Gift Guide 3/3 - Perfect Bracelet

Finding perfect bracelet could be difficult especially if you are going to buy it as a gift but also finding perfect bracelet for yourself that fit fit perfectly can be challenging.

Bracelets are available so many different variations ⎯ with clasp, stretchy ones, with charms or without charms, different beads and pearls, leather ones etc. 

What should you know before searching bracelet that will fit you? 

Firstly, you need to know your wrist size or if you buy the bracelet as a gift then recipient´s wrist size. The wrist size you can measure yourself at home, you just need couple things to do that.

Measuring your wrist size:

- Take pencil or marker

This image shows how you should measure your wrist size with strip of paper

- Take non-stretchy string or narrow piece of paper (it´s important that the string or yarn what you use for measuring your wrist size is non-stretchy because otherwise the measuring result can be wrong)

- Wrap the string/paper around your wrist and mark where ends meet or hold it with your other hand.

- Take a ruler and measure the result against the ruler

- Add half or one inch measure result so the bracelet what you are going to buy have some room move and you can also bend your arm normally

The perfect size bracelet is too big, if it fall out from your hand when you face it towards the floor. Bracelet is also too big for you if you flew out from your wrist when you gently shake it.

Perfect length bracelet should be snug fit but not squeeze from anything or feel otherwise too tight. Make sure you have enough room to use your hand normally (that´s why I personally recommend to add half or most often one inch more in the measure result). 

 Above image works on bracelets which have clasp but how you measure if the dream bracelet you want do not have any clasp?

Image on the left works for bangle bracelets and also cuff bracelet which do not have any clasp. They are meant to slide through your hand. The image have detailed instruction how you can measure if you are going to buy bangle or cuff bracelet.

Some bracelets are stretchy which will "forgive" minor measuring errors but if there are missing several inches or centimeters the stretchy bracelet will not look good in your wrist. Buying stretchy bracelet, I will recommend to use method that I have represented on the first measuring photo.

The stretchy bracelet can have snug fit or little bit loose but it shouldn´t be too tight. How you know when the stretch bracelet is too tight? Well, the beads or pearls doesn´t go evenly around your wrist. Most stretchy bracelets are made of strong elastic cord (usually translucent color) and if this is visible, your bracelet is slightly too small for you. Another good thing is to keep in mind when your stretch bracelet might be too small is when you take it off and pattern of the beads stays on your skin little while.

Cuff bracelet is like a bangle bracelet but

isn´t closed. Cuff bracelets are meant to

fit tightly on the wrist. Adjust the cuff so

it doesn´t pinch.

Finally few bracelet length that might help you buy perfect bracelet.

• Standard women´s bracelet length: 6.5 - 7 inches (7 inches is most common)
• Standard men´s bracelet length: 7.5 - 9 inches (8 inches is most common)
  
  Above measurements are only average lengths what women and men usually use but every people´s wrist size vary like ring size.

I hope you find your dream bracelet that pleases your eyes or when you look at the specific bracelet, it immediately remind someone close to you. I hope my blog post help you determine which length bracelet you should buy.

~ Minna

PS. Feel free to comment or share my blog post on your social media 😉

Gift Guide 2/3 - Buying Necklaces For Her

It´s middle of the October and more and more Holiday stuff are arriving in the stores.

Many haven´t yet awake for buying Christmas gifts for friends and family. If you planning to buy gifts for friends and family on Etsy, take note where the store is locate. Just before Christmas when last shipping days are approaching the Postal system have rush and delivery may be delayed week or two.

Avoiding Christmas hustle, shopping online at home is most relaxing. You don´t need to wait to pay your purchases but buying online is also difficult when you don´t see the actual product. It´s important that the seller provide all the size and measurement so that you can decide.

Today I´m going to tell you how to buy necklaces for special woman in your life.

Before you run to buy expensive or less expensive necklace for her, take a note what kind of jewelry she normally like to wear.

It´s also good to pay attention does she like to wear silver, gold, rose gold, bronze or copper jewelry.

Rose gold offer alternative choice for usual gold jewelry and women who like to normally wear gold jewelry also likes the rose gold ones.

