Look Book

28 SCHWANKE-KASTEN TRUST US WITH ANY REPAIR We're more than just your favorite local jeweler. As Southeastern Wisconsin's trusted jeweler for over 125 years, we offer a variety of services for you to preserve and enjoy your priceless jewelry for years to come. Our services include appraisals, jewelry and watch repair, custom designs and engraving and, of course, personalized shopping. JEWELRY REPAIR – Larry Shapiro, a 3rd generation goldsmith with over 50 years of experience, has an arsenal of knowledge and tools at his disposal. He has been our trusted expert to repair and restore your sentimental and priceless jewelry. APPRAISALS – Amy Bajdan is our GIA certified gemologist with a rich background in jewelry design. We appraise jewelry and watches for fair current market replacement value. CUSTOM JEWELRY – Additionally, Amy Bajdan is able to create custom jewelry. Whether you are re-imagining a family heirloom piece or starting from scratch, we are able to create the piece of your dreams. ENGRAVING – With nearly 50 years of experience, LeeAnn Hazlett has the ability to engrave rings, watches, silver or pewter gift items, and the famed St. Christopher medals purchased at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, allowing you to add a personalized touch to your special jewelry. WATCH REPAIR – Our watchmakers, Lars Neilson (Rolex level 60) and Noah Riley (Rolex level 50) are the talent behind our Rolex plaque certification, which allows us to further ensure your watch always performs as it did on its first day. TAKING CARE OF YOUR JEWELRY To keep your fine jewelry in its best shape, there are a few things to be aware of when wearing and caring for it. Here are some commonly asked questions we would like to cover. Can I wear my jewelry all the time? While it is safe to wear jewelry in most environments, you should be careful in chlorinated water! Try to avoid taking any jewelry in pools or hot tubs as chlorine can corrode the metal. Another time to take your jewelry off is during active activities. Leave your rings in the jewelry box when you are gardening, moving furniture, rock climbing, lifting weights, swimming in pools or saltwater or anything of the like. How often should I clean my jewelry? As often as you feel it is needed! We recommend bringing your jewelry into our store to be ultrasonically cleaned at least every six months, especially rings. We can check the prongs during these visits. If you find yourself using lotions, sanitizer, or hairsprays often, try to remember to remove your jewelry beforehand. Otherwise use mild soap and a soft-bristle toothbrush between visits. Is it safe to re-size my ring? Depending on the setting, we can re-size most rings. It is important for the ring to fit you well so you can be confident in enjoying it! Ring size changes seasonally, and even daily, so pay attention to how your ring feels in different temperatures and after a salty meal before we change the shape of your ring. If you are pregnant, we don't recommend sizing the ring until you notice a decrease in swelling postpartum. I've heard opals and emeralds are soft; how do I care for them? ere are specific gemstones that are at a higher risk of damage than other gemstones. e jewelry industry uses the Mohs scale to determine the hardness of gemstones. Emerald, opal, pearl, malachite, and turquoise are popular gemstones that are particularly low on the Mohs scale, so they need extra care. Generally speaking, these pieces should be the last thing you put on before walking out the door, and the first thing you take off when you get home. Do you have any other questions? Ask us! We are here to help. Our Services

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