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How to clean jewellery at home: 14 household items that work miracles

<h2>How to make your jewellery shine</h2> If you want to clean your bling but don’t want to shell out lots of money for a professional, fear not – there are lots of easy methods for how to clean jewellery right at home. You don’t have to save it for your most valuable cocktail rings or necklaces, either. Even the best affordable jewellery needs a cleaning every now and then, especially those delicate earrings that you never take off, even after they turn your skin green. <h2>What is the best home remedy to clean jewellery?</h2> These trusted everyday items are just as good as (if not better than) jewellery cleaner, and you probably already have most of them in the house. <h2>Alka-Seltzer</h2> Drop your dull-looking jewellery in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out. <h2>Aluminium foil</h2> Here’s how to clean jewellery with aluminium foil: simply line a small bowl with it. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in one tablespoon of bleach-free powdered laundry detergent. Put the jewellery in the solution and let it soak for one minute. Rinse well and air-dry. This procedure makes use of the chemical process known as ion exchange, which can also be used to clean silverware. <h2>Ammonia</h2> Brighten up your gold and silver trinkets by soaking them for ten minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup clear ammonia mixed with 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. Note: do not do this with jewellery containing pearls, because it could dull or damage their delicate surface. <h2>Baking soda</h2> To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse, and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of baking soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it, and rinse clean. Note: do not use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as it could damage their finish or loosen any glue. <h2>Light-coloured beer</h2> Get the shine back in your solid gold rings (read: bands without any gemstones) and other jewellery by pouring a bit of light-coloured beer (not dark ale!) onto a soft cloth and rubbing it gently over the piece. Use a clean second cloth or towel to dry. <h2>Soda water</h2> Soak your diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in club soda to give them a bright sheen. Simply place them in a glass full of soda water and let them soak overnight. <h2>Denture tablets</h2> Has your diamond ring lost its sparkle? Here’s how to clean jewellery using denture tablets: drop the tablet into a glass along with 1 cup water. Follow that with your ring or diamond earrings. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove your jewellery and rinse to reveal the old sparkle and shine. <h2>Ketchup</h2> Let ketchup do the work of shining tarnished silver. If your ring, bracelet, or earring has a smooth surface, dunk it in a small bowl of ketchup for a few minutes. If it has a tooled or detailed surface, use an old toothbrush to work ketchup into the crevices. To avoid damaging the silver, don’t leave the ketchup on any longer than necessary. Rinse your jewellery clean, dry it, and it’s ready to wear. <h2>Toothpaste</h2> Put a little toothpaste on an old toothbrush and use it to make your diamond ring sparkle instead of your teeth. Clean off the residue with a damp cloth. <h2>Vinegar</h2> Is vinegar good for cleaning jewellery? Yes! Here’s how to clean jewellery with it: soak your pure silver bracelets, rings, and other jewellery in a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda for two to three hours. Rinse them under cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. <div> </div> <h2>Vodka</h2> In a pinch, a few drops of vodka will clean any kind of glass or jewellery with crystalline gemstones. So although people might give you strange looks, you could dip a napkin into your vodka on the rocks to wipe away the grime on your eyeglasses or dunk your diamond ring for a few minutes to get it sparkling again. But don’t try this with contact lenses! Also, avoid getting alcohol on any gemstone that’s not a crystal. Only diamonds, emeralds and the like will benefit from a vodka bath. <h2>Window cleaner</h2> Use window cleaner to spruce up jewellery that is all metal or has crystalline gemstones such as diamonds or rubies. Spray on the cleaner, then use an old toothbrush for cleaning. But don’t do this if the piece has opaque stones such as opal or turquoise, or organic gems such as coral or pearl. The ammonia and detergents in the cleaner can discolour these porous lovelies. <h2>Dish soap</h2> Dish soap can do a whole lot more than just clean your kitchen! It’s great for regular jewellery cleaning. All you need to do is mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and let the jewellery soak in the solution for a few minutes. You can use this method for silver jewellery too, but you’re better off using a toothbrush or cloth to wipe down that jewellery rather than fully submerging it. Don’t forget to rinse! <h2>Shampoo</h2> A bit of mild shampoo – think baby shampoo – is a great way to polish your pearls. Stones like turquoise and opals will benefit from this treatment as well. To use this method most effectively, mix a little bit of shampoo with warm water and use a soft, clean brush like a makeup brush to polish each pearl with the mixture. You don’t want to risk damaging pearls by soaking them. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/how-to-clean-jewellery-at-home-14-household-items-that-work-miracles?pages=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