After deciding necklace color, take a moment to think what length the necklace you would like.

I have used this image to shows different necklace length where different length necklaces approximately will fall.

Of course, it can vary too since our neck circumference vary from
each other but the image gives good guideline.

Most common length are Princess and Matinee length necklaces that usually fit most of us.

If you don´t know what length you should buy, take your favorite necklace and measure it against the ruler or if you don´t have any favorite jewelry that you can measure, stand in front of mirror and take non-stretchy string/cord and place it around your neck. adjust it until it looks good to you and then measure it against the ruler. That way you have the measure in order to buy proper length necklace.

As you may know, necklaces comes nowadays so many different kind variations.
Now you have decided the chain color and length you want. Let´s think next what kind of necklace you like.

Collar and choker necklaces are usually between 12 - 16 inches and very popular among the young people. Both of these kind necklaces goes just around your neck. The necklaces can be crocheted, different types chains, with or without charms, leather string or piece of velvet fabric. Collar and choker necklaces can be wear with jeans and formal dress. Events: Cocktail party, formal casual party, business meeting.

Princess and Matinee necklaces are usually between 17 - 24 inches and necklace goes on your bust. This length necklace is most popular one because the necklace won´t tangle up. Princess necklaces can be wear with open collar shirts, cozy sweater to boat necks and evening gown. and Matinee necklaces can be wear with turtle neck tops or tailored shirts. Events: Wedding, office, business, casual and evening out.

Opera necklace is usually between 28 - 34 inches and necklace goes on your bust or inch or two below that. Opera necklace can be wear with any high necklines or evening dress. Events: Formal event, night out, opera or other similar events.

Rope necklace is usually over 45 inches. Generally rope necklace will fall somewhere around your waistline. Rope necklaces are ideal for those who wants to stand out from crowd. Rope necklace can be wear blue jeans and t-shirt to elegant gown. Events: evening out, everyday, formal events.

Choosing right necklaces for you, is also good to know your face shape, what kind of body type you have and even your height.

I bet none of these things didn´t across your mind that these things can affect what kind of necklace is right for you.

Sounds too hard? It actually not. Most of time people automatically choose things that naturally suited for you. Like specific colors, clothes and even jewelry.

Face Shapes

If you have round or oval shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 20 - 26 inches. Necklace will elongate your face.

If you have square or oblong shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 14 - 16 inches or 17 - 19 inches long. Necklace will make your face look longer.

If you have heart shape face ⎯ choose necklace that is between 12 - 13 inches or 16 - 18 inches. Necklace will soften your face angles.

Height

Short – If you have a shorter frame of 5'4” or below, then look for necklaces that help elongate your frame, but not hang too low. If you are looking for a shorter necklace try the 16”-18” length, as this should fit your proportions correctly. When looking at longer necklaces, try between 20”-24” as this will hang effortlessly.

Regular Height – Luckily those that are between 5'4” and 5'7” can wear any necklace length, but remember to consider your face shape and body type before you buy.

Tall – With a taller frame you can usually wear any necklace length, but longer styles will work particularly well as they will accentuate your height. When looking at shorter styles, ensure that the necklace size complements your face shape before you buy.

Body Types:

Pear shaped – As your body is smaller on the top then it is at the bottom, look for necklaces that help broaden your shoulders. Necklaces that are 18”-24” work well as they sit just above your bust and draw attention towards your upper body.

Athletic – Those that have an athletic shape can typically wear any type of necklace, although longer necklaces can help elongate your body more.

Hourglass – For an hourglass shape, try a necklace length that just sits on your décolletage to help accentuate your curves.

Inverted Triangle – With broader shoulders, longer length necklaces will help bring the eye down to your waist, highlighting the smallest part of your body.

Now that you understand what necklace suits you, it’s time to explore the wide world of necklaces. 

~ Minna

Gift Guide 1/3 - What to buy as a gift?

Can´t believe it´s October already and in the stores has arrived little Christmas stuff. I know it´s too early for someone and some even irritate to see Holiday stuff so early in the stores but I think it´s because of economic situations.

