Frida Kahlo 14k Wrap Earrings

Black Spinel ⎆ Protective ・  Inspiration  ・ Empowerment

 

Commonly mistaken for black diamonds or black tourmaline, Black Spinel is relatively unknown due to its rarity - it is one of the rarest minerals that comes from the Spinel familyThe opaque jet-black gemstone is most commonly formed in the uppermost level of the Earth’s mantle. When molten rock combines with limestone or Dolomites, a deposit that resembles a durable mineral within the rock is left behind. 

 

How can you tell a crystal is Black Spinel, rather than black tourmaline or black diamonds? Black Spinel is highly reflective & does not have the metallic overtone that many other stones, including black diamonds, have. Spinel is such easier to manipulate & is most commonly found in faceted cuts - square, oval, pear, cushion, & intricate round cuts are often created using the black gemstone. 

 

According to the highly revered gemologist George Kunz, in his book “The Curious Lore of Precious Stones” he describes how jewelers in France & England during the 18th century would often set gems in rings, bracelets, brooches, etc. that coincided with an acronym. Spinel was used as the “S” in “DEAREST,” along with Demantoid, Essonite, Amethyst, Rubellite, Epidote, & Topaz.

 

Black Spinel is a protective stone used to repel negativity * ground the wearer while evoking inspiration & empowerment, without overwhelming others. It is thought to help find calmness & let go of resentments to re-establish relationships & dispel sadness. Physically, Black Spinel has been thought to heal the body as a whole, but it used particularly in aiding the bladder, intestines, & female reproductive system.

There are a few common terms used when describing gold jewelry - 

・Gold Plated

・Gold Vermeil

・Gold Filled

・Solid Gold

 

In this piece, we used a gold filled metal. Gold filled is the highest quality alternative to solid gold, with a higher gold content than both gold-plated & gold vermeil metals. It has almost 100x as much gold as gold-plated jewelry! The gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal, so it can’t rub off like gold-plated jewelry can. Gold fill has the same qualities as solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost. 

 

All of our gold fill jewelry is made with 14k gold.

 

While it’s name implies the metal is filled with gold, the gold is actually on the outside. The term refers to a thick outer layer of durable, pressure-bonded, solid gold that covers a base metal, usually brass. The USA industry standard legally requires 5% of the metal be pure gold by weight. 

 

Gold-fill is your best option after solid gold for quality & durability. It will not flake off or turn your skin green. Gold fill is nickel free & hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. 

 

Hypothetically, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime. Actual longevity will depend on a number of factors, especially how you care for it. For details on how to care for your gold filled jewelry, see the specified drop down menu below.

 

14k Gold Fill jewelry is not supposed to tarnish, at least for a long time. However, it is possible for gold-fill to tarnish under certain circumstances, though it should not do so easily. Exposing your jewelry to chemicals, such as bleach, certain people’s body chemistry, chlorine (pools & hot tubs), salt water, sweat, & certain products, such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, & sunscreen. For more details, see our FAQ section or blog post on 14k Gold Fill.

 

Ultimately, gold-filled jewelry is perfect for everyday wear because it can handle the wear & tear of daily life, & is very affordable. It has almost 100x more gold than gold-plated, with the same qualities & durability as solid gold, but at an affordable price!

 

For more detailed information on gold filled jewelry, see our FAQ page &  blog ☺

In theory, gold-filled jewelry should last a lifetime, however, it’s actual longevity depends a number of factors. The following care instructions will prolong your jewelry’s lifetime & keep it in optimal condition.

Our pieces are relatively delicate & are not meant to be worn during harsh activities, such as sports, cleaning, gardening, etc. 

・Take your jewelry off when swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. 

Chlorine & salt water will degrade the metal, causing your jewelry to tarnish at an accelerated rate. However, wearing your gold-filled jewelry in the shower or bath is fine, as long you dry it off properly.

・Apply makeup, lotion, hairspray, & perfume before you put on your jewelry. 

・Avoid excessive contact with sunscreen. The chemicals in sunscreen are harsh on most metals.

・Take off your jewelry at the nail salon or when doing your nails at home. Nail polish remover is a harsh chemical that does not play well with gold-filled jewelry.

・Take off your jewelry before participating in activities that will cause heavy sweating. Some people’s body chemistry (which is affected by many factors, including hormones, medications) is more harsh on jewelry than others. Only ~10% of people find their body does not pair well with gold jewelry, however, better safe than sorry! Removing your jewelry before working out, tanning, etc. will ensure your jewelry will remain in pristine condition. 

・Remove your jewelry before cleaning. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, such as bleach, can degrade even the strongest of metals. 

 

・Clean your jewelry as soon as it starts to look dingy. 

▹ Soak your jewelry in a bath of lukewarm water & mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes. 

▹ Use a soft cloth to wipe your jewelry off, pat it dry, then lay it out until it is fully dry before wearing or storing it. 

▹ For a deep clean that will remove dirt from your jewelry’s nooks & crannies you can use a soft brush, such as a child’s toothbrush. 

▹ Our favorite jewelry cleaning tool is the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, which removes dirt & grime by vibrating your jewelry in a warm water + soapy solution. 

 

For more information on how to care for your jewelry visit our FAQ page & our 14k gold fill blog posts ☺