Royal fans react to Kim Kardashian's purchase of Princess Diana's jewellery

The Attallah Cross, famously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, has reportedly been purchased at auction by none other than reality TV star Kim Kardashian. Kim, best known for her time on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, purchased the piece for $197,453 USD (approximately $284,654.04 AUD) at the Sotheby’s Royal & Noble sale. The necklace was seen on Diana at a Gala for Birthright, now known as Wellbeing of Women, in October 1987. Diana paired the piece with a purple velvet Catherine Walker gown. It features 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds that accentuate square-cut amethysts in a cross formation. It was designed by luxury jewellery designer and former crown jeweller Garrard, who made numerous pieces for Diana. Most notably, her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, now in the possession of Catherine, Princess of Wales . Naim Attallah, first owner of the cross, loaned it to her several times throughout their friendship. as friends with Diana and loaned it to her several times. According to reports, the cross hasn’t been seen in public since it was last worn by Diana, who was the only one to ever don it. New owner Kim Kardashian is no stranger to sporting vintage pieces. Most recently, Kim divided the internet when she wore the crystal-encrusted dress Marilyn Monroe wore to serenade US President John F Kennedy with “Happy Birthday” in 1962. The internet erupted with outrage when the news of Kim’s jewellery purchase broke, with critics quick to share their opinion. “Kim Kardashian owning Princess Diana’s cross necklace has put me in a vile mood,” came one gripe. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Kim Kardashian Acquires Bejeweled Cross Worn By Princess Diana For $197,453 <a href="https://t.co/wglEwLyutg">https://t.co/wglEwLyutg</a> <a href="https://t.co/uz1VqiJT8x">pic.twitter.com/uz1VqiJT8x</a> — Forbes (@Forbes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Forbes/status/1615825124472537088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote> One individual referenced a popular internet meme featuring Kardashian, in which she was seen crying in the ocean after losing a diamond earring. Doubtful about the necklace’s future, they wrote, “and next week it’s gonna be ‘Kim Kardashian has lost Princess Diana’s iconic diamond cross necklace in the ocean’.” Some fans took the time to point out that the cross was never actually owned by Diana, with one tweeting, “Princess Diana did not own it. The jewellery company let her borrow it for an event.” A few seized the opportunity to try and drag Harry and Meghan into the mix, while some tried to make light of the situation amongst the outrage, bringing it full circle with a throwback to the dress saga with, “sorry Marilyn Monroe, Kim Kardashian is now taking style cues from Princess Diana.” Images: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Duchess of Cambridge wears $3.80 earrings for her first royal engagement of the year

Image: 9Honey The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out showcasing her signature mix of high and low end fashion in a chic return to work for the new year. Kate Middleton visited The Foundling Museum in London on Wednesday wearing a teal blue coat over the top of an all-navy ensemble. But her standout accessory was the royal's $3.80 gold earrings from UK store Accessorize. The mini hammered doorknocker hoop earrings from the high street chain (similar to Lovisa) were originally £7 ($13.20) but were in the recent sale, dropping in price to £2.10 ($3.80) — needless to say, they're now sold out. The only other jewels that Kate could be seen wearing was her heirloom sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which previously belonged to Princess Diana, and her wedding band. The Duchess, who celebrated her 40th birthday earlier this month, wasn't just cost-efficient in her jewellery department. Even the tailored blue coat has been seen before, with the Duchess last wearing it in January 2020, during a visit to LEYF Stockwell Gardens Nursery & Pre-School in London. The Duchess also sported a turtle neck knit and navy suede heels, both of which are understood to be items worn to previous engagements and events. Kate's return to work for the new year wouldn't be complete without her signature bouncy blowdry, which bobbed as the royal arrived at The Foundling Museum with husband Prince William.

