Holly Robichaux Designs

Amber

Amber is a fossilized tree resin of now-extinct conifer trees and ancient pines.  Trees exuded the resin as a protective mechanism against disease and insect infestation, and then it hardened and became preserved in the earth’s crust.  Amber is an amorphous stone, meaning that like glass, it does not have an ordered structure.  It is often imitated by plastics, colored glasses and some modern tree resins, but real amber is much harder than other resins (it won’t crumble as easily).  It usually can be distinguished from plastic and glasses by its inclusions and its ablity to float in salt water.

Because it is so soft, amber is easily scratched, so store carefully.  Also, it loses its luster when exposed to alcohol or ether (remember that perfume and hair spray contain alcohol).  Amber beads should be cleaned in lukewarm (not hot) water with a little dishwashing liquid.  Afterward, it’s helpful to rub on a little vegetable oil.

Pearl

Pearls are less durable than most gems, and are sensitive to acids, dryness and extreme humidity.  Therefore, they should be cared for accordingly:

1.         If you wear cosmetics, perfume or hair spray, apply them before putting on your pearl jewelry.

2.         When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint free cloth.  The calcium carbonate in pearls dissolves in human sweat or oil from the skin, and will diminish the pearls’ luster.

3.         Be sure they don’t get exposed for a long time to direct sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays; the protein in pearls becomes yellow under sunlight.

4.         If our pearls need cleaning, do so with warm soapy water (NEVER an ultrasonic cleaner), taking care not to get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor.

5.         Dry your pearls flat on an absorbent, soft (preferably lint-free) towel.

6.         Store them away from contact with metals or harder stones that might damage them.  Also, don’t store them in plastic, as it will seal out air, thereby accelerating deterioration.

7.         But don’t just leave them in a drawer – wear them at least once a month, as the mild humidity from your skin is good for them.

It’s said that if diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then pearls must be her favorite sister.  This lustrous gemstone is one of the June birthstones.  It acquired its name from the ancient Romans, who wore elongated pearls as ear pendants that they called pirla.  The pearl is an organic gem grown within oysters and a few other mollusks.  Most of the pearls we use in our designs are freshwater pearls.  We do carry saltwater pearls; if you are interested in our collection of saltwater pearls please contact us by phone or e-mail.