Dos and Don’ts for Men’s Jewelry

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Dos and Don'ts for men's jewelry

From watches to necklaces, to cufflinks and tie clips, men are not falling behind when it comes to their accessories game. After all, getting a bit of bling adds intrigue and class to an outfit, whether worn in the office, during casual affairs, or on formal occasions. As you try to navigate the world of fashion and accessorizing, here are some quick dos and don’ts when it comes to men’s jewelry!

Do wear a watch that matches all occasions 

Watches area staple in a man’s look. They’re functional, and stylish, they show your unique personality, and they’re truly a conversation starter! If you’re a practical dude, you’d appreciate a watch you can wear in all settings–from business lunches to formal black-tie occasions to diving in deep waters. If that’s you, make sure to invest in a watch that has the perfect balance of formal, casual, and cool. 

Don’t overaccessorize 

Nothing is more cringy than trying too hard and wearing everything all at once. Keep it to a minimum and make sure the accessories you pick are cohesive. For instance, your tie clip should be in the same shade and finish as your cufflink. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment 

Feeling a bit fancy these days but afraid that the necklace you’ve been eyeing will be too adventurous for the style you’ve been used to? We say, go for it. It’s all about confidence and committing to it. That said, just keep in mind to have everything at a minimum! If you already have a fancy necklace on, there’s no need to stack up on bracelets or rings in the same look too!

 

Do use a cufflink jewelry box 

For adding polish and charm to formal wear or business attire, a good pair of cufflinks shall do the trick. With sophistication and style, you’re well on your way to showcasing your unique personality with a good pair of cufflinks. Not only that, they keep your cuffs neat too! Now, while cufflinks are a definite must-have in your accessories list, they’re also quite tricky to store and keep. To make sure that these little pieces don’t get misplaced, it’s important to store them in a dedicated cufflink jewelry box! These unique boxes usually have small slots that are lined with a soft, velvety material. If you’re looking for a great cufflink jewelry box, go and check out the lineup we have on our shopping page! 

How to Safely Store Fine Jewelry

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Sort your jewelry by type 
Regardless of the karat, gold is a pretty flexible metal, which makes it susceptible to scratches, and general damage. Make sure to store the pieces alone, perhaps in small cloth bags, their original box, or in a separate compartment in a jewelry box. Meanwhile, sterling silver is an oxidizing metal, so you can’t store it with other oxidizing metals. Aside from that, it should be sealed in a cool, dry place, wrapped carefully in either a plastic or fabric bag, or tucked in felt or cotton compartments. As for diamonds, while they’re the hardest, toughest stones out there, they still need an extra guard. Diamonds can scratch anything less resilient, so make sure to store them separately.

Clean the right way 

Before you store your jewelry in a safe box, it has to be thoroughly cleaned first. It’s important to clean your jewelry every few weeks and polish it every few months (don’t polish too much because the metal may wear away quickly). For gold, silver, and diamond pieces, you can simply clean them in warm water with some mild dishwashing liquid, then soak for about fifteen minutes. After that, scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristle toothbrush, rinse with warm water, then pat dry using soft cloth.

Store your pieces in a proper jewelry box 
No matter how careful you are when wearing your jewelry, it can still sustain damage during storage because pieces could end up getting tangled with each other. The best solution for this is to have the items stored in sorted storage like a jewelry box so they don’t touch each other.
If you’re looking for jewelry box options, you can check out our full range of choices on our shopping page! Go and find the perfect box for your fine jewelry!

Ways to Organize your Accessories

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Ways to Organize your Accessories

Organizing your accessories can be a bit overwhelming. From tiny pieces such as jewelry and watches to bigger accessories such as scarfs, belts, and bags – it can be a bit tricky. Unlike clothes that are way larger and can be stored in an easier and pretty straightforward manner, organizing and storing accessories requires a little bit of work. 

Approaches to organizing your jewelry and accessories can be based on your personality and organizational style. There’s no right or wrong way of storing your accessories but regardless, some storage solutions might help you figure it out. 

Here are some tips on how you can keep your things organized and pleasing to the eyes:

Use hooks and racks

An easy way to store belts, ties, and scarfs is to place hooks flat on your wall or the side of your shelves. If you don’t own too many of these accessories, then they won’t take too much space and you can just neatly hang and organize them. If you prefer another storage option, then you can use a belt and tie rack.

Keep it classy with dresser drawers.

If you want to store your accessories and jewelry in an organized way where you can easily find them at first glance, the use of dresser drawers is a smart and classic option. You can group your things by kind, color, or style with the use of the dividers inside the drawers.

Box them up

For accessories like hats, beanies, and caps, you can organize them by using boxes. Boxes are sturdy and stackable so if you have enough space in your room or in your walk-in closet, use of boxes is the best way to store them.

A simple solution is a tray.

