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What To Do When You’re Allergic to Your Engagement Ring?

If you’ve developed a red irritated rash under your custom jewelry in Pittsburgh then chances are that you have an engagement ring rash. While this is fairly common and curable, there are a host of options you can go in for to get rid of this rash and keep your stunning ring.

This rash is usually caused due to a nickel allergy that escapes out of the wedding ring and while most couples don’t go in for nickel jewelry, did you know that even your gold or platinum ring may contain traces of nickel? This along with not cleaning or maintaining your ring properly can lead to the buildup of dirt, oil, and dust which can affect your skin worsening the rash.

Another factor when it comes to a custom jewelry design in Pittsburgh is that you need to store your precious ring away from cleaning products, abrasives, showering, swimming, gardening, and more as it can end up wreaking havoc on your skin.

Top causes of a ring rash

When picking up your engagement ring and wedding band from a jewelry store in Pittsburgh, always check if the band has even a small amount of nickel in it. Gold and platinum and even sterling silver bands can contain nickel and this allergy can develop and grow at any time.

Nickel allergies can also start after wearing your ring for a long period. If it tarnishes, gets worn out, or even erodes, the nickel will come into contact with your skin and this can happen no matter how expensive your band is. Sweat and moisture can also cause eroding faster and this can lead to an allergy.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to your wedding band, always make sure that you take it to your local jeweler for professional cleaning, repair, and maintenance every couple of months so that they can re-plate and polish the metal, check the setting and gemstones to avoid damage and keep your ring looking new.

You can also clean it at home between professional cleanings with warm soapy water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and dry it well with a soft microfiber cloth. Ensure that you dry the ring well before putting it back on.

If the issue persists, you can get your band re-plated with platinum to prevent the rash. While this is a tad costly, it falls cheaper in the long run and you don’t need to purchase a whole new band.

Your Guide to Traveling with an Expensive Diamond Ring

Your engagement ring might be the most expensive piece of jewelry that your partner has invested in and it goes without saying that if you adore it, you would want to keep it safe and secure. This is why a lot of brides worry about their engagement ring when traveling for their honeymoon.

If you’re taking a vacation, there are so many things that could happen to your custom engagement rings in Pittsburgh. From the hot sun dulling the shine of your ring, to sunscreen and other products building up on your gemstone or even losing your ring in the pool or ocean.

You may even leave your ring behind in the room, or on a bathroom counter or it may even get stolen if you’re vacationing in a high-risk area. Since you’re on your honeymoon and the last thing you want is to worry and stress about your ring, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind before you take off.

Make sure your ring is insured and appraised

Jewelry insurance is very important for your wedding bands in Pittsburgh as it covers the cost of your engagement ring if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s also good to get your jewelry appraised every five years as the value of your gemstones and ring metal might change.

Have your ring checked by a professional

Before you head off on your vacation, it’s always good to get your ring checked, repaired, and professionally serviced by reputable Pittsburgh jewelers. The last thing you want is for your gemstone to come loose and fall off during your trip. You’ll be glad that you got it tightened and cleaned.

Avoid wearing your ring in the sea or the swimming pool

The cold water of the ocean or chemically-treated water of the pool can shrink your fingers, causing your ring to come loose and slip off. Besides this the current and the sand can also loosen your ring which makes it tough to find and the last thing you want is for your precious ring to end up at the bottom of the ocean.

It is best to remember that certain metals like gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum as well as softer gemstones like opals, turquoise and aquamarines can get damaged by the chlorine and the sand.

In Summary

Your honeymoon is supposed to be the time for you to kick back and relax with your new spouse and if your gut is telling you not to travel with your ring, maybe you should listen to it. Many brides even wear a fake ring or just their wedding band, which shows that they are married without risking their engagement ring.

The Best Gemstone Choices for Your Engagement Ring

Rings are one of the most popular pieces of jewelry women wear. From showcasing your personality to committing or even symbolizing marriage, it’s a highly personal jewelry piece. When picking rings, a lot of women tend to go for gemstones that are timeless and classic and can bring out the meaning behind the ring.