Beauty & Style

Jewellery belonging to royal families hits the auction market

A series of beautiful and historically-important jewels are set to hit the auction market next week. They are expected to sell for record-breaking prices, as they are all linked to royalty throughout the world, and spanning hundreds of years. The collection includes a set of sapphire jewels once owned by a member of Russia's ill-fated Romanov dynasty, diamond bracelets from Marie Antoinette's collection and a bangle given to the Duchess of Windsor as an anniversary present from her husband. Two tiaras once owned by Empress Joséphine of France are also included in the sale, along with tiaras owned by other European royals. Jewels by Bulgari, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier are also among the spectacularly glitzy collection. Auction houses Christie's and Sotheby's are auctioning off the items next week to prospective buyers, as visitors try to outbid their chances of owning a piece of history. The big ticket item at the Christie's auction, happening on November 9th in Geneva, is a pair of diamond bracelets that belonged to the last queen of France. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845362/marie-antoinette-jewels.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/528194fee718455bbae20343be1d372e" /> Image credits: Christie's A blue velvet box, labeled 'bracelets off Queen Marie Antoinette', houses the double bracelets, each composed of three strands of diamonds and a large barrette clasp, for a total of 112 diamonds. Now in the possession of a European royal family, the bracelets are said to sell for at $3 million. "To find jewels with over 200 years of French royal history is truly something that collectors and passionate jewellery people from all over the world will be keeping an eye on," Max Fawcett, head of Christie's jewellery department in Geneva, said. Also being auctioned at Christie's is a ruby and diamond bangle owned by Wallis Simpson. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845363/ruby.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9b7a68eaa4d7489b90b0114a72e8a487" /> Image credit: Christie's The former King Edward VIII ordered the Cartier bracelet for his American wife on their first wedding anniversary in 1938 after abdicating the throne. The jewellery is expected to sell for close to $3 million. The bangle features an inscription that reads, "For our first anniversary of June third". Featured at the Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale is a sapphire and diamond brooch and matching ear-clips once owned by the Romanov dynasty of Russia. They are from the collection of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, the cousin of Tsar Nicholas II. With a range of other royal jewels up for auction, the auction houses in Geneva are expecting a bidding war that will result in millions of dollars of profit. Image credits: Sotheby's / Christie's