Organizing the smaller pieces such as watches, sunglasses, and your everyday jewelry requires more attention because they can be easily misplaced or lost. You can store them in trays that you can place them where you can easily see. Find the perfect accessory box or tray to store and organise your accessories such as watches and cufflinks, even your mobile phone. It should have a great compartment size to fit all your trinkets and it comes in a stylish design that keeps everything looking elegant.

 

How to Make Your Watch Last a Lifetime

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How to make your watch last a lifetime

Every luxury watch has a story to tell…and it’s a story that should be carried out and handed down for many lifetimes. It’s more than just a luxury piece to show off; it’s a symbol of your identity and hard work. It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come because of your perseverance and ability to make the most of life. 

This is why it’s so important to treat your luxury watch in a way that deserves to be treated. These are some tips you can follow in order to make sure that your watch is always at its best now and for a very long time. 

 

Cleaning and regular maintenance is necessary 

Like every single piece of a luxury item, a watch needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it functioning and looking in top shape. The proper way of cleaning a luxury watch is simple: just use a soft cloth to wipe down the watch band and case and remove any particles of dirt or dust. You can also try to soak the watch band in gentle soap and water every couple of months, just to loosen the dirt further. 

Along with cleaning, it is absolutely essential to have your watch checked and maintained by a licensed expert to ensure that it’s kept optimized and free from future complications. 

 

It’s a must to wind the watch regularly 

As you move, the rotor of the watch you’re wearing continues to spin and tighten the mainspring. If you stop using the watch for a long period of time, the power reserve will drain energy, stopping the rotor from spinning.

With manual winding watches, it is suggested to turn the crown between 30-40 times. As for automatic watches, you can also simply shake the watch a few times and let the oscillating rotor inside wind the mainspring to get power again. If you don’t have the energy for all these, then a watch winder is a definite must. This device keeps your watch running even when you’re not using it–that means that the watch is kept lubricated through certain mechanisms that only a dedicated watch winder is capable of doing.

 

Proper storage is absolutely important 

It’s a given that a watch needs to go inside a sturdy watch storage box, otherwise it can be vulnerable to getting scratched or dropped. And when we talk about storage, it’s only right that it should be the most suitable one. Your luxury watch deserves it. Go for those fabric-lined boxes so the surface of your watch is ensured to be scratch-free from wood. Those with implemented glass windows on top are also great so you can easily view your collection without opening the lid. Also, the more additional drawers and compartments, the better! 

How do you take care of your luxury watch? Are you thinking of getting a new winder or box soon? 

 

 

Tips For Maintaining A Luxury Watch

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Tips For Maintaining A Luxury Watch

Your luxury watch is more than just an object. It’s a symbol of sophistication, esteem, and style. It’s a mark of your status; the fruition of all your hard work. So naturally, you’re proud of it. You want it to last for years and have it handed down to your next generations. 

 

How do you make sure that your luxury watch lasts? 

 

Proper cleaning and maintenance 

 

Does a luxury watch require high maintenance cleaning? Not so. Often, a damp, soapy cloth will do to wipe away the surface. To thoroughly clean the crevices of the bracelet, you can detach the band first then use a soft toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies of the bracelet links. Finally, finish by drying everything with a soft towel. 

 

As for maintenance, it’s ideal to have your watch serviced by a professional every 3 to 5 years. This is so you can easily identify and fix arising issues before they become serious and uncontrollable. 

 

Be mindful of external elements 

 

Reduce scuffs and stains on your watch! There are many external factors that could possibly end up harming your watch–these could include magnets (which can be found in the usual electronics you use), extreme temperatures, too much sun exposure, chemicals, water, among other things. Luxury watches are built for the rough but it would do you good if you pay more attention to these things. Don’t be too complacent about water exposure too. Yes, some luxury watches are regarded to be water-resistant but they might get damaged when you exceed the limits. 

 

Be particular about storage 

 

Storage is imperative when it comes to keeping your luxury watch safe and secure for years. You don’t want it to be hanging around, completely exposed to external elements. To be sure, invest in a reliable watch box. It should have a durable casing, organized compartments, and a smooth, quality lining that would keep your watch scratch-free. 

 

Looking for particular watch storage? What considerations do you need in order to buy one? 

 

How to Avoid Damage to Your Jewelry

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How to avoid damage to your jewelry

Your jewelry is one of the most precious things you have, so of course you’ll want to protect them and keep them from getting damaged. While jewelry is said to be made for the rough, they can also be very fragile, so as the owner, you’re going to want to make certain precautions to be sure that your jewelry is always in top condition. 

 

Keep them away from water 

 

Natural materials like gold, diamond, silver, and gemstones lose the capacity to withstand continuous exposure to water during the complex process of refining them to what they are appreciated for. Hence, when your jewelry is made of such materials, they have the tendency to rust or discolor in the exposure of water (especially salt water) and moisture. Whenever you’re taking a bath, going outdoors for a swim or even just washing your hands, it will be a better idea to remove your jewelry first. 