If you’re looking at custom engagement rings in Pittsburgh and are unsure of what gemstone to buy then here are a couple of tips that can help you choose. The gemstone you pick not only has to showcase your style but needs to be durable and long-lasting – especially if you choose to wear it daily. Here are a couple of gemstones to keep in mind when picking out a ring.

Diamonds

Diamond wedding bands in Pittsburgh are classic, elegant, and extremely durable. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond, this makes it one of the best gemstones for wedding and engagement rings. Diamonds also come in a variety of colors which are rare and long-lasting.

Emeralds

These garden green gemstones are packed with meaning and symbolize fertility, rebirth, and spring. They are slightly softer than diamonds and even though they can be worn daily, they should be taken off before doing any activities that can cause scratches or damage.

Rubies

Rubies are luscious red and linked to royalty, love, and passion. They are the birthstones of July borns are rated a tough 9 on the Mohs scale which makes it tough and durable. Like diamonds, rubies are safe to wear daily without worry.

Sapphires

Sapphires can be found in various colors like deep blue, violet, pink, and more at your local Pittsburgh jewelers. They signify wisdom and similar to rubies are tough and durable gemstones most often used for engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Amethyst

This gemstone has a rich deep purple hue and is the ideal gemstone for your engagement or wedding ring. Amethyst can be used for daily use but it’s always good to store it safely when you are swimming, cleaning, gardening, or handling any household cleansers or abrasives as it can damage your gemstone.

In Summary

When it comes to picking a gemstone for your ring, first consider how much you will be wearing the ring. If you are only going to use it for special occasions, then you can even go for softer gemstones like opals or aquamarines. But if you want to wear it daily, it’s always better to pick a durable gemstone.

Ensure that you take your ring to a professional jeweler a couple of times a year to clean, repair, and shine your gemstone.

Casa D’oro – The Timeless Elegance of Sterling Silver Engagement Rings

When people talk about silver wedding bands in Pittsburgh, they are often talking about sterling silver. Sterling silver makes for a stunning and affordable alternative to other precious metals and even though it looks similar to white gold, it comes in a host of designs so that you can find something you truly love.

If you’re wondering whether sterling silver is the right pick for you then here are some ways to tell.

Benefits of sterling silver

Sterling silver engagement rings in Pittsburgh are inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and quite versatile. With that said, sterling silver also requires a lot of care and maintenance, this metal is re-dipped several times over years to keep its shine and luster.

But it’s great for couples on a budget and can be used as a starter ring, wherein couples can first get sterling silver rings and then upgrade to another metal after a couple of years. Before purchasing a sterling silver ring, you need to look for the right kind of silver.

Fine silver is much too soft to be made into rings or other jewelry but sterling silver being tough can be made into bridal pieces. When it comes down to the color, a new sterling silver ring, a platinum, and a white gold ring may appear to look the same but what sets them apart is their toughness.

Platinum is by far the toughest of the lot and the purest of metals, followed by white gold which is quite durable and doesn’t require a lot of care and maintenance. But each of these comes with a hefty price tag, so if you’re looking for something affordable, sterling silver is your best bet.

Maintaining your sterling silver rings

A custom engagement ring in Pittsburgh made out of sterling silver can tarnish within one or two years if you don’t care for it. Sterling silver rings cannot be treated the same way as other rings, it tends to react to other elements which cause damage and discoloration faster.

Certain things like keeping your sterling silver ring on when you cook, wash your hands, do chores and more can cause the ring to degrade and lose its luster and shine. Always store your ring in a safe place before you head out for trekking or any activity as well as cleaning your home.

It’s recommended to take your sterling silver jewelry to a professional jeweler to clean, repair and maintain. This will give it a longer lifespan and your jeweler will know the right way to polish it so that it remains timeless forever.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, sterling silver is a gorgeous metal to go in for. It looks great with all kinds of gemstones, cuts, and settings and can easily match your wedding band, but just ensure that you take good care of it.

Casa D’Oro – The Best Jewelry Tips for the mother of the bride

A wedding isn’t just a huge day for the couple it’s a big day for the mother of the bride too. As the host, and being her daughter’s wedding, she wants to look and feel her best among all her guests, and accessorizing the right way can help her do this too.

Even though not a lot of thought is given to jewelry, it is still one of the most important parts that can bring your entire outfit together. Here are some tips on picking out the ideal accessories from a jewelry store in Pittsburgh so that you can look flawless.