People has less money to expense and stores wants to extend biggest and short Holiday time so it starts earlier and earlier every year. I know some people might be precise where to use money and what to buy, some people won´t even noticed Holiday stuff in the stores and some might woke up that he/she needs to buy something for family and friends. Christmas is after all such a short Holiday season so everyone tries their best to get customers buy from them and lure them with special offers.

I personally love Christmas time although my childhood Christmas never was so happy but as a adult I have found it´s warmth and love. Love to spend it with friends, eat good foods and watch Christmas related movies but I´m here to actually represent to you 30 + 5 gift ideas what to buy when you don´t know the recipient´s size.

30 + 5 Gift Ideas For Everyone

1. GIFT CARDS
Buying gift cards is more stylish way to give a gift than money. In Finland we most often give money as gift in the envelope when we don´t know what to buy. This way, the recipient can decide where to spend it but buying nowadays gift cards can be bought so many different stores and with gift cards can be buy also services like Spotify and Netflix.

2. CANDLES

Who resist beautiful good scents candles? Candles are wonderful gift idea especially  when daylight hours are so minimum. Here in Finland we have few daylight hours and rest of days are usually dark so personally I love to burn candles in the evening. They bring such a warm light in the room and creates cozy feeling with warm blankets and hot chocolate. If your friend is too sensitive for scented candles and tealights, you can still buy nice candles that do not have any scent.

3. COFFEE OR TEAS

Coffee and teas are excellent gift choices if your friends and family love to drink one or both of these regularly. I´m coffee lover and I once bought for my grandma special coffee mix which was Vyborg mix since she was from there originally but moved with time to Finand. So go for barista and make some special coffee or tea mix for a friend or for your family member. This way you can tell simply how much she/he means to you.

4. BOOKS

Books are easy gift to give any book lover friend and they are also easy to wrap. You just need to know their favorite author or what kind style books your friend or family member love to read. Books can be novel, cook book for culinarist friend, hobby related books or travel book to friend who like to travel some special place.

5. NOTE BOOKS

My dearest friend love note books. She got plenty but always want more. Note books are also easy gift idea since note books are empty and your friend or family member can decide what to write in there or maybe draw some sketches. Some note books have dot lines, other just lines and some note books have empty pages so these will go for friend who love to draw.

6. FRAGRANCES & PERFUMES

Fragrances and perfumes are pretty easy gift choices too. I love to buy perfumes for my friend but we have known each other over 20 years so it´s easy to know what kind perfumes other will mostly like. Before you run to buy a perfume or any other fragrance have conversation with your friend or family member what kind scent she/he like. Most certain choice is some light scented perfume that usually go for work or daytime use. Stronger scented perfumes and fragrances goes more night time use.

7. SELF MADE TREATS

Self made treats are good and special gifts. If you recognize yourself little baker, you can easily made yourself special decorated treats as a gift. These can be self baked cakes, cookies, buns or even homemade candies are easy to do. Just Google a recipe and try to do some treats.

8. SOCKS

Wouldn´t you guess that socks are actually pretty easy to buy as a gift? They actually is. Socks are usually based on shoe size (at least here in Finland) so you can quickly peek your friend´s shoe size without she/he noticed it and buy pair of socks. I personally love fuzzy and soft socks that you can wear in home when floors are cold. Socks are also most wearable thing that quickly worn out. Out there is so many socks and styles. Some of them have humor text in the bottom like "If you can read this, bring me glass a wine" etc.

9. MUGS, WATER BOTTLES, COFFEE CUPS

Mugs, water bottles and coffee cups are also great choices as a gift because they are usually something that everyone of us uses daily. 

Mugs with some cute picture or fun inspiring text are always lovely gift and makes happy in the morning. 

Water bottles also comes as personalized options. Many water bottles have some beautiful picture or inspiring text on it reminding that drinking water during day. Some water bottles even have flashing light to remind that is time to take a sip of fresh water. Water bottles are also great gift for sporty friend who always love to grab water with in the workout.

10. PETS

Pets may not come first in your mind but they are actually cute gift idea. They cannot wrap like other thing I mention here but you can put some nice bow in their collar or around their neck. Before buying a pet, you need to know if the recipient have any allergies. Many people are allergy for cat or dog hairs but maybe small aquarium works.
 