 

Watch out for chemical damage 

 

Because you wear your jewelry, it’s exposed to external factors like chemicals found in your beauty products. Not only that, your activities can also affect the state of your jewelry–for instance, if you’re cleaning the house or doing the laundry with certain products, the harsh chemical ingredients can have some adverse effects on your jewelry. 

 

Be careful to prevent scratches and dents 

 

When you’re doing some strenuous activities, it’s sometimes easy to forget that you are wearing some jewelry. As you move your arms, there’s a tendency for your jewelry to hit surfaces which can cause scratches and dents that you obviously wouldn’t want. So before you get into some physically-demanding task, like exercising, playing sports or going outdoors for a hike, it’s best to leave your jewelry in a storage place where they should be. 

 

Store your jewelry in a neat jewelry box

 

Speaking of storage, your precious items should have a place where they can be properly stored and protected from outside factors. A great jewelry box has protective lining that keeps your items moisture-free and safe. The padding gives that extra protection from any damage. The outside shell should be made with material that’s truly durable and will not shatter to pieces at the first drop. 

 

Have you ever experienced jewelry damage before? What did you do about it? 

 

Ways to care for Your Pen Collection

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Ways to care for your pen collection

Unlike, say, watch or jewellery collectors, there aren’t as many people who collect fancy pens. But we know too well that those who do take a knack for collecting pens are those who are really passionate about their special items. We understand your passion, and we’re here to help you keep your collection intact for a long time. While collector’s pens are designed to stand the test of time, it’s still imperative to do your role to preserve your pen’s beauty and lifespan. It’s only necessary to do these easy yet very fundamental steps. Read on to learn how you can take care of your pen collection the right way!

Cleaning your pens the proper way 

We recommend that you do cleaning for your pens every 4 to 8 weeks, especially when they’re often in use. For regular cleanings like this, it’s fine if you only wash the nib of a pen. Unscrew the pen, take out the nib, and wash individually using a pipette or syringe filled with room temperature distilled water (this is important to avoid the accumulation of limescale residue). Wash until the nib no longer leaks with ink. There’s no need to add any other solvents–having the ink dissolved in water by simple diffusion is more than enough. If it so happens that there’s ink encrusting, you can use a bit of detergent with the water solution to dissolve the hardened ink.

After cleansing with water, get the nib dried using absorbent paper, with the tip pointing downwards, just to make sure that ink residues are completely drained out. Aside from the nib, you also need to regularly clean the inside of the pen’s cap. A simple dabbing with damp absorbent paper will do.

Importance of a great pen box 


We talked about cleaning the nibs of pens. But do you know why the nibs of pens get messy in the first place? More often than not, it’s because your pens aren’t kept in proper storage. Ink dries up because of factors like temperature, humidity and motion, creating clogs on the nib over time. When a pen is placed in a box that controls these factors, the ink is less likely to make a stubborn turn that requires more maintenance on your part as a collector. Also, a collection just looks more organized when they’re lined up in a nice, fancy-looking box, don’t you think? If you’re choosing a box, go for the rectangular variants that are lined inside with cotton flannel or suede. Velvet lining isn’t recommended in this case because the nylon strands on the velvet can end up damaging the surface of the pens.

Storage position of a pen 

One last thing. When you put your pen collection inside a pen box, make sure that they’re also placed in the right direction. Don’t place the pens nib-down as this can damage the nib and also cause the ink to pool. Instead, have the pens placed nib-up or horizontally. If you need your pen automatically writing in top condition, however, we suggest you have it placed in a horizontal position as this keeps the nib wet and prevents gravity from pulling the ink away from the nib.

Do you have a pen collection or are you planning to start a collection of your own? What else do you want to know in terms of maintenance? 

How to Properly Use and Set Your Watch Winder

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How to Properly Use and Set Your Watch Winder

If you have an automatic watch, you probably already know that it is mostly powered by your wrist movement. The movement turns the rotor inside the watch case and this results in winding up the mainspring which stores energy and slowly feeds it into the watch movement. 

 

But what if you leave your watch unworn for long durations of time? While most automatic watches have a reserve power between 36 to 48 hours, if it is left for any longer, it will eventually stop working and need time correcting when used the next time, which could be a hassle when you need to use it immediately. 

 

Enter the convenience of a good, reliable watch winder. 

 

Not only does it serve as a protective case for storage, it also functions by spinning it sporadically throughout the day, ensuring that enough energy is sent to the mainspring. You may be surprised to find that winders rotate in both opposite directions–this is because the point is not to fully wind the mainspring but simply to keep the power reserve steady. It pauses so that the watch can use up some power on its own before it rotates to top it back again. 