Keep it simple and elegant

Remember that neither your wedding attire nor your jewelry should overshadow the bride. Keep your accessories simple, stunning, and classic, and never overdo it with shiny statement pieces.

If your dress is simple and elegant you can either choose lovely Pandora bracelets in Pittsburgh or a statement necklace to elevate your look. Your jewelry should be eye-catching enough to show people that you’re important, but not so loud that you draw attention to yourself.

Few things to consider are if it’s a luxury black-tie affair or a lovely outdoor spring wedding or even a low-key backyard wedding. Depending upon the type of wedding, you will need to choose your accessories. Always keep in line with the dress code.

Check with the bride beforehand

Knowing what your daughter and her posse are wearing beforehand, can help you to choose your outfit and accessories. It will help you avoid certain colors or even bond and coordinate with your bridal group on their big day.

Most mothers of the bride will pick colors that are subtle and elegant along with custom jewelry design in Pittsburgh which are different and unique.

In Conclusion

When it comes to the wedding day, steer clear of loud, statement, over-the-top pieces and/or fluorescent colors. Never wear any jewelry that is loud, distracting, or clink together and if you must wear that classy watch, ensure that the alarm is set to quiet.

Wearing a ring, an elegant bracelet, and/or a simple necklace will do wonders for your outfit. Take a look in the mirror once you’re completely dressed and if you feel like any of the pieces are too much then take it off. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to Design and Create Your Own Custom Ring

Your engagement ring in Pittsburgh should not only shine bright but also reflect every ounce of your personality. Some couples may want to create their own customized rings that reflect a special message or a date, after all a unique ring you adore is one that you will want to wear every day.

Start early

Making and designing a custom engagement ring in Pittsburgh can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the intricacy of the design. So, ensure that you start planning and prepping for it early on, especially if you are short on time.

Have your favorite images on hand

The most important thing is to show the jeweler what you want, you can start by picking your favorite designs from Pinterest boards, Instagram, or even from magazines. Once your jeweler has visual inspiration, they can work on the ring setting, color, and gemstone much better and more efficiently.

Finding a jeweler whose aesthetic is similar to your own

As your family, friends, and coworkers if they have any recommendations on jewelers who are trusted and reputable. You can even go online and read up reviews, the kind of designs they work with and if they can create a style, you are looking for. Most customers want to work with a jeweler who can put their own special touch on it.

Pick your metal

Traditionally, engagement rings are made from gold, both yellow and white, or silver and platinum. But when you’re creating your own custom ring, you can ask your Jewelry store in Pittsburgh to show you any metal and gemstone you desire like rose gold, titanium, palladium, and more.

Choose your gemstone

You have full freedom when it comes to picking your gemstone, you can inquire about the price or tell your jeweler your budget, and they will show you a range of gemstones and tell you about their specifications.

Most brides will pick birthstones after their month or even choose the cut and clarity of the stone. You can pick stones like diamonds, aquamarines, and emeralds that are rare, beautiful, and look lovely on your ring.

Final Thoughts

Besides designing your own custom engagement ring, you can also save both time and money by designing a wedding ring along with it. Not only will their pair together seamlessly but if you create both, your jeweler can work out a deal with you.

Things to keep in mind when your fine jewelry gets damaged

If the stone from your engagement ring has fallen out, or your earring post has broken, don’t panic. Here’s what to do next and how to go about finding a trusted jeweler who will repair and restore your fine jewelry to all its glory.

Never try to repair it yourself

If your broken earring, necklace, or damaged ring looks like it can be fixed with a little craft glue, or popped back into place, it won’t help. You’ll end up damaging the stone or the integrity of the piece by trying to repair it by yourself. You can even bend the setting’s prongs, chip the stone or expose it to harsh chemicals and household products.

Jewelry once damaged can’t be repaired and restored to its former glory again and its value will seriously diminish. A professional Pittsburgh jeweler has the right tools, expertise, and material to fix fine jewelry and will do a skilled job of it.

Always check your jewelry insurance policy

If your fine jewelry is insured, just pull out your paperwork and read through what repairs are included in your coverage. Some policies will mandate specific jewelry stores in Pittsburgh. So, ensure that you’re clear on what documentation you need before and after the repairs and if you have covered everything.

