What are you getting your mom for Mothers Day?
Taking care of your skin & your jewelry
December 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Its the little things we do everyday that make a difference
Its so important for all of us to take care of our bodies; to take care of our skin. The long term effects of skin damage can be deadly and all we have to do is just be a little more aware of how we care for ourselves.
This video has already been shared by thousands, but we believe its an important message worth sharing once again with all of you.
Taking care of your skin should be a priority but we also want you to care for your jewelry. Your precious jewelry should last for lifetimes and we want you to be able to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you first invested in it. Just like with your skin, it’s the little things that add up that can make a huge difference. When you apply sunscreen on yourself, or your daughter, remember to take all your jewelry off first. The chemicals and vitamin in the sunscreen can dull your jewelry and can be specially harmful to jewelry with enamel on it. If you do get sunscreen on your jewelry, just wash it off as soon as possible with chlorine-free water and a little hand soap, and dry it off with your clean towel. This will help preserve you fine jewelry for years to come. Its these little things we can do that can make a huge difference.
What little things do you do that make a big difference?
Gold Chains & how they’re made
November 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
There are an endless designs of gold chains and they are used by both men and women of any age. You can wear a gold chain with a trinket, a pendant, or on its own and make a simple yet elegant statement.
Have you ever wondered how your gold chain was made?
Gold chains are usually machine or hand made and made in different styles and patterns. They are made in 14K gold or 18K gold depending on the design and pattern. The length of any gold chain isn’t standard so there are no restriction to what you can find. There is a wide variety of gold chain styles, the most popular are: Omega Necklaces, Cuban Link Chain Necklaces, Wheat Chains, Snake Chain Necklaces and Rope Chains.
Omega Necklaces: Omega Necklaces are considered by many the most elegant of all. Omega Necklaces are chosen for special outings or everyday wear for utter comfort and style.
Cuban Link Chain Necklaces: Cuban Link Chain Necklaces are usually made from white or yellow gold in typical chain link patterns
Wheat Chains: These types of chains or necklaces are usually made to resemble to the grains of wheat and are made of different precious metals like Gold, Silver or Platinum depending on what you prefer.
Snake Chain Necklaces: The typical design pattern for this category of chains looks like the sleekness of snakes and are usually made from all available metals including stainless steel based on the specific demand by the buyers.
Italian Chains: The Italian chains are made from all available precious metals, gold, silver platinum, and are usually beautifully hand crafted and finely detailed.
What’s your favorite gold chain?
Do you know what your Birthstone is?
October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I know a lot of people know there is such a thing as a birthstone and a lot of people actually know and wear their birthstone, but do you know why or where all of this came from?
A birthstone is a gift of a precious material that symbolizes the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar. Birthstones can differ from culture to culture and there are several lists pertaining birthstones.
Just to give you a tiny bit of history, birthstones were originally believed to have been introduced by Josephus, a first century Jewish historian who proclaimed a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron’s (Moses’s older brother) breastplate (referred to in Exodus 28:17-20), the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year. He set up these stones in order and came up with what is still referred to today as our birthstones.
Do you know what your birthstone is? Well, there are now two lists you can follow; there is the traditional birthstones and the modern birthstones. They are:
And did you know you also have a birthstone for each day of the week?
The tradition of wearing your birthstone first gained popularity in Poland in the 15th century. The tradition suggested everyone wear the birthstone for each month (not just your own birthstone) since the powers of the gemstone were heightened during its particular month. For the fullest effect, individuals needed to own an entire set of twelve gemstones and rotate them monthly.
Do you wear your birthstone?
What are they wearing?
October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
So what are the girls who are out in the public eye wearing? We wanted to take a look at a bit of what jewelry today’s hottest child celebrities have worn in the not so distant past and what jewelry they’re wearing today.
Dakota Fanning, always simple yet elegant and very age appropriate.
In 2007 and later in 2010, Dakota wearing simple charms, a diamond cross and a gold peace sign.