11. PECIL CASES

If you can sew, pencil cases are pretty easy to sew yourself. Sewing yourself is beneficial especially when you want to create something unique that store do not have. Also pencil cases can be used as a make-up bag too. In the pencil case fit example lip gloss or lipstick, eyeliner and small mirror. Any student would probably appreciate pencil case since pencils goes so handy in the case and found in one place whenever needed.

12. STATIONERY STUFF

I must admit that I personally am little obsessed with stationery stuff. I love to go bookstore and see what new stationery stuff they might have. I love to found new pencils or special design pencil holder or cup. So if your circle of family friends have enthusiastic office worker, focus the gift idea into office supplies and stationery stuff of which he/she might get excited or like. 
Calendars are also great gift idea and also meeting folders.

13. NECKTIES

Neckties and bow ties and wonderful and easy gift ideas when you don´t know what to buy for him. Neckties and bow ties comes so many variations where to choose. There are even funny ones which have lights or even music. Make sure your if you buy amusing necktie or bow tie the recipient will think same (inner circle joke).

14. CAMERAS
Every family or friends have at least one enthusiastic photographer who always love to take photos of family event, parties etc. Cameras are wonderful gift idea for those who prefer take their photos with actual camera and not with their cellphones although they have pretty good cameras too. If you happen to find vintage camera for a camera collector friend, I´m sure she/he will excited about it. 

15. LAPTOPS
Laptops are expensive gifts but so handy. Many uses laptop daily for scrolling internet, to pay their bills, explore social media, look for jobs etc. Many of use laptop during studies or work. Laptops are often use also connection between family and friends.

16. HANDBAGS, PURSES, BACKPACKS, BELT BAGS

Different bags are pretty easy gift ideas. Handbags, purses, belt bags and backpacks comes so many variations and different labels. Most important thing when you select handbag as a gift is to focus how the recipient would carry it - in their hands or does she/he like to carry it on their shoulder. Also how tall/short the recipient is could affect the size of the bag. For small and short people you should buy prefer small handbag since too big bag doesn´t look good. Also choosing any bags is good to consider what kind of stuff the recipient most likely would carry example if she/he carry most often work papers and laptop, then you should choose bag for them. 

17. COSMETICS

Me and my friends are so called "cosmetic monsters". We love to give and receive any cosmetic related gifts. I´m currently planning cosmetic gift basket for my mom. She love to use them but doesn´t know which are suitable her anymore so I thought to collect nice basket with basic cosmetics. Good cosmetics gifts can be buy as a set example shampoo, conditioner and some leave-in treatment for hair or hair mask. Good set can be also consist of day cream, night cream and eye gel/cream. Set doesn´t necessarily include any eyeshadows, liquid foundation or lip glosses where you need know the shade.

18. TOWELS

Who wouldn´t love nice, thick soft towels? These are lovely gift idea especially if your friend or family member love to take baths. Soft and thick towels makes luxury feeling and they are also warm to wrap around your body after the relaxing bath. If you want to create home spa feeling, buy also good scented candles and soft slippers. After the long bath the stressful day is forgotten and weekend can be start in most relaxation way.

19. SCARVES

Scarves are classic gift idea. They come in silk, knitted, crocheted, cotton, fur, faux fur etc. Nowadays, scarves can be oversize so it can be wrap multiple ways around your neck. Some scarves are tube scarves which are easy to wrap around your neck or if they are short tube scarves, they can be just slip through your head. I bought one of these kind scarves for Winter. It have faux fur in the inner side and outside is looks like knitted. It´s easy to slip it just through your head without thinking what kind of scarf knot I want today. 

20. ACTIVE WATCHES

For active and sporty people always love to receive sport related things. My friend cave me couple years ago Swarovski crystal decorated sport watch which I love. It´s feminine and it can be use otherwise too, not just when I go jogging. Sport watches have so many different features and styles so before buying any sport watch, try to figure out what the recipient wish for it. Also prices vary from each other. I recommend to start something simple active watch which shows you time, steps, calories and how active you were today in percentage.

Some active watches can also show blood pressure and heart beats. Of course these are not 100% certain but shows guidance.