Money & Banking

Bicarb to the rescue

This magic ingredient has scores of extraordinary uses about which you may have had no clue - until now. Rescue Remedy 1 Clean your produce You can’t be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Wash fruit and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and voila, it will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Alternatively, put a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving. RR2 Make your own dishwashing detergent The dishwasher is fully loaded when you discover you’re out of your usual powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do? Make your own by combining two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two tablespoons of borax. You may be so pleased with the results you’ll switch for good. RR3 Remove crayon marks from walls Has a small child redecorated your walls or wallpaper with some original artworks in crayon? Don’t lose your cool, just grab a damp rag, dip it in some bicarbonate of soda and lightly scrub the marks. They should come off with a minimum of effort. RR4 Deodorise your rubbish bin If something smells off in your kitchen, it’s probably emanating from your bin. Some smells linger even after you dispose of the offending bin liner, so make sure you give your bin an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in bicarbonate of soda (wear an old pair of rubber gloves for this job). Rinse the bin out with a damp sponge, then let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off bad smells by sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the bin before inserting the new bag. RR5 Douse that fire Did you know that bicarbonate of soda is the main ingredient in many commercial fire extinguishers? You too can use it straight out of the box to extinguish small fires throughout your home. For quick access, keep it near the stove for any unforeseen mishaps. In the case of a grease fire, first turn off the heat, if possible, and try to cover the fire with a pan lid. Be careful not to let the hot grease splatter you. Also keep a box or two in your garage and inside your car to quickly extinguish any mechanical or car-interior fires. Bicarbonate of soda will also snuff out electrical fires and flames on clothing, wood, upholstery and carpets. RR6 Get stains off piano keys That old upright may still sound great, but those yellowed keys definitely hit a sour note. Remove age stains by mixing a solution of 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda in one litre of warm water. Apply to each key with a dampened cloth (you can place a thin piece of cardboard between the keys to avoid seepage). Wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water, then buff dry with a clean cloth. RR7 Remove musty smells from books If books that have just been taken out of storage have a musty odour, place each one in a small brown paper bag with two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Don’t shake the bag, just tie it up and let it sit in a dry place for about a week. When you open the bag, shake remaining powder off the books and the smell should be gone. RR8 Deodorise rugs and carpets How’s this for a simple way to freshen up your carpets or rugs? Lightly sprinkle them with bicarbonate of soda, let it settle for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. RR9 Polish silver, and gold jewellery To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of bicarbonate of soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it and rinse clean. Be warned though: don’t use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as bicarbonate of soda could damage their finish and loosen the glue. RR10 Tidy up your toilet bowl Instead of using chemicals to clean your toilet bowl, just pour half a box of bicarbonate of soda into the cistern once a month. Leave overnight. This cleans both the cistern and the bowl. You can also pour several tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda directly into a toilet bowl and scrub it on any stains. Wait a few minutes, then flush away the stains. All these tips – and hundreds more to save money and time – can be found in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things, Reader’s Digest, RRP $49.98. To order visit <a href="http://www.healthsmart">www.healthsmart</a> magazine.com.au or call 1300 300 030. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/bicarb-to-the-rescue">Reader’s Digest</a> Image: Reader’s Digest

Home & Garden

Cheater called out by jewellery store worker

A jewellery store worker has exposed a man’s supposed affair after she sold him two rings - one for his girlfriend and one for his “side-piece”. The woman shared the story on Tiktok in the hope of warning his girlfriend. In <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ferreiroroche/video/6962974389264583941?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhoney.nine.com.au%2F&referer_video_id=6963270190087949574&refer=embed&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1">the video</a>, she details the story while wearing a face mask and a Pandora lanyard, with the interior of the jewellery store she works in visible in the background. “If your boyfriend’s name is Jake and he lives in MTL (Montreal, Canada), he just bought two rings for his ‘girl and his sidepiece’”, she wrote in a caption during the video. She then showed the two rings the man allegedly bought: one with a small heart set with a red stone, and the other with a large clear stone in the centre. <img style="width: 360px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841388/https___prodstatic9net-2.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6edc15a3d7104580bda26d4b0f673a87" /> “You deserve better!” she wrote over the clip, adding in the caption: “Gotta support my girls.” Commenters flocked to the video, praising the woman for calling out the “cheater” and exposing him for shopping for both his partner and the “other woman” at the same store. Some expressed concern for the woman, saying that filming the clip instore could get her in trouble, depending on company policy. “I really hope you don’t get in trouble for this because he needs to be exposed!” one wrote. But, the woman released a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ferreiroroche/video/6963270190087949574?sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6950773562416301570&is_from_webapp=v1&is_copy_url=0">follow-up video</a> revealing that her followers didn’t need to worry as she no longer worked at that store. “I actually quit last week and waited for my last shift to expose this cheater,” she wrote in the video. The trend of “exposing cheaters” has become hugely popular on the platform, but has drawn some criticism. These kinds of clips can jeopardise a person’s employment and can draw accusations that the stories are faked in order to earn internet fame. Image credit: ferreiroroche / Tiktok

