I have spent 6 1/2 hours today, trying to un-tangle a sterling chain that mated with a very fine 14kt gold chain. I offered to do this for my best friend, who gave up trying. I managed to get the 2 chains (after 4 hours of work) un-tangled, but then, the stupid gold chain twisted itself immediately. I spent another 2 1/2 hours trying to fix that one, to no avail. I always use straight pins; did that, plus baby oil on a glass surface. Every time I think I'm getting somewhere with the knot, it gets worse.
I am sick of seeing that stupid, stupid piece of junk! It really is sub-standard, as is the pendant--imagine a clear light bulb, filled with nasty opal chips, and suspended upside-down from the chain. However, it was her Mom's; her Mom died of cancer last February, and my friend wants it. I also spent 4 hours on Friday night, un-tangling and sorting through 3 jewelry boxes in order to see if anything had value (my friend asked if I would use my jewelry knowledge to help her). 90% was cheap costume stuff, pretty, but nothing of value--except for:
1. A small yellow gold and diamond cluster ring (diamonds aren't great, but I cleaned it up, and they sparkle a little more)
2. A yellow gold and rhodolite garnet (?) slide pendant
3. A strand of 1940's-1950's graduated genuine pearls, 14k white gold clasp
4. A few sterling pieces, etc.
She's letting me keep all of the above!!!!
Today, she had me do another small box--all costume, except for about 10 14k gold chains and bracelets, plus 2 wedding bands.
I did enjoy the Friday night episode, though. No major tangles, and I bagged each pair of earrings together in small bags, etc. Reminded me of going through my Mom's boxes as a kid--same kind, even some of the very same pieces, same time period. And MY Mom ALSO kept her stuff in a tangled mess!
The things I do for my friend! Today, I also went to her wedding venue, for a bridal vendor event at the country club--and fell down the stairs, injuring my shin and knee. They REALLY hurt--even more, hours later--and are swollen and starting to bruise. It really hasn't been a fun day...
I am sick of seeing that stupid, stupid piece of junk! It really is sub-standard, as is the pendant--imagine a clear light bulb, filled with nasty opal chips, and suspended upside-down from the chain. However, it was her Mom's; her Mom died of cancer last February, and my friend wants it. I also spent 4 hours on Friday night, un-tangling and sorting through 3 jewelry boxes in order to see if anything had value (my friend asked if I would use my jewelry knowledge to help her). 90% was cheap costume stuff, pretty, but nothing of value--except for:
1. A small yellow gold and diamond cluster ring (diamonds aren't great, but I cleaned it up, and they sparkle a little more)
2. A yellow gold and rhodolite garnet (?) slide pendant
3. A strand of 1940's-1950's graduated genuine pearls, 14k white gold clasp
4. A few sterling pieces, etc.
She's letting me keep all of the above!!!!
Today, she had me do another small box--all costume, except for about 10 14k gold chains and bracelets, plus 2 wedding bands.
I did enjoy the Friday night episode, though. No major tangles, and I bagged each pair of earrings together in small bags, etc. Reminded me of going through my Mom's boxes as a kid--same kind, even some of the very same pieces, same time period. And MY Mom ALSO kept her stuff in a tangled mess!
The things I do for my friend! Today, I also went to her wedding venue, for a bridal vendor event at the country club--and fell down the stairs, injuring my shin and knee. They REALLY hurt--even more, hours later--and are swollen and starting to bruise. It really hasn't been a fun day...
