Ever wonder how you can clean your Silver?

Silver jewellery gets dirty just from everyday wear and handling. Silver also gets tarnished when it is constantly in contact with oxygen and sulfur in the air. A tarnished appearance occurs when sulfur becomes bound to the surface of silver.

They (whoever "they" are) say that prevention is better than cure! Thus applying that same principle to your silver jewellery, it simply means, to prevent tarnishing and maintain a piece’s lustrous appearance, keep silver jewellery in a sealed bag when it is not in use. When placed in the sealed bag, make sure that the sealed bag is completely dry. Moisture will cause silver to tarnish.

Here's a couple of suggestions on how to clean your silver - (1) Jewellery cloth (2) Windex - indeed! Jewelry cleaning cloth is made up of two sheets of cotton: the outer layer is cotton for buffing, and the inside layer contains special chemicals that will whiten silver jewelry and make it look like new. Each cloth should lasts for dozens of uses. Hand polishing silver is a great way to keep silver shiny, and will not damage its patina. Jewellery cloth is for sale at most jewellery shops.

Perhaps the father character from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is not that far off! Windex can be used to clean your silver only if your silver does not also contain any cubic zirconia, glued stones, or other precious stones. Dipping the jewellery in Windex and then in clean water can make silver shiny again. It is not as effective as a jewellery cloth cleaner, but it can be used in a pinch when you’re getting ready for a night out and a jewellery cleaning cloth is nowhere to be found (and assuming you have Windex handy)!

DO NOT clean your silver with tooth brushes or any object with bristles. Silver is a very soft metal, and this will result in permanent scratches which will devalue your jewellery. It is also a bad idea to wash sterling silver jewellery with stainless steel jewellery. Washing them together will result in chemical reactions, staining the sterling silver jewellery with black marks. Also, using soap which contains phosphate can turn your sterling silver jewellery brown.

If you have any other tips, feel free to share them!

Jacqueline Potter Collection Photography

Just when you thought you have seen it all, Jacqueline Potter Collection is introducing Jacqueline Potter Collection Photography!

JPC Photography is original work by Jacqueline Potter. The photographs you see on the website cannot be found in any retail store unless copyright has been granted. JPC Photography collection is for sale in two forms - (1) by print (2) electronically. These photographs combined with a little imagination and tasteful framing, they can be a great piece of art work for your home, office, for personal use or as gifts. We can also turn these photographs into customised note cards, greeting cards, calendars etc. We invite you to visit Jacqueline Potter Collection Photography today and we hope you enjoy our gallery of photos.

What is Rhodium Plating?

Rhodium Plating over Sterling Silver will give silver the expensive, nearly identical to the "platinum" look. As many of you know, platinum is a more expensive form of metal. Rhodium plating is also very effective in preventing the effects of oxidation, or tarnishing, and it does not need to be cleaned.

To get really technical, this is how rhodium plating is done - A barrier layer of nickel is usually deposited on silver first, though in this case it is not to prevent migration of silver through rhodium, but to prevent contamination of the rhodium bath with silver and copper, which slightly dissolve in the sulfuric acid, usually present in the bath composition.

What is Sterling Silver exactly?

Just like 24K (pure) Gold, pure (100%) silver is extremely soft and looks bright white. To enhance its beauty and durability, the vast majority of fine silver jewelry is made of sterling silver, which is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper alloy. Now you know!

For more silver jewellery, visit Jacqueline Potter Collection website.

Price of Silver soars

When we think of "commodities", we think of diamonds, gold, orange juice, oils, corn etc. Very rarely do we think of Silver. Well, silver is a form of commodity trade and as such is subjected to the fluctuation of global economy. If you are ever so slightly exposed to economic news as of late, you are probably aware that the global economy is going through a slight turbulence, triggered by the major powers i.e. U.S. and U.K, , started with the housing market (sub-prime mortgage) and oil prices. That naturally snow-balled to other parts of trade - Silver. Here's a quote from an analyst on silver - "Our fundamental view on silver remains bullish for the next few years, until we begin to worry about new mine supply from primary silver mines, as well as from byproduct silver from other new gold and base metals mines." All this is to say that you will start to notice a rise in Silver jewellery prices, if not now, in the very near future. So either buy your silver jewellery now or be prepared to pay a higher price for your future purchases.

You can rest assured that at Jacqueline Potter Collection, we are holding the prices of our Silver jewellery for as long as we can.

If you would like to read up more about the future of silver, here's an article from CNN Money - read article.

What is the hot jewellery in Paris?

We all know that Paris and Milan is where the world look to for next season's trends in fashion and beauty. Naturally, the adoption of jewellery trend is part of it all. After a trip to Paris last month, I've had a chance to look forward as well as "back" on jewellery trend. Looking ahead, huge and prominent jewellery that is the trend today, is here to stay. So ladies, don't toss out, trade in or store away your "chunky" jewellery just yet. As for colour, every colour under the rainbow spectrum is in, by itself or in combination. Intense colours are in. If you had a chance to watch the Oscars recently, brilliant and bold red, purple, green etc. lined the red carpet.

