil is a thicker plating, but still a surface treatment which will wear away over time.

Gold filled comes in 14k or 18k only. It is a 1.5mm layer, typically 5% of the total weight of the piece, mechanically fused to a base metal, which is generally brass, not silver. Gold filled pieces are ten times stronger and thicker than a surface treatment like plating or vermeil. This means gold filled pieces will typically last up to 30 years before showing the base metal. It can be worn in the pool or ocean; and is great for sensitive skin. You get all the luxury of gold at a fraction of the cost, as it is categorized as demi fine jewelry.

Now that you are educated on the difference between metals utilized in fine jewelry, check out our selection of handcrafted, sustainable jewelry at LaRue & Company! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, so reach out to us for all of your artisan jewelry needs.

PRESS: THE NYC JOURNAL ARTICLE

https://thenycjournal.com/top-30-women-leaders-to-look-out-for-in-2023/

Recipe of the week #1

Alright I know what you are thinking… Uhm LARUE this is a jewelry store what are you doing? I know, I know! But why not? Listen, I am an artist through and through ok you guys? I love to paint, draw, play instruments and even dabble in darkroom photography. But most of all, I love to cook! It is the one thing in my life that truly ever makes sense to me. There is nothing better than dancing in my kitchen, after a long day and making myself, and my love, a comfy cozy meal. So, that being said, I thought it would be fun to do a recipe of the week every Wednesday. Who says you can’t do it all? Stay out of the box people!

Hmmmmmm what recipe should we do first? Well I did say comfy cozy right so lets start with three bean chili. This recipe is half recipe half just throwing things in your pantry together. But trust me when I say you’ll love this easy, midweek, feeds a bunch recipe.

Three Bean Chili

1 can corn

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 can garbanzo beans

1 package cubed butternut squash

1 container roasted red pepper tomato soup

1 package trader joes tofu chorizo

2 garlic cloves

First grab a big pot. I like to use a small dutch oven but any big soup pot will work just fine. Go ahead and do a big spiral of extra virgin olive oil at the bottom of the pot. Next, you are going to chop up the two cloves of garlic and throw that into the pot. You can use more or less garlic depending on your preference. I personally am a garlic whore so to me you can never have too much. Grab the tomato soup, shake and pour into your pot. That will be your base. Now, I love the one from trader joes; organic roasted red pepper tomato soup. It is quick and easy to make tomato soup from scratch but I love this one for a quick pinch. Drain the beans and corn and throw in the pot along with the butternut squash. Give that a big mix. Add the tofu chorizo next and give that a big mix so everything is equally distributed. Now, I know what you’re thinking, ewwww tofu chorizo? I know… But honestly with the rest of the ingredients it is sooo yummy. My husband even loves this recipe and he is a butcher for gods sake lol.

PRESS: SD VOYAGER ARTICLE

http://sdvoyager.com/interview/check-out-charlotte-larue-mazeys-story/

welcome to larue & co.

Hey guys! Welcome to LaRue & Co!

I thought it might be fun in my next post to introduce myself and welcome y’all to the LARUE family. I am Charlotte LaRue Mazey, Founder and CEO of LaRue&Co.- Fine Jewelry for Humans. Like the brand, I too am a born and bred New Yorker turned Arizonan turned San Fransiscan. Throughout my life art and fashion have been major aspects of what makes me the creative evil genius you all know and love today. From a young age I took interest in song/dance, fine art, fashion and design. So, it makes sense the path I chose includes most of those things here at LaRue&Co. Growing up was frustrating, just like many of my artisan peers, have likely experienced. I had a lot of authoritative figures try and discourage my vision of the future. Trying to make me prioritize subjects that didn’t interest me or had nothing to do with what I already knew would be my path. I am a dreamer. No one was going to change that. My brain processed differently than others(#ADHDBrain), I could see the big picture from a mile away. It also gave me an eerily calm nature but thats another story for another day.

For college, I went to the Academy of Art University in San Fransisco, to study Graphic Design. While there, I tasted many different avenues of art and fashion that little did I know would lead me down many different paths before I opened LaRue&Co. I honed in on my skills as a fine artist in paint and illustration along side darkroom and digital photography. I even dabbled in Interior design there for a second. Two years in, something changed in me and I knew I was burnt out and needed time to figure out what I wanted/ needed from this crazy thing we call life.