Selena Gomez at the 2011 People’s Choice Awards wearing green amethyst and diamond drop earrings
And then again, in a more casual look with hoop earrings
Abigail Breslin also keeps her jewelry simple and elegant, very age appropriate.
Here she’s wearing a set of beautiful diamond earrings and a matching diamond charm necklace.
What are you seeing as jewelry trends amongst the youngest girls in Hollywood today?
How was your jewelry made?
September 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Have you ever wondered how your gold jewelry was made?
How did the jeweler start out with a piece of rough gold and transform it into that beautiful piece of jewelry you or your loved one is wearing?
Jewelry is created using several different methods but one of the most common is the ‘lost wax’ casting method. It was developed in ancient times and it is still used to this day, even though there are more modern tools now a days that have facilitated the process.
Gold has much higher density compared to other metals (which are used as alloys) so the higher the purity of gold the heavier the weight of gold jewelry. For example a chain of the same thickness will vary in weight if made in different karats of gold; the lightest being in 14kt and heaviest in 22kt gold. All the gold pieces we produce at Amalia are 18 karat gold. When we say 18Kt or 18k gold jewelry, we mean that 18 parts of the jewelry is gold and the balance 6 parts is some other metal or equal to about 75 percent gold plus 25 percent of some other metal alloy.The difference of the other metal or alloys of the metal, gives the jewelry its hardness and color.
Gold is melted down with the use of a hand-held blow torch, or kiln type oven, and once pliable, its put into a special mold where it hardens. The lost wax method is used when object that is to be created is first sculpted out of wax to the exact specifications to what the finished product is going to look like. After the wax sculpture is completed, it is then encased in a silica encasement, or in the case of jewelery, it’s encased in plaster. After the plaster encasement has hardened and dried, it is put into an oven or kiln. This will cause the wax to melt and burn out leaving its hollow image inside of the plaster encasement.
Later a plaster encasement with the hollow shape of the jewelry piece is placed into a casting centrifuge. This is a device that will drive molten gold down through an opening in the chunk of plaster by centrifugal force, where it will fill the hollow spot left by the wax melting out. After it has cooled, the plaster is broken open to reveal a beautifully crafted piece of gold jewelry where the wax sculpture once was.
Do you care & clean your jewelry properly?
September 9, 2011 By 1 Comment
Your fine jewelry is usually precious possessions you cherish.
Its designed and crafted to last a lifetime and hopefully to be passed down from generation to generation. However, proper care is needed to assure your jewelry can last for generations to come.
According to the Jewelers of America (JA), there are several tips to make sure you care for your jewelry properly. These are:
- Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
- Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
- Don’t jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. Pieces can scratch each other.
- Be careful when removing your jewelry to wash your hands. Do not leave your jewelry on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
- See your jeweler at least once a year to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear. Visit your jeweler every six months to have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
- There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewelry in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called “ultrasonic cleaners” and are available in many different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your jewelry at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry. Your local jeweler can tell you if an ultrasonic cleaning machine is right for your jewelry wardrobe and, if it is, recommend an appropriate model.
For gold, which can come in a variety of colors, such as white gold and yellow gold, the care is the same. Here are a few tips in caring for your gold jewelry, something we highly recommend with all of Amalia Jewelry.
- Remove all gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film, you immediately reduce the occasions your pieces will need to be cleaned.
- To clean your jewelry at home, you’ll find many commercial cleaners available. In addition, you will find a soft chamois cloth an effective and inexpensive way to keep your pieces lustrous and shining. Ask your jeweler to recommend both of these items for you.
- For certain gold jewelry, especially pieces that do not contain colored gemstones, an ultrasonic cleaning machine may be appropriate. Once again, ask your jeweler to advise you.
- Be careful of chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear gold jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
- You can remove tarnish with a jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush. An old toothbrush can also be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry. If there is a heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to clean any karat gold jewelry set with colored gemstones because some stones require special cleaning procedures.
- Grease can be removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into plain rubbing alcohol. Again, check with your jeweler about colored gemstone pieces.