21.WALLETS
Wallets are easy gift ideas too. Some like to real leather ones, other faux leather and some fabrics one. Wallets comes so many different design and variations. It´s important to know the recipient little more closely so you can decide which kind of wallet is best. Nowadays, most of us don´t have money, all paid with cards so keep in mind when buying wallet which feature is most needed - places just for cards, places for cards and cash or just for cash. Wallet can be made for yourself if you are crafty person or buy it from store.

22. ONE SIZE GLOVES

Surprisingly many things comes nowadays in so called one size. This usually means that the material is flexible but not endless flexible so one size is good choice when you don´t know the recipient´s hand, head or foot size. These kind product usually go for almost anyone even adult. One size gloves are usually light and machine knitted gloves which goes well for Autumn time and in the Winter, you can use these gloves also underneath some gloves to keep your hand warm. Some one size gloves have touch-screen finger which is ideally good but when I tested these at the store and they didn´t work for my Iphone so test the touch-screen finger at the store before buying. Some might work but don´t rely on the tag completely.

23. SHAVERS, TRIMMERS & BEARD ACCESSORIES
So you have proud beard friend or husband who like to take care of his beard. All kind of beard trimmers and shavers are probably most welcoming gift idea for this fellow. Also there are available beard waxes, balsams and conditioner oils, shaping scissors, different kind combs and brushes. If you beard friend love to braid it or decorate it with something, there are also available different kind beard beads.

24. BED LINENS
Bed linens are quite popular gift idea here in Finland. I bought last year for my friend bead linens when I happen to find beautiful Vallila (Finnish family business which sells interior fabrics carpets, curtains, wallpapers etc.) duvet and pillow cover set. I also bought pink sheet since she love everything pink. Before buying bed linens, all you need to know which size bed the recipient have (single, twin/double, king). 

25. BROOCHES 
Brooches are nice gift idea and I´m not talking about just traditional brooches. Brooches comes nowadays with crystals and rhinestones which are excellent choice if the recipient love sparkling jewelry. Some brooches are made of different gemstones or resin. Brooches are also made from photo or have some other picture in the under of the glass dome. In my Etsy shop I have bronze brooches which have different butterfly picture. Brooches can be use in the jacket, blouses, bags or hats. Many also use brooches as a scarves too to hold up two ends together.

  
26. KEYCHAINS
Keychains are good gift ideas too. The key chain can be inspirational quote, initial letter, made from different beads or simply have some metal charm in it. Also keychain can be a tag where is engraved the recipient´s name, calendar, latitude/longitude in some special place. Keychains are good gift idea for couple, pet lover or enthusiastic car friend who surely love to receive keychain with his dream or favorite car model logo.

27. LIGHTERS
Smoking is a bad habit but still lighter with engraved name is popular. Lighters can be also have some logo or other picture. Most unique lighter is shape of bullet which can be found on Etsy. Also lighter case is nice additional gift idea.

28. FOR SPORTY PEOPLES
For sporty and active people gift ideas are easy when you can buy something that they can use in their hobbies. Yoga friend would probably will delight of new yoga mat or yoga clothes. Also yoga strap, ball, blocks or circles are good gift ideas that can be used during yoga practice. A friend who like to jogging would probably love to receive new running sneakers, new sport pants or shirts. So think about some hobby and try to figure out what you would need if you go to do  the same hobby.

29. COLORING BOOKS FOR ADULTS
I´m sure you probably laugh when you read this title or think whaaat, this is childish but it actually not childish at all. Studies have shown that stress level will decrease when adult is using coloring book. Coloring images is stress relieving therapy. My friend bought for my coloring book for adult and I love to color it time to time. I find it so relaxing and after coloring I can focus more important things better.

30. PICTURE COLLAGES
Picture collages are wonderful gift idea. In the collage you can gather your favorite photos in one place. Happy memories are always nice to hang on the wall. I made for a friend picture collage of inspirational quotes. Just needed to save images from the internet and printed them out. After buying suitable frame, I planned the picture collage and wrap it. So picture collage can be made several things, let your creative side step forward.