Six months later, I had the school itch again so I decided to take some classes at the city college out there. This time focusing completely on fashion. While in my intro to Image Consulting class I met a bunch of very talented humans that helped lead me down the fashion styling road. That summer was filled with freelance image consulting jobs, styling jobs, I even got to work on a couple of projects with a celebrity stylist(Victor Vargas)! I was having the time of my life so I made it my full time operation. That was the first time I got a taste of what it is like to be my own boss. I knew I was home. I had worked my way up and was being paid 100$ an hour as an image consultant and compared to my peers it had seemed that I had “made” it. Somehow I knew that this had an expiration date for me. So after countless events and photo shoots I wasn’t into it anymore.

I’ve always been the type of person to “if I want it, I can make it”and if I don’t know how to make it, I’ll learn. So, be that as it may, one day after a shoot I popped over to Haight-Ashbury to catch the bus home. I had wanted to get a new nose ring and I wanted it to be gold. Mine, alongside every other girl in her early twenties living in SF, had one in silver. I couldn’t find one. Anywhere. Gold plated, sure but none were solid gold. The shops that said they were solid gold lied to make the sale and or whomever the supplier was that they were using lied to them. None the less, it was driving me nuts! So, in true charlotte fashion, I said fuck it i’ll do it myself. Next thing I knew I was googling jewelry schools lol.

I went to the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts and studied under Alan Revere, Master Goldsmith. Among other amazing professors, it was love at first site. Metal, Fire, Design and fashion are you kidding me? Instantly obsessed!! After graduation, I knew I wanted to open my own shop. Etsy became my first home. Then after what felt like a lifetime, I made the jump to go off on my own and here we are.

So, welcome. Take a look around, and remember, you never know where your life journey will take you. Be who you want to be, say what you wanna say and always remember to play:)

xo,

LARUE

LARUE's Jewelry Care Guide

We all have our favorite jewelry pieces, but over time they can start looking worn out. From gemstones to diamonds to precious metals we all need a little refresh every now and then. Here are a few DIY recipes and tips to keep your gems sparkly and your metals mirror shiny.

Recipe 1: For metal pieces that do not have any stones, my favorite quick at home cleaner is your standard white tooth paste. It has a very mild abrasive quality that easily removes dirt and grime from metals fast. We all have it in a drawer and you don’t need a lot. Just a pea size amount and your fingers. I also like to use hot water with this method. Since the tooth paste is thick, the hot water gets all of the residue off. For hard to reach areas grab an old tooth brush or just a tooth brush that you set aside only for jewelry cleaning purposes.

Recipe 2: Dawn Dish Soap, Mr. Clean Liquid Cleaner, and a ziplock baggie. Taking a sandwich size zip lock bag add an inch of water, a good size drizzle of Dawn Dish Soap and a cap full of Mr. Clean Liquid Cleaner. Mix it together in the baggie. I specifically say Dawn because it is very gentle. There is a reason they use it to clean animals lol. Dawn also gives your jewelry that extra sparkle. Once mixed together you can add your pieces. I suggest doing one at a time so there is no risk of scratching. Once you place a piece in the solution, seal the baggie tight and your going to want to agitate the bag aggressively for 30 sec-1 minute for best results. You have just created your very own at home ultra sonic machine. Aka the machine they throw your stuff in when you go to the jewelry store to have your pieces cleaned. This method is best for pieces with stones because the solution will get under and around without risk of scratching the surface if you have porous stones.

Recipe 3: Dawn Dish Soap and a tooth brush. Dawn is very gentle yet tough on grime and dirt that gets stuck in nooks and crannies of your jewelry pieces. It is also a quicker solution than method 2. I only suggest this method for diamonds and metal pieces without stones. Remember to keep the tooth brush in a separate baggie for storage not to get confused with your actual toothbrush.

