Product Care | Cynthia Ann Jewels

Houston-Based with 25+ years in Retail and Design, Cynthia Ann is proud to launch her unique and beautiful collection of one of a kind "Ancient and Olds", Limited Editions and exquisite "Classic" pieces. The collection is an exciting combination of classic European styling mixed with modern metals, textures and breathtaking precious and semi-precious stones. 

Cynthia Ann's inspiration for her jewelry collection goes back to the year 2000, as she was grieving the loss of her Mother from cancer. It was during this difficult time she traveled to Europe to begin an extraordinary spiritual journey discovering, collecting and designing unique and beautiful assortments of ancient and old religious medals and crosses.

As her journey evolved, her love grew beyond her religious pieces. Through her visits to European antique fairs, conversations with the dealers, and research of the true meaning of each jewelry piece, she found herself attracted to the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian era jewelry. These pieces exuded old world craftsmanship; they were made by hand, not machines, and were calling to be "re-purposed" and "re-loved". The history, brilliant craftsmanship and unique stones are what drew her to each precious piece.

With these unique pieces in hand, Cindy began designing and creating her line of Ancient & Olds Swallows, Starbursts, Love Tokens, Diamond Bars and Crescent Moons. She loved researching the meaning along with the old world techniques used, thus inspiring her to create her line. For example, the swallow represents love, are and affection for family and friends, symbolizing the loyalty of the person who will always return to them.

Today, as Cynthia Ann pursues her love of design, the "Ancient and Olds" collection has become an integral part of her jewelry line; to say they have taken center stage is truly an understatement. Each piece is lovingly and uniquely designed to enhance its original history and beauty. Her collection holds a very special place in her heart and she is excited to share it with others.

Product Care

General Care

Over time, fine jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for properly. Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of gemstones. The surface of gold, platinum and silver jewelry can become dulled. Timeworn prongs and clasps can result in the loss of a stone or an entire piece of jewelry.

Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year. We encourage you to bring your LaNae jewelry back to us for professional servicing. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewelry care, including cleaning gemstones, restringing pearls and repairing clasps and earring backs.

Sterling Silver

LaNae only uses sterling silver, one of the most beautiful and lustrous of all metals. With proper care, your silver will retain its beauty and character for many generations to come.

The First Rule Of Silver Care

Sterling silver tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulfur, such as rubber bands and some papers. However, silver that is regularly used typically needs less care, so LaNae strongly encourages you to use or wear your silver every day.

Washing Silver

LaNae recommends washing silver by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. To avoid spotting, it is important to dry your silver immediately after washing.

Polishing Silver

Use LaNae silver polish or another quality brand. Some "dip" polishes contain harsh chemicals and should be avoided. Electrolytic cleaning (aluminum foil, salt and baking soda in a water base) is not recommended.

Begin by using a soft cloth or sponge to apply the polish. Rub each piece gently but firmly lengthwise, using straight, even strokes. You may use a small brush (like a toothbrush with natural bristles) for decorative trim or borders. Wash in sudsy water, being sure to remove all the polish. Rinse well in warm water, dry thoroughly and buff gently with a soft cloth.

Special Considerations

An "oxidized" finish is the deliberate blackening of crevices in the ornamentation of a silver object to make its decorative details stand out more clearly. Take care as this finish can be removed by overzealous cleaning and polishing.

Storing Silver

Once cleaned and polished, silver must be kept dry and properly stored. Our LaNae jewelry bags will protect it from abrasion and offer a degree of tarnish prevention.

Bags made of "Pacific" cloth are also very effective in preventing tarnish.

Gold, Platinum

Between professional servicing, most gold and platinum jewelry can be maintained with a non-abrasive cleaner. Examine your jewelry regularly to make sure settings are snug and clasps and joinings are secure.

Avoid exposing gold jewelry to household bleach, which will quickly cause gold to discolor and possibly disintegrate.

Jewelry storage is important as well. At the time of purchase, all LaNae & Co. jewelry is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. Between wearings, we recommend that you place it back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch.

Gemstones

Certain basic precautions should be taken with all of your jewelry. However, some gemstones, as outlined in this section, require special care. 
Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck. Gemstones can scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious metals. Therefore, avoid stacking those rings and bracelets that would be vulnerable to such abrasion. Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics, ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals can also damage jewelry. 

To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush. 

If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.