Gems for

Stephanie Lyew, Gleaner Writer

The artist is the only person that knows that world is a subjective creation, that there is a choice to be made, a selection of elements.

- Anais Nin, French author

As for the individual wearing these creations that Anais Nin refers to, some of us have a little more to learn about the earth's elements.

This week, Saturday Life and Alicia Evelyn, creator of alem gems, give a five-point lesson on taking care of semi-precious stones and Pandora box jewellery (i.e. any item of jewellery that is pieced together with various stones, especially semi-precious stones, beads, natural seeds).

About alem gems

Created by: Alicia Evelyn

Background: While the Chinese five-element system includes wood, fire, earth, metal and water, Evelyn has her own idea of the five elements, taking inspiration from texture, colour, shape, formations and 'things that are in essence hidden, not obvious'.

After Edna Manley College, Alicia moved on to Fashion Institute of Technology to do pattern making in textiles but took up a hobby in jewellery making, which became her career when she launched her collection soon after.

Anyone who has seen Evelyn's designs will come to recognise that her signature is clusters and is Bohemian themed. Her designs utilise local natural seeds, raw materials, and pieced vintage items, semi-precious to precious stones and brass - these items require utmost care.

The five-point lesson:

1. Some stones can scratch one another, so when you remove your jewellery, place them in jewellery closets layered with soft interiors or cloth jewellery pouches. If those do not fit into your budget or are not available, you may wrap the jewellery in crepe (tissue) paper. Make sure the area is cool and dry to preserve glossy appearance.

2. Clean semi-precious stones at least twice per month with warm water and use a soft brush to clean in-between the links, preferably a make-up brush; never use toothbrushes - they are abrasive. You may use dishwashing liquid but never apply harsh chemicals.

3. Precious stones such as jade, opal and turquoise are better cleaned with moist lint-free cloths. Never use cleaners. Polishing cloths can be purchased from most jewellery stores.

4.Keep jewellery away from rubber. If rubber gets in contact with the jewellery, it may stick to it and leave residue that is hard to remove or stain the stones. Perfume, hair products and lotion also have the same effect and discolour the stones. If you use these products daily, it is important to dry-clean them with tissue paper after wearing. Also, apply cosmetics before putting on jewellery.

5. Unlike tarnished silver that can be restored, brass, a key metal in much vintage jewellery, will become dull, but can be preserved. Vinegar can be use with a moistened napkin to wipe the metal. The use of non-abrasive cleaner is also accepted, but avoid touching gemstones.

Check out photos from the new collection. Items available at kerrymanwomanhome, 18 South Avenue, Kingston 10, courtesy of alem gems. For more info about alem gems and taking care of your semi-precious stones, email Evelyn at info@alemgems.com or alemgems@gmail.com. You may check out her blog at www.alemgems.com. Source:http://www.ehow.com/how_5485240_clean-semiprecious-stones.html