Information about the Materials I use
and Frequently Asked Questions
Metals, techniques and stones I use in my designs
When creating my designs, I use the products and materials that are best suited to complement each other. Materials you will most frequently see I use are natural semi-precious stones, gold filled or vermeil chains. My hand cast pendants can have a Sterling silver, brass or white metal base but are always heavily plated in14kt, 18kt gold or .925 Sterling silver. You will see I love COLOR! That is why so many of my pieces use semi-precious gem stones. You will see me use lots of Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Lots of Moonstone and Labradorite and Lapis Lazuli. Of course tons of Turquoise, Malachite, Carnelian, Chrysoprase and Jade. I love using Zircon and White Sapphires for center stones as they give the same lux look and feel as a diamond wiht out the sticker shock! Of course some Onyx, Amazonite and Larimar!
You will see all of the beautiful colors in nature's rainbow in my jewelry. Customers may see slight variations from the images shown on the site because the stones and enamel used for our designs are unique to each piece and handmade in small batches. We work hard to ensure our pictures capture accurate images of the natural beauty of each piece but please be aware that there can be color variations and there can be slight differences depending on your computer or phone’s resolutions, filters, apps etc. Remember Each gemstone is unique due to natural variation, yet consistently belongs to the same mineral family.
Where is your jewelry designed and made?
Who: Me - I am Lucia Rambusch-Adam. I am the creator - Designer - and Maker. As I have grown I now have a network of amazing artisans Lapidary masters and detail jewelers who help me put the finishing touches on my designs.
Where: Denver CO, NYC, NY, & Portland Maine and suppliers from around the globe.
How: Thoughtfully assembled piece by piece by me! In my Denver studio.
How do I care for my Knickerbocker Lane jewelry?
Knickerbocker Lane Jewelry is meant to be worn, loved, appreciated and celebrated! With a little care and these tips, you'll ensure your jewelry lives its best life for decades to come. Please use a little TLC and common sense when wearing and caring for your pieces. Let’s keep these beauties safe!
Tips for wearing and caring for your pieces:
Keep It Clean
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt, oils, and cosmetics on the jewelry's surface. To clean most of our metal jewelry, you can use a mild dish soap or a jewelry cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of soap with lukewarm water and gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Rinse it thoroughly under cool water and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid Abrasive Materials
Abrasive materials like rough fabrics or abrasive cleaning tools can scratch the gold layer and diminish its shine. Store jewelry separately or in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
Polishing and Buffing
Sometimes metal jewelry can lose its shine over time due to wear. You can use a jewelry polishing cloth to gently buff the surface and restore its luster. Avoid excessive polishing, as this can wear down the gold layer.
Use Care With Semi-Precious stones:
Generally, semi-precious gemstones are hard stones making them durable, easy to wear and clean. Semi-precious stones can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Dip your stone into the water for a few seconds and use a jewelry cleaning brush to softly remove any build-up around the stone. When putting on jewelry with semi-precious stones, never place pressure directly on the stones themselves.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid Harsh Chemicals Harsh chemicals, including chlorine, bleach, and other strong cleaning agents, can damage the gold layer and the base metal of the jewelry. Ideally remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or using any chemicals.
Store Safely & Properly
Because Knickerbocker Lane jewelry is handmade and often in small batches, we recommend that you should store it in the dust bags provided with your shipment and keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place to prevent tangling and protect it from exposure to air and moisture.
Rotate Your Jewelry
Wearing the same piece of jewelry every day can lead to more wear and tear. Rotate your collection to distribute the wear evenly across your pieces
Use the Right Cleaners
Before you go applying home remedies like toothpaste and ammonia it's important to brush up on what will and won't work for the different gems in your collection. When in doubt, most commercially prepared jewelry cleaners are safe but extra care should be taken with particularly sensitive gems like pearls, enamel, porous semi-precious stones and amber.
Minimize Contact with Moisture: Moisture
When trapped under the jewelry, moisture can lead to tarnishing. Avoid wearing jewelry in heavy humid environments or while exercising, as sweat can accelerate tarnishing. If the jewelry does get wet, make sure to dry it thoroughly.
Limit Exposure to Products
Perfumes, lotions, and makeup can contain chemicals that may react with the metals in your jewelry, causing tarnishing or discoloration. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry to minimize contact.
Check for Loose Stones
It’s a good idea to inspect your jewelry. Checking occasionally for loose stones, clasps and other important part of your jewelry. If you notice anything lose you should not wear it and have it checked by a professional or consider if necessary, have it repaired.
Professional Cleaning
If your jewelry becomes heavily tarnished or discolored, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning and polishing. They can safely restore its appearance without damaging the gold layer.