Now for overall care there are some things to keep in mind. Sterling silver is very sensitive to humidity. I learned this the hard way when I lived in San Fransisco, which is a highly humid place. Humidity will make sterling silver tarnish quicker than normal. Sterling silver is the most common of the silver alloys. An alloy is a metal mixed with one or more metals. Sterling Silver is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. That mixed with oxygen and sulfurous gasses in the air make the metal look dark grey/black which we call tarnish. Sterling tends to tarnish faster than other metals in general so it’s good to make this next tip a rule of practice. By keeping your sterling pieces in air tight bags or mini ziplocks, it will stop the tarnishing process. This is also the case for sterling silver that has been plated in gold. Although the gold will hold its keep for a while the silver underneath will start to tarnish whittling away the plating.

As far as tarnish is concerned Gold for the most part doesn’t get as affected. The true culprit for tarnish is the amount of copper mixed in the alloys. So that being said, 24k gold rarely will tarnish but 14k and lower are at a higher risk because there is more copper mixed in the alloy but even then it takes a long time. Keeping your jewelry in a closed box is always a good idea. A closed box will keep your pieces safer from the elements and away from dust and dirt. I personally have a terrible habit of not doing this. I have everything sprawled out on my dresser or in a bowl. Fortunately, I am also a goldsmith and have endless access to cleaning supplies and polishing cloths. I should probably work on practicing what I preach but I’m human. Polishing cloths are always great to keep around the house. You can grab a polishing cloth from jewelry supply stores and they run anywhere from 4-8$. Target, Walmart and Amazon also sell polishing cloths. The main thing is you want a double layered cloth. One has compound in the fibers and the other layer is to shine it up. For the most part there is not that big a difference between brands that i’ve noticed. Also, note to self, it doesn’t have to be for gold or for silver. The industry won’t like me saying this but it is just a polishing cloth…. the ones for gold and the ones for silver are exactly the same lol.

So to Recap: Keep your silver in baggies, your jewelry pieces in a closed box of some sort, and clean your pieces. I suggest cleaning maybe once every two to three months. I clean mine once a week but then again I’m a goldsmith. Also, as we discussed in a previous post, perfume/cologne and lotion first then put on jewelry pieces and watches. Thats all for now! Until next time….

XOXO,

LARUE

Suns Out, Gems Out!!

As summer is finally here, all we can think about is vacations, margaritas and that beach babe tan! Unfortunately our jewelry feels differently. I figured I would do a little PSA to help keep our gems and metals safe and looking fresh while facing the elements.

A few things to think about before you hit the beach, how important is my jewelry to me? Do I care about losing it? Now that being said I’m not saying you don’t care and or that you have to leave everything at home. Just food for thought. As a good rule of thumb, if a piece is expensive, LEAVE IT AT HOME. As humans, we swell when we are hot and and shrink when we are cold. Science. So when we are getting our beach babe tans, our hands and the jewelry on them are going to feel tight. As soon as you hit that beautiful salt water your hands shrink and leave room for lost items. Ocean currents can be very strong and snag the most secure gems and metals. Nobody wants that! Being a coastal native myself, a cool trick is to bring a thermos or some kind of a container to bury in the sand. This is great for all of your important belongings that need protection from the elements. Cell phone, keys, your grandmother’s engagement ring lol whatever valuables you have. Keep them in the container until you leave the beach.

Facing the elements part two:

• Tanning babes, gents, and non-binaries! Sunscreens and self tanners are not kind to your stones and metals. They can dull your jewelry and some even stain. Make sure to apply and dry before you put your sparkles back on.

• Married folks, there are a lot of companies (QALO, SafeRingz, Groove Life) that make rubber wedding bands. I suggest that you invest before wearing your bands and diamonds swimming, in the ocean, and for all water sport activities. They’ll stay nice and snug, while still letting the world know you’re hitched. Even the best goldsmiths can’t control who mother nature decides who stays and who goes.

• Jewelry with patinas! Patinas consist of any form of oxidation or surface treatment to a metal. These treatments are said to be semi permanent. Now being a goldsmith for many years I haven’t found this to be an issue with oxidation. Especially with using Liver of Sulfur and a sealing wax, I find the pieces last with full oxidation for years! In recent discovery, I have found that certain peoples sweat and salt water do hold the “semi-permanent” statement to be true. That being said if you have oxidized jewelry please leave them at home. Salt water is abrasive as well as sand and cannot be trusted.

PSA complete. So just keep in mind these little tips while enjoying your fun in the sun. BE SAFE! Happy Vacationing!!

xoxo,

LARUE