And I promise to you 5 more gift ideas what to buy to family, friends, boss or co-workers when you don´t know what size they will use.

1. DVD:S & CD:S
Does someone in your friends or family collect dvd:s or dc:s? These are easy gift idea when you know what type movies she/he likes to watch or listen. Buying movie from favorite actor can´t go wrong or buying new cd from her/his favorite artist is most likely welcome gift. My friend have actually bought for me my favorite artist cd and must say, I love to receive it and every time I listen it, I remember that it was gift from my friend too.  

2. BOARD GAMES & JIGSAW PUZZLES
Board games and puzzles are good gift ideas too. Buying broad games will bring friends and family close and everyone have good time. Out there are so many different kind board games example for couples - Relationship building games, quizzes like who wants to be a millionaire or trivial pursuit. Puzzles are also good gift ideas. I´m not just talking about traditional 1000 pieces puzzles. Nowadays, you can buy puzzles that are 3D, glowing in the dark or have metal glow. Some places you can design your own jigsaw puzzle from your favorite photo.

3. JEWELRY TREES
Does your friend or family member have a lot of jewelry? If so, buying jewelry tree can be good gift idea. Usually trees are meant to hang couple necklaces and earrings but if your friend or family member have a lot of them lying around table, you should buy bracelet racket, necklace hooks or earring racket where can be hung several jewelry. That way she can keep her precious jewelry in organize and found them whenever she needs them. I bought for my friend bracelet racket although it can be self made too if you are crafty person but buying them in ready are usually more sturdy. 

4. SHIATSU MASSAGE
Having a back pain and no time to go for masseur? Consider to buy a shiatsu massage chair or pillow which can easily use whenever suits for you. My friend bought to me shiatsu pillow. It´s handy because I can place it anywhere near wall plug and enjoy the massage when I read or watch my favorite movie. Shiatsu chair is also comfortable. There´s available separately shiatsu chairs but also seats that can be place any high back chairs. Shiatsu massage is very gently massage method which works well is the pain area is very sore.

5. TECHNIQUE ACCESSORIES

Do you belong those people who always look new technique accessories? If yes, these gifts are for you. Technique people would love to receive any portable charger for their phones, cordless headphones, USB devices etc.Also Ikea offers work lamp which have wireless chargers so you´ll get a lamp for reading or studies and charge your phone at the same time. There´s also available all kinds of safety glasses, solar chargers, waterproof cover bags for phone, wireless speakers and USB plugs where you can charge three or more device at the same time. I´m sure any technique accessory lover would be happy to receive any of these kind gifts.

I hope these tips will give you guidelines and ideas what to buy for family, friends, co-workers etc. Love to hear your comments too so feel free to comment and tell more good gift ideas. 

~ Minna

Jewelry Care

Do you know that feeling when you have in mind perfect jewelry with your outfit and finally found it but sadly it got darken over times and needed it now? 

Many woman can relate this feeling but I will tell you how to take care of your treasured jewelry so they would stay longer beautiful and useful at any time you need them.

Firstly, let´s talk about why jewelry get darken so easily. 

Did you know that darken is result of many factors? You may think what factors but when you think your day as a view of jewelry, you probably get the idea what I´m talking about. 

So let´s play little. Imagine that you are necklace. 

Someone hang you in their neck. You hang there all day long. Firstly you get skin oils, perfumes and other cosmetics. Then you heading out without any coat. You get traffic pollution and pollen from trees and flowers. All stick to you. Where ever you go, every smells and dusts can stick to you. Then after day, you hanged back in place to rest. So no wonder, you get darken.

Many probably think that I´m too busy to take care every jewelry that I have but actually jewelry care do not require a lot of time, it only require regular and consistent routine.

I´m so called silver-girl because I love to wear silver jewelry. 

I have jewelry trees where I have earrings and necklaces. They expose all the time in dust, food smells and moisture when I have done laundry or weather is rainy. My jewelry gets darken easily and I don´t wear them as often as I would like to. I´m happy that I have found a way to clean all my beautiful jewelry in once and it doesn´t require my time much. 

In order to clean your silver jewelry, you will need few simple things that you may have already in home or get from grocery store easily.