 

A watch winder is especially useful when your watch has extra complications like days and months, moon phase, etc., all of which reset each time it stops working. Setting each complication each time is obviously time-consuming and a hassle on your part. 

 

You’re all set and ready to purchase your watch winder? Here’s how you can properly use and set it! 

 

  1. Set the turns per day (TPD) or how many full revolutions the winder turns in a 24-hour period. Look for the certain number that the watchmaker specifies on the manual. Be careful about this because too little TPDs and your watch doesn’t wind fully. On the other hand, too much TPDs could wear out. If you still have no idea, 650 TPD is usually a safe option.

 

  1. Set the turning direction. As mentioned above, most watches can wind in either direction. However, you should clarify this feature on the watch manual first because some watches have different specifications, like clockwise or counterclockwise.

 

  1. Turn on the winder. Be sure to check your watch periodically just to see if it’s keeping accurate time. If for some reason it isn’t, you may need to adjust the TPD or direction.

 

Are you considering a watch winder for your automatic watch? What features are you looking for in a watch winder?

How to Take Care of (And Clean) Your Fashion Jewelry

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How to Take Care of (And Clean) Your Fashion Jewelry

We all have our sentimental reasons for the jewelry that we have. Because they are precious to us, we want them to stay in their best condition for a long time. To help you keep your beloved sparklers sparkling, we’re ranking up some tips and tricks for keeping them clean and at their best.

Keep away from chemicals and water

Whether you’re in the shower, the pool, or a hot tub, any contact with harmful chemicals like soap or chlorine can fade the color of the jewelry, no matter how much it’s supposed to be water or chemical-proof. So it’s best to remove them when you’re taking a dip. Also, your jewelry is adverse to sweat so think about wearing it while doing strenuous activities.  

 

Watch out for light and heat 

Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage the skin, light and heat can also affect a jewelry’s condition. If you know you’re going to be outdoors and exposed to the sun for a long period of time, then it’s best not to wear your valuable jewelry. 

 

Thorough cleaning is obviously important 

Jewelry is prone to bacteria and germs because it has a lot of small nooks and crannies where dirt can build up. Clean your jewelry regularly using a proper cleaner or a mild detergent added with warm water. Using an old toothbrush or a soft brush, scrub gently on areas where dust and other particles usually pile up. Next, rinse thoroughly then immediately pat to dry using microfiber cloth. 

 

Proper storage is key 

Since jewelry goes to its storage when not in use, it’s only right that its storage is the most suitable one. Fabric-lined jewelry boxes are great for storing your jewelry. These have small compartments and linings that make sure your jewelry don’t get scratches. Molds and other tarnishing agents are also kept at bay. Smart tip: To maintain the luster of your jewelry, place anti-tarnish strips inside the storage so that it can absorb the oxidants that may discolor and tarnish your jewelry.

How long have you had your precious jewelry with you? How do you keep them looking their best? 

Best Ways to Store Cigars to Keep Them Fresh

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Best Ways to Store Cigars to Keep Them Fresh

Ever experienced smoking a cigar and noticing that it burns poorly? You’ve been so excited lighting it up but it just ends up in quite a disappointment. The most common reason for this is the extra moisture that comes during manufacturing or transporting. Some cigars also need to stabilize themselves before being ready to be used.

Cigar aficionados know all too well the importance of proper storage in keeping cigars fresh. This is how they’re able to preserve their precious cigars despite varying temperatures and conditions.

The key here is that you should be able to maintain the temperature and condition of the place or country where the cigar was manufactured. Cigars fare best in a humidity of 70% (62% to 72% humidity may be acceptable depending on the conditions) and a temperature of 68 degrees–and this is where it gets tricky, especially when you happen to live in a country that doesn’t get a lot of that kind of temperamental condition.
This is exactly why a cigar humidor is so important. Essentially, this is a stylish and sophisticated box that serves as a container for a cigar but inside, it recreates the perfect temperature and humidity levels for the cigars to stay fresh and unaffected by certain conditions. Humidors can vary in size and design, but usually, they’re all made of the same materials and features. An important feature is a tight seal that locks in the temperature and humidity that the cigars need. For some humidors, you will need to calibrate the hygrometer by yourself and set up the humidifier with a propylene glycol solution. The temperature and humidity inside can be adjusted, like add in moisture or remove any excess, depending on the number of cigars inside. This feature is so convenient for collectors that’s why they swear by these cigar humidors!
Not only are humidors working great to keep cigars fresh, but they’re also ideal for aging the flavors of cigars. It is believed that cigars taste best after about 5 years of storage, so if you are patient enough to have your cigars stored in the humidors for that period of time, you are guaranteed to have the best-tasting cigars!
Do you enjoy collecting cigars or know anyone who enjoys it?