April’s birthstone is the diamond, and as such, this month’s blog will be dedicated to exploring the characteristics of diamonds and how to care for your diamond jewellery.
Diamonds are one of the most exquisite gems possessing a timeless allure that captivates hearts worldwide. Often known to be the epitome of luxury and elegance, diamonds symbolize endurance and purity, making them a cherished treasure for all generations. However, to ensure their radiance and sparkle for years to come, proper care is essential.
Read on to learn more about diamonds and discover simple care tips to maintain your diamond jewellery over time.
Before exploring care tips for your diamond jewellery, let’s learn more about diamonds themselves. Renowned for their exceptional characteristics, diamonds have maintained enduring popularity and allure over time.
One of the characteristics of diamonds is hardness. They are known to be the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This property makes them highly resistant to scratching and abrasion.
Diamonds also exhibit brilliance due to their ability to refract and reflect light. Their facets are cut precisely to maximize the dispersion of light, resulting in the sparkle that diamonds are famous for.
Another significant characteristic of diamonds is their color. They span a spectrum from colorless to faint yellow or brown, with some rare specimens exhibiting fancy colors like pink, blue, and green. Colorless diamonds, prized for their purity and transparency, hold the highest value.
Diamonds are measured by carat weight, with one carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. Generally, larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable. However, factors like color, cut, and clarity also significantly impact a diamond’s worth.
Another important characteristic is the cut. The cut of a diamond encompasses its proportions, symmetry, and polish, directly impacting its overall appearance. A well-cut diamond optimizes light performance, thereby enhancing its beauty and value.
For enduring brilliance, proper cleaning of your diamond jewellery is essential. Here are five simple and essential care tips for your diamond jewellery:
To keep your diamond jewellery sparkling, regular cleaning is essential. Try the Connoisseurs Jewellery Dazzle Stik cleaning gel, formulated with micro-fine cleansers and polishing agents that help bring the radiant shine to diamonds. You can find the Dazzle Stik at our locations across Canada
To prevent scratches and abrasions, store your diamond jewellery separate from other jewellery. Consider using soft pouches or individual compartments within a jewellery box for safe storage.
From time to time, it’s advisable to have your diamonds inspected by a jeweller near you. This helps detect any potential issues early on, such as loose settings or damage.
Try to avoid exposing diamonds to harsh chemicals such as household cleaners and bleach, as they can cause damage to both the stone and its setting.
To prevent accidental damage or loss, refrain from wearing diamonds during activities prone to impact or damage, such as sports or housework.
Diamonds boast numerous unique characteristics and are famously known as a girl’s best friend. However, to maintain their brilliance and enduring sparkle in your jewellery, proper care is essential. By adhering to the simple yet highly effective care tips outlined above, you can ensure the lasting splendor of your diamond jewellery for generations to enjoy.
1. Where can I have my diamond jewellery inspected or repaired?
If you require a professional inspection of your diamond jewellery or simple jewellery repairs, visit a Hudson’s Bay location, where our knowledgeable staff can assist you. For more intricate diamond jewellery repairs, please contact us directly.
2. Where can I purchase a Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik?
Easily restore the brilliance of your diamond jewellery with the user-friendly Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik. Find this product at any of our Hudson’s Bay locations throughout Canada.
As spring break approaches, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming travel adventures. In your trip preparations, prioritizing the protection of your watches and jewellery is crucial to ensure they stay secure and in optimal condition throughout your journey and beyond. Given the potential exposure to water, sweat, dirt, and various other elements during your trip, it’s wise to take proactive measures to safeguard your valuables.
We’ve compiled top travel care tips for your watch and jewellery covering pre-travel, during your journey, and post-travel care, applicable not only for spring break, but for any future travels. Keep reading to discover more.
Embarking on a trip calls for thoughtful preparation, especially when it comes to your cherished watches and jewellery. Start by selecting a limited number of versatile pieces that fit with any outfit and any occasion. Pack them in a designated jewellery organizer or travel case, keeping them in your carry-on for added security.
It’s a good idea to take photographs of your valuables and, when applicable, secure insurance coverage for peace of mind. Additionally, be mindful of the weather conditions at your destination and if necessary, pack any water tight containers, appropriate wipes or a secure travel case, to protect against extreme temperatures. You can also consider water-testing your watch prior to your travels to prevent water damage.
During your trip, try to embrace a minimalist approach, opting to wear a limited amount of jewellery and a less expensive watch. You can also ensure the security of your accessories by storing them in a locked travel case within your luggage, utilizing a secured hotel safe, or opting for a portable travel safe during your day’s explorations.
Stay mindful of the climate at your travel destination, as humidity or prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can affect certain materials. Check your watch or jewellery after a day’s adventure for any damage. If you participate in any water activities, remove your jewellery or watch before taking a dip in the pool or ocean. Consider using a watertight container if swimming with your valuables, or place them within a travel case in a dry area.
If your jewellery or watch does get wet from water, sweat or humidity, ensure a thorough drying process in a dry and cool environment away from direct sunlight, such as your hotel room. To dry, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently pat the wet items dry and leave it to open air and dry. Open any clasps, compartments, or links to allow air to circulate.
When you return home from your trip, give your accessories a thorough inspection for any signs of wear, scratches, or loose components. Clean them gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or residue from your travels.
If your items are water-resistant or were exposed to moisture, ensure they are completely dry before storing them. Return them to their designated cases or compartments in your jewellery organizer to prevent scratches and tangling.
Consider scheduling a professional inspection for your jewellery or watch, especially if they are intricate timepieces, to address any potential issues and ensure continued functionality.