As for looking back, what better than to visit the museum of all museums - The Louvre! Here we start to understand that women adorning themselves with jewellery goes as far back as biblical times - B.C.! From the attached photos, you can see that jewellery women used to wear (roughly 2,000 - 6,000 years ago!) are quite similar to what we adorn ourselves with today! Perhaps the instincts for jewellery is embedded in our genetics? So ladies, next time your "significant other" questions the need for yet another piece of jewellery, you will have a ready excuse. :-)













Here, feast your eyes on jewellery worn by royalties!










Jacqueline Potter Collection

Mothers' Day this Sunday (for U.K.) - Gift Idea

Did you know that Mothers' Day is this coming Sunday in the United Kingdom? I had no idea. You see, in the U.S. (that's where I moved from, don't hate me), Mothers' Day is typically in early May, as with some other parts of the world as well.

So, if any of you out there are still looking for a gift for your mummy, may I suggest jewellery? I may be bias but if you really think about it, jewellery won't wilt in a few days (i.e. flowers) or add inches to her hips (i.e. chocolate) but it'll remind her of you every time she wears it. And with a classic or contemporary piece of jewellery from the JPC, jewellery collection designed to evoke conversations, you will never be far from her conversations with friends, co-worker, and family.

You can also purchase a Gift Certificate if you are unsure which piece your mum might like.
http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com

Spring / Summer Collection has arrived!

Our Spring/Summer collection has arrived! We hope you enjoy your visit today as you browse our new collection.

Here's a preview of what's new for this Spring/Summer @ Jacqueline Potter Collection.

What is a RSS Reader - the orange icon on top of the page to your right?

RSS simply means "Really Simple Syndication". In keeping up with today's ever evolving internet technology, I am offering you the option to subscribe to this blog by clicking on the "orange" RSS Reader button to your right. If you are not familiar with this concept, not to worry. Watch this short video clip and it'll all make sense.


What is RSS Reader? Click here.

World Vision Sponsorship update

Since the launch of the business, almost two and half weeks ago, you have generated almost 1% toward the WV sponsorship bucket for our first child. I hope you are just as excited about this sponsorship journey as we are. I will try to post regular updates on the sponsorship bucket. Do check back often for updates.

By the way, our new Spring/Summer collection is arriving soon. Don't forget to visit us in the near future to view our new collection.

http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com

Even if you are not an Amber fan....

I hope you find this fascinating. If you are, this is all the more reason to be "wow-ed". Enjoy the video.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=6183157

Gemstone - Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz often used as an ornament. The name comes from the Greek a ("not") and methustos ("to intoxicate"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

In the 20th century, the color of amethyst was attributed to the presence of manganese. However, since it is capable of being greatly altered and even discharged by heat, the color was believed by some authorities to be from an organic source. Ferric thiocyanate was suggested, and sulfur was said to have been detected in the mineral.

More recent work has shown that amethyst's coloration is due to ferric iron impurities.[1] Further study has shown a complex interplay of iron and aluminium is responsible for the color.[

Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.

I would like to introduce to you Amethyst with Silver that is in my collection at present.

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's eye (also Tigers eye, Tiger eye) is a chatoyant gemstone that is usually yellow- to red-brown, with a silky luster. It is a fibrous silicified crocidolite (blue asbestos), a classic example of pseudomorphous replacement. An incompletely silicified blue variant is called Hawk's eye. A member of the quartz group, its physical and optical properties are identical or very near to those of single-crystal quartz.



The gems are usually cut en cabochon in order to best display their chatoyancy. Red stones are brought about through gentle heat treatment. Honey-coloured stones have been used to imitate the much higher valued cat's eye chrysoberyl (cymophane), but the overall effect is unconvincing. Artificial fibreoptic glass is a common imitation of tiger's eye, and is produced in a wide range of colours.



Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.


I would like to introduce to you 2 pieces of Tiger's Eyes which are in my collection at present.

Himalayan Ammonite Fossil

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals of the subclass Ammonoidea in the class Cephalopoda, phylum Mollusca. They are excellent index fossils, and it is often possible to link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. Ammonites' closest living relative is probably not the modern Nautilus (which they outwardly resemble), but rather the subclass Coleoidea (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish). Their fossil shells usually take the form of planispirals, although there were some helically-spiraled and non-spiraled forms (known as "heteromorphs"). Their spiral shape begot their name, as their fossilized shells somewhat resemble tightly-coiled rams' horns. Plinius the Elder (died 79 A.D. near Pompeii) called fossils of these animals ammonis cornua ("horns of Ammon") because the Egyptian god Ammon (Amun) was typically depicted wearing ram's horns.[1] Often the name of an ammonite genus ends in ceras, which is Greek (κέρας) for "horn" (for instance, Pleuroceras).