We hope these tips help you in caring for your precious jewelry. There’s something so special about wearing and caring for pieces that have been in the family for generations, or buying a new piece you know will be passed on and become part of the family in some special way.
Pearls of the sea
September 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pearls, they are the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Jackie O or Coco Chanel. They are a staple in many women’s wardrobe and can have such a simple effect on any outfit. Pearls are a beautiful detail that can say so much without screaming, and can be the perfect accessory for any age, young or old.
Where do these beautiful round little gems come from? They are made up of a soft like tissue called mantle that comes from a of a living shelled mollusk. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, even though some don’t come out so perfect sometimes. The finest quality natural pearls (the ones that come out perfectly round) have been highly valued as gemstones. Did you know the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable?
Pearls are formed when an irritant is introduced into a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a substance called nacre which covers the irritant and produces what we later see and call pearl. Nacre is what gives pearls the rainbow of colors and luster that makes these gemstones so treasured, but its delicate nature also makes pearls so delicate and can be easily damaged. For this reason you should be extra careful with your cultured pearl jewelry. 
Here are some tips on how to care for your pearls or any piece of jewelry with pearls.
- Apply cosmetics, hair sprays and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry. When you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to remove any traces of these substances.
- You can also wash your pearl jewelry with mild soap and water.
- Do not clean cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives or solvents. These substances can damage your pearls.
- Do not toss your cultured pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag or jewel box. A pearl’s surface is soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges or by the harder gemstones of other jewelry pieces. Place cultured pearl jewelry in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away.
- Cosmetics, perspiration, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the threads on which the pearls are strung. Bring your pearls back to your jeweler for restringing once a year. Make certain the pearls are strung with a knot between each pearl. This will prevent loss of pearls if the string should break.
Do you have any special ways of caring for your pearls?
Amalia boutique
August 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Our store has been open now for a couple of months, and we wanted to give you an update on what’s going on.
Our first flagship store, located in Aventura, Florida, is a beautiful sanctuary for girls. We are now carrying not only our very own treasured jewelry line, Amalia, but we are carrying the latest and cutest clothes for girls of any age.
We carry beautiful, fun clothing lines like Cacharell, Antic Batik, little Paul & Joe, Custo Growing (from Custo Barcelona)
we have a big selection of American favorites like Flowers by Zoe as well
There’s something for every little girl, the rocker, the princess, the fun and daring. How adorable would your little girl look in this pink silk petals dress?
There’s only one way to check out everything at the store, and that’s stopping by to say hi.
We’re located at 18943 W Dixie HWY, Miami, FL 33180 or you can always call us, we’d love to hear from you (305) 373.3411
Cleaning Your Jewelry
August 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
How do you clean your jewelry?
Gold, the precious metal we all love so much, can get dirty over time. It won’t tarnish, but it can get pretty dirty and dull with your natural body oils, sweat, body lotions, makeup, actual dirt, etc. And if your little one is wearing the jewelry, well, we all know they can get into some sticky places that can get some unexplained gunk on jewelry.
So how do we take care of this precious metal so we can still see it shine, wear it with pride, and make sure it looks amazing for generations? The best thing you can do is to take it to a professional jeweler, they have the proper tools and products to make sure your beautiful jewelry is deep cleaned and polished, specially if the piece has delicate stones on it, or is painted with enamel. Try to do this at least once a year. But between professional cleanings, there are several ways you can care for your gold jewelry right at home, and get it shinning again like new.
The most common one, and easiest DIY way is with soap and water.
In a mix of mild dish detergent and warm water in a container, soak your jewelry for a few minutes to allow for the dirt or impurities to soften (about or around 15 minutes, depending on how dirty it is). With an old toothbrush, softly brush the piece until you feel it’s clean. Once you finish scrubbing your jewelry, which depending on how dirty it was should only take a few minutes, just rinse the piece with warm water until all the soap and residue are gone. Pat dry your jewelry and your set. Jewelry is clean and ready to wear again.
Do you have different ways of keeping your jewelry clean? We would love to hear them!