You will need:

• Bowl that is resistant to boiling water (like glass bowl, washed ice cream box).
• Tin foil roll 
• Baking soda
• Soft towel   

Instructions:

• Place the tin foil in the box so that mirror side is up and covers the bottom of the box what you are going to use. You can folded the tin foil if necessary.

• Boil the water and place the jewelry in the box what you need to clean. Do not filled the box with huge amount / pile jewelry because they won´t necessarily get cleaned at once. Preferably keep cleaned jewelry loosely on the bottom of the bowl
• Sprinkle baking soda on top of the jewelry so they will lightly cover and pour the boiling water so that all jewelry will cover 

• Let the jewelry soak in the water until the water is cool down

• Pour the excess water and rinse your jewelry one by one. 

• Leave them dry with soft towel or leave them to dry on the towel open place

This method cleans your jewelry gently way and you can pour excess water in the drain unlike silver polish substance that is not allowed to pour in the drains.

Please note that this may not good way to clean your jewelry if your jewelry contains following:

• Rhinestones (they may come off during process)
• Seashell pearls & beads (pearls and beads may have laminated coat that may peel off)
• Dyed freshwater pearls and beads (the color may peel off)
• Hematite pearls and beads (hematite may rust)

I´ve used old ice cream box because it´s boiling water resistant. If you have several jewelry that needs to clean at the same time, pour plenty baking soda so that every jewelry have "white coat". The tin foil and boiling water create chemical react and don´t mind the hissing water, it´s suppose to do that when you use baking soda. It´s kind of bath bomb for the jewelry.

So, what to do rest of the jewelry if you are not silver-girl like me? Well, there´s so many method´s out there but I will show you one way - it´s sometimes the only way you need 😉

One way to clean gold or gold plated jewelry is to use beer for that but your husband or boyfriend won´t probably be happy if you use his beer to clean your jewelry and beer scent jewelry aren´t so inviting to use so you need to wash them some good scent soap afterwards.

My friend love to use golden plated and rose gold jewelry. Unfortunately, they also darkens over time and color isn´t as good as new. So how can you clean your precious jewelry in home?

Method 1:

This method works any kind jewelry that is not so dirty in order to restore it´s original beauty. 

Take a bowl, add few drops of dish wash and warm water (not hot) and let your jewelry soak there 2-3 minutes.

Use soft brush to brush gently the jewelry, rinse it well and dry it with soft towel. 

TIP: I love to use soft tooth brush for babies because it´s soft and gently. The brush do not scratch jewelry´s surface.

First pic is uncleaned jewelry and second
pic is cleaned jewelry

What to do if your jewelry is darken badly? Above method do not restore it´s original beauty but will clean most of dirty.

I tried couple ways to clean gold plated and rose gold jewelry but best result I got when I use following ingredients:

• Bowl
• Hot water (as hot as you can get from faucet)
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice 

Place the jewelry in the bowl and sprinkle plenty baking soda and lemon juice (I buy this from grocery store). 

Add hot water and let it soak 2-3 minutes.

Rinse jewelry and dry it with soft towel.

If you have copper or bronze jewelry, these won´t darken so easily over time like silver ones. These kind jewelry are tricky to clean in home method but some recommend to use ketchup or tabasco in order to restore copper jewelry`s original color. I haven´t try any these so be careful not to ruin your jewelry completely. Tested it always in jewelry that doesn´t matter if you ruined it. Never test home cleaning jewelry method on jewelry that are valuable or have sentimental value to you.

In shortly, jewelry can be cleaned also with polishing cloth, toothpaste or ultrasound machine which is more expensive way but promise to clean gently your jewelry. I haven´t try ultrasound machine to clean my jewelry so can´t really recommend it.

If you jewelry is valuable or have a lot of sentimental value, I highly recommend to take your jewelry to goldsmith who can clean your jewelry in professional way. Ask for estimated price before leaving your jewelry. 

Finally, remember to storage your jewelry in jewelry boxes or wrap it in tissue paper (buy it on bookstore or craft stores) to protect them from sunlight, dust, makeups, skin oils, perfumes, lotions, hairsprays etc. 

~ Minna