By following the provided care tips above and giving due attention to your watches or jewellery during your travels, you’ll preserve the beauty of your valuable pieces for years to come.
For a summary and quick reference, here’s a travel checklist to use on your spring break travels or future getaway:
By incorporating these simple steps into your travel routine, you can ensure that your watches and jewellery remain in top-notch condition, ready to accompany you on all your future journeys.
1. Where do I repair my watch or jewellery after my travels?
If you need a professional inspection or simple repairs, visit a Hudson’s Bay location, where our knowledgeable staff can assist you. For more intricate repairs, please contact us directly.
2. How long does repair take?
The time frame for service depends on the complexity of the task – the more parts it requires, the more time it’ll take. Generally, we quote a turnaround time of 2-4 weeks as a rule of thumb. However, more intricate services may require 4-6 weeks +. At the store level, services such as battery replacements and link removals are typically completed while you wait.
A luxury watch is something you should be proud of and a prized possession that you want to wear wherever you go. Hence, it is important to make sure that the treasured timepiece you buy is water resistant to avoid expensive watch repair Edmonton, and to know what to do when the worst happens.
The biggest clue that your watch has been compromised by water is condensation. If you look at your watch and find a fogginess or a few droplets of moisture inside, then this is a clear sign that it has been damaged by water.
There are lots of rumors and myths making the rounds for what you can do if your watch has been exposed to water. One of them is putting it on the radiator or placing it in a bag of uncooked rice for 6 to 10 hours. This heat will remove the moisture from the movement and cause the water inside the watch to dry faster and the rice will absorb moisture. However, we suggest you seek expert help, such as On Time Service Corp. who have the experience with watch repair in Edmonton to ensure that all parts of your watch are dry and free of corrosion. And if your watch had a water-resistant seal that failed, we can replace the seal to protect it against future moisture damage.
If water gets into your watch, the consequences can be devastating, including the cost of repair, as all important components, such as hands, movement, and dial can corrode, affecting its performance.
So, it is best to take precautions and guarantee that your watch is water resistant; small things, such as checking for any cracks or chips in the crystal, ensuring the back is firmly in place, and that the crown is properly screwed into place. These are all effective checks when it comes to taking care of your watch and keeping it from being vulnerable to moisture. As well, a careful pressure test will provide additional protection against water damage.
At On Time Service Corp, we offer an air pressure testing service which enables us to check that your watch is still water resistant. This can be done on the spot and takes around 10 minutes.
If any mishap happens and your watch does sustain water damage, then you’ll need to get assistance from professionals. They’ll expertly clean and dry every piece of your watch remove any particles which may have collected inside the watch, and repair all parts that have been damaged by moisture. Contact them for watch repair in Edmonton and any other area of Canada and save your watch from water damage.
Like any well-maintained car, your watch will also need occasional maintenance service. Do you wear a vintage watch, and are wondering how often it needs to be serviced? According to watch industry experts, you should have watch maintenance services done about every three to five years. In the case of watches, even the smallest damage can balloon to become more severe. Ultimately, your watch may become unusable, or you may need to spend much more on its repair. On-time Service Corp. offers you the best watch maintenance services in Winnipeg to keep your watch in working order. The need for watch repair depends on how frequently you wear that watch and how it is stored when it is off the wrist. Fine watches are like fine automobiles, which require maintenance and repair from time to time. This will help your watch to run for a longer time.
Luxury watches, such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, should be serviced within 4 to 5 years of purchase. Watch maintenance services in Winnipeg can help them retain their value and accuracy. Stay on top of watch maintenance to keep your watch in top condition. You can also prevent your watch from being damaged by taking care of it on a daily basis.
There are some simple tips you can follow to care for your watch and prevent it from being damaged:
These are just a few DIY ways you can prevent damage to your watches. Care for them carefully and have watch maintenance done every few years to ensure a long life for your precious timepieces.
Maybe it belonged to a loved one, maybe it has sentimental value, or perhaps it was a gift given in celebration of a special occasion; whatever the reason, we often form an emotional attachment to watches. And as we care for these pieces so much, we want them to look and function like new for as long as possible.
Watches are one of the few accessories that are worn daily, and that means that damage and wear are bound to occur. Damage to the face of your watch, in particular, may seem like a desperate situation. Thankfully, there are very few situations that are hopeless, if you have the right help. Whether you own a timepiece that has simply stopped keeping time and needs watch battery replacement, or your watch requires a complete overhaul, an experienced watchmaker can make it right.
The face of your watch is arguably the most important part of your watch, if you like telling time. Exposure and wear can cause the dial of your watch to fade, and accidents resulting in damage can happen. Watch dial repair services can refinish an existing dial, making the original dial look new, or in cases where it is required, replace the dial with a manufacturer’s replacement or closely matching option. Conversely, dial repair services are also your chance to take something old and give it a brand new face. Dials are available in custom colour options and in dozens of different finishes, textures, and treatments.
A broken face can often lead to damaged watch hands. However this type of impairment is almost always repairable when the repairs are undertaken by an experienced professional. A watchmaker can refinish the original hands or replace damaged hands with manufacturer or custom replacements. And just as there colour options for your watch dial, there are colour, size, and style options available for watch hands, if you are looking to change or update your timepiece.
Sometimes the damage from the face goes deeper than the surface. The mechanics that run your watch are intricately tied together and one small piece out of balance can throw the entire movement off. The answer may be as simple as a watch battery replacement for quartz watches, but other times you may require complete watch movement services to locate and resolve the problem. In either case, problems with watch movements should only be addressed by a professional watchmaker.