Find a professional and trusted jeweler

See if you can bring the piece of custom jewelry design from Pittsburgh back to the store or the original jeweler who sold it to you. Since they sold you the piece, they will know a thing or two about fixing it and will have experts to repair it properly. If not then a credible jeweler who repairs find jewelry will help you with repairs on-site – do not send it out to a third-party vendor.

Ask about the cost of repair

It’s important to know how much you are spending on repairs, as no one wants to get a high unanticipated bill. A good jeweler will check the product and inspect the damage before giving you an estimate. If your jeweler is rattling off a quote or isn’t sure of the price, chances are that they won’t do a very good job.

What if the piece is damaged?

Sometimes, it can be quite expensive to repair a piece of jewelry and in that case, you can explore your options of either selling it or having the stone reset and the jewelry repurposed. The diamond from your ring can be made into a pendant or your gemstones from your earrings can be made into a ring or a bracelet. This allows you to keep a piece of the jewelry close by and use it as something your wear and enjoy.

The Bottom Line

At Casa D’oro, they understand the value of your money and the hard work that goes into earning it. That is why they focus on getting you the best quality jewelry pieces at an affordable rate and also carry out seamless jewelry repairs.

Casa D’Oro – Everything you need to know about cleaning a Bracelet

Are your bracelets beginning to tarnish or look old? Most metals will show their age after a couple of years and if it doesn’t get that antique look well then it can look really bad when you wear it.

If you’re ever wondered how to clean a custom jewelry design in Pittsburgh then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a couple of tips on how to reverse the aging process easily at home.

Facts about certain stones

If your jewelry piece contains gemstones you need to know what they are. Certain gemstones are resilient but some others like pearls, turquoise, moonstones, opal, coral, and more require special care.

Your better off taking these pieces to a jewelry store in Pittsburgh and let a professional with the right tools and expertise clean them for you as cleaning them at home can be quite harsh and might ruin the stone.

First up, wash with detergent

Use a few drops of gentle detergent in a bowl of water (around 2 – 3 drops) and allow your jewelry to sit in it for around 3 – 5 minutes. Using a soft, brand new toothbrush gently scrub the stones to clean them and then dry them with a soft microfiber cloth. This will help clear up the stones on your Pandora bracelet in Pittsburgh which have dulled from the oils on their surface.

Cleaning a bracelet with non-vulnerable stones

If you have solid stones like diamonds in your piece or just a band then you can use some other methods to get the metal to sparkle. Use a vinegar and salt solution and scrub thoroughly with a new toothbrush to strip away the surface oxidation in no time.

For a bad tarnish on copper or silver, you can get more aggressive. Pour some salt in a bowl, dip a cloth in vinegar, then tap it into the salt and rub your bands with it, this will remove any aging or oxidation of the metal. Finish by rinsing the piece of jewelry and then drying it well with a clean cloth and you’ll see the difference.

The Bottom Line

Knowing how to clean a bracelet or a piece of jewelry can remove a little bit of anxiety and there is no reason to avoid buying bracelets or rings simply because they age.

If you’re unsure of what you are doing or want to clean your piece properly, it is always recommended that you go to a professional jeweler. Casa D’Oro brings you the best deals for your fine jewelry for weddings, engagements, and other special occasions as well as cleans and maintains it to meet your needs.

Casa Doro – Your Birthstone Guide to Engagement Rings

There was a time when picking an engagement ring required the bride to just check off a few boxes on her checklist. Whether she wants a princess or emerald cut, yellow gold or white, and if engraved rings and a bespoke design were the way to go.

But what if you could find a jewel that aligned with your stars? A birthstone engagement ring in Pittsburgh is the answer. Whether stand-alone or combined with diamonds, these gemstones are beautiful and sophisticated alternatives.

Some people believe that each zodiac sign has a special stone that offers various health and spiritual benefits to its wearers and thanks to its rise in popularity a lot of jewelers will now house your zodiac birthstones and convert them into wedding bands in Pittsburgh.

Whether you’re looking for a personal gem or a birthstone ring for your partner, here are some of the best zodiac engagement rings to invest in.