Fossils (from Latin fossus, literally "having been dug up") are the mineralized or otherwise preserved remains or traces (such as footprints) of animals, plants, and other organisms. The totality of fossils, both discovered and undiscovered, and their placement in fossiliferous (fossil-containing) rock formations and sedimentary layers (strata) is known as the fossil record.

Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.

I would now like to introduce to you this unique Himalayan Ammonite Fossil piece that is currently in my collection.

Turquoise

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue.

The substance has been known by many names, but the word turquoise was derived around 16th century from the French language either from the word for Turkish (Turquois) or dark-blue stone (pierre turquin).[4] This may have arisen from a misconception: turquoise does not occur in Turkey but was traded at Turkish bazaars to Venetian merchants who brought it to Europe.[4] The colour, however, has been employed extensively in the decorative tiles adorning Turkish places of worship and homes for hundreds of years, beginning with the Seljuks, and the association quite possibly has caused the name to take root.

Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.

Not just Pearls....Akoya Pearls

Akoya pearls are the classic round white pearl made famous by the most elegant women of our times. In addition, Akoya are the first round pearls to be successfully cultured. In the late 1800’s to early 1900’s pearl cultivation technology was developed in Japan and Akoya saltwater pearls became a part of the worldwide jewelry market.

White Akoya is the classic pearl. Within the classic white pearl color there are also overtones. This is the subtle color the pearl reflects. The pearls themselves have an inner glow that reflects ambient light in a very complementary way so they literally reflect the wearer's radiance.

Recently, darker pearls with more of a metallic, satiny sheen have also become popular. Akoya pearls are now available in these darker colors as well.

The value of each Akoya pearl and finished pearl jewelry piece is dependant on a variety of factors.

The appearance of the pearl is paramount with factors such as luster, roundness and surface quality.

The matching of the pearls on a finished jewelry piece can influence it’s value.

In addition, less visible factors such as nacre thickness may also effect the pearl’s and pearl jewelry’s value.

The most important factor evaluating Akoya pearls is the luster. Luster or shine is how well a pearl reflects. A good example is a mirror. An outstanding luster will have a mirror like shine and very sharp image reflection. You can make out your own facial features. A smaller pearl with better luster will appear larger. Also, a more lustrous pearl will appear rounder and blemishes will be less noticeable.

The size of the pearl also does effect the value. A larger pearl with similar other value factors will be more valuable than a smaller one. However, there is a size range where values increase exponentially. Akoya pearls average between 6mm to 7mm. As a result, pearls at or under that size range are more readily available. When the size range increases to 7mm to 8mm and subsequent 8mm to 9mm and greater than 9mm+ ranges, the value increases dramatically.

As cultured Akoya are bead nucleated, the nacre thickness and quality are both important.

Another pearl value factor is the cleanliness of the body or surface of the pearl. The more clean the surface, the more valuable the pearl. Pearls are a naturally formed organic gem so some minor surfaces blemishes are perfectly acceptable.


Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.

Baltic Amber

What is Baltic Amber you ask? Well...

Of all the amber deposits in the world, probably the most famous and certainly the largest is that of the Baltic region. It represents some 80% of the worlds known amber resource. Going back into prehistory this amber has been used and fashioned by humankind in countless ways and in measureless quantities.

Amber from this source can be found on the East Coast of Britain all the way to the far shores of Estonia. The Baltic amber deposits range between 35 to 40 million years old and is without the largest source of amber yet discovered.

Botanical Origins

The source of most of this amber has for many years presumed to be the extinct species of tree Pinites Succinifer. This conclusion was originally made by Aycke in 1853. However, as recently as 1985 Poinar and Haverkamp completed research involving infrared spectroscopy and drawing on earlier thin-layer chromatographic studies by Kucharska and Kwiatkowski cast some doubt on this long held view. Poinar et al speculate that probably more than one tree was responsible for the Baltic amber deposits.

Despite this original position of the amber forest, fossil resin from this area has been discovered in: Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, the United Kingdom and Belorussia, some areas are more prolific in their amber bearing strata than others. Significantly around the southern coast of the Baltic sea and predominantly the Samland Peninsula, particularly the Northwestern part of Kalingrad, an area of some 1280 square kilometres.

Baltic amber generally has the following characteristics;
Hardness: 2.0 - 2.5 Moh’s Scale.
Specific Gravity - 1.050 - 1.096
Refraction Index - 1.54
Melting point - 480/720^Of (250/380⁰c)

Please visit my website http://www.jacquelinepottercollection.com/ for more pieces for purchase from my collection.

I would like to introduce you to my collection of Baltic Amber jewellery. Each piece is carefully selected for style and quality. I hope you'll enjoy them.