Birthstone for January – garnet

Translating to dark red or seed in Latin, garnets come in a variety of shades, but their unique crimson brown color is the most popular. They are believed to revitalize your body, promote emotional well-being and good luck when worn as jewelry.

Birthstone for February – Amethyst

This gorgeous purple gemstone can be found at any Pittsburgh jewelers and is a type of quartz derived from amethystos, which was used as an antidote for intoxication by Egyptians. It is said to bring strength, courage, and tranquility to its wearer.

Birthstone for March – Aquamarine

The birthstone for Pisces, this watery blue hue is named after seawater and is believed to enhance the happiness of marriages, making it apt for an engagement ring.

Birthstone for April – Diamond

April borns get the most precious and desirable birthstone, the diamond. This gem is known for its purifying and detoxifying properties and comes in several cuts and shapes you’ll be privy to.

Birthstone for May -Emerald

Emeralds are quite popular and are considered a stone for growth, fertility, and renewal which was favored by the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra.

Birthstone for June – Peal, moonstone, and alexandrite

June brides can take their pick from three calming and energetic gemstones. Moonstones are prized for their billowy blue adularescence, alexandrite is known for its color-changing attributes and pearl is the center of attention and makes beautiful jewelry staples.

Birthstone for July – Ruby

Rubies are believed to improve the wearer’s creativity and self-image and come in second after diamonds in terms of popularity.

Birthstone for August – Peridot

This rare gem is found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle. They are thought to relieve stress, increase strength and vitality.

Birthstone for September – Sapphire

Depending on their composition, sapphires come in shades of pink, blue, yellow, orange, purple, and green and are considered highly protective gemstones against the evil eye. They also improve focus and concentration.

Birthstone for October – Tourmaline or opal

The opals shifting play is similar to that of a kaleidoscope and tourmaline on the other hand comes in many violet-to-blue hues. They help the wearer find happiness, positivity, and love.

Birthstone for November – Citrine or topaz

November-born brides can consider citrine which helps alleviate negativity from your mind or topaz which is known to heal and soothe the sense.

Birthstone for December – Blue topaz, tanzanite, or turquoise

These blue-toned gemstones bring calmness and serenity and are allotted to Sagittarius brides.

In Conclusion

At Casa D’oro, they understand the value of fine jewelry and the hard work that goes into making them, which is why they strive to bring you the best quality deals along with beautiful custom-made jewelry and excellent customer service. They have a wide variety of jewelry for every occasion.

Casa: Helping You with Custom Designs Effortlessly

Sometimes, you want something that is unique and special. Something one-of-a-kind that no one else possesses. And, sometimes you want this for your engagement or wedding day in the form of custom jewelry design in Pittsburgh. You can make sure that you get the most unique and wonderful custom designs that are in sync with your personal preferences and choices. You can do this with us at Casa Doro Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.

Our professionals make certain that you obtain superior quality customer service as well as exquisiteness in design. We sit down and have a detailed conversation about what exactly you are looking for. We also understand what your budget is like and when is it that you want these jewelry pieces. In this way, you get designs that are unique to you on your special occasion.

How we help you with custom designs

We first help you plan out your design as this is the most vital step. It pays to think out of the box. Bringing in a sketched design helps to give us inspiration on what you are searching for. You can base your sketches on nature, film as well as literature. Keeping a certain plan in mind makes it easy for you to be more vocal about what you want.

Our jewelry store in Pittsburgh also gives you a glimpse of the latest trends and styles. While you don’t have to go in for them just because they are trending, it is always nice to have a rough idea so that you can incorporate these designs into your own design. You can go in for mixed metal rings, vintage rings, or Halo rings. Other than custom designs, we also bring you necklaces, pre-designed pieces, pendants, and Pandora bracelets in Pittsburgh.

Give us a call

With us, you can know for certain that we bring you the best deals. All of our team members are qualified and experienced to address all of your concerns. For custom designs, we stick to your description as much as we can. This ensures you have exactly what you need to see your vision come to life. So what is holding you back? Go ahead and give us a ring. We will sort everything out for you in the best way possible. We see to it that you are not left in the loop about any major or minor elements and you can head home with the ring of your dreams.