Relationships

Meghan and Harry’s subtle hint for baby’s gender

Eagle-eyed fans have spotted a tiny detail that they believe may be linked to the gender of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby. While the couple have been notoriously private and kept majority of their pregnancy under wraps, royal fans pointed out a large pink sapphire ring worn by Duchess Meghan during a recent video appearance. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840048/meghan-sapphire-ring-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/69c09e4ff9104b93ada4b8c1d5eb57df" /> The large ring from is from the jewellery brand Ecksand and features an ethically sourced 6.000 carat stone with a recycled 18k gold band with 0.20 diamond pave. "Is the 'pink' ring an 'indication/hint' that it might be a little girl?" one fan speculated on Instagram. "Could this be a clue about baby Sussex????! Praying for a safe, healthy delivery and birth for mother and baby, whether it's a girl or a boy!" another said. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe6Ez8DKWd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe6Ez8DKWd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Meghan Markle (@meghan_update)</a> </div> </blockquote> The ring normally retails for $1790 but is currently on sale for $1522. “It’s been a rough few weeks for the queen, that’s for sure,” a royal insider told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-harry-meghan-markles-distance-is-challenging-for-queen/" target="_blank">Us Weekly.</a> “The situation with Harry and Meghan has been challenging, and on top of that, she’s distraught over her beloved husband’s health setback.”

Family & Pets

Luxury jewellery company designs $2 million face mask

Face masks are quickly becoming an essential part of people's daily uniforms when they step outside, with some choosing to have a more luxurious face mask to protect them from coronavirus. Luxury Israeli jewellery brand Yvel has created a custom-made white gold 18-karat face mask with more than 3,600 white and black diamonds. The mask doesn't come cheap, with the white gold and diamond-encrusted face mask having a whopping price tag of $USD 1.5 million ($NZD 2.27 million). The buyer of the mask requested to remain anonymous but urged the jewellery brand to complete the mask by the end of the year. The mask will weigh 270g and is being fitted with N99 filters at the request of the client. “Money maybe doesn’t buy everything, but if it can buy a very expensive COVID-19 mask and the guy wants to wear it and walk around and get the attention, he should be happy with that,” the designer of the mask Isaac Levy explained. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837341/facemask-jewelerry-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/38e6dcfb24724539bef19df7452b2230" /> <div class="body_text "> While Levy said he would not wear the mask himself, he is grateful his company was given the opportunity to create it. “I am happy that this mask gave us enough work for our employees to be able to provide their jobs in very challenging times like these times right now,” he said. The request for the expensive mask came from a businessman in America, and will "not be delayed" for its due date of 31st of December. “In these tumultuous days, every order we receive helps to preserve the company’s day-to-day operations on the one hand, and brings foreign currency into a country that needs all the help from us industrialists on the other,” Levy added. Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gq.com.au/style/news/this-jewelery-company-has-designed-a-2-million-face-mask/image-gallery/c73646fbf49811739d9e89473c0fe2a0" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">GQ</a> </div>

Money & Banking

Sydney grandmother furious after precious ring goes missing in jewellery store

A woman is demanding answers after she sent her prized engagement ring to one of Australia’s largest jewellers, only to discover it went missing. Rosa Minichini says her husband Joe proposed on their first date – when she was 17 and he was 23. The pair actually broke family tradition to get her engagement ring. "So back in those days, the parents had to come along to choose the rings and I wasn't going to have that. So I said okay, when can you get time off work? We'll catch the ferry across to the city to Diamond Traders and we'll choose a ring, and that's what we did," Joe said. Rosa explained that her ring was “a little cluster. Ten diamonds but one in the centre. And it just had little ones down, down the side of it but 18k gold." After decades of sporting the gorgeous jewel around, a diamond fell out, and so Rosa took her engagement ring to Angus and Coote at their local shopping centre, Warringah Mall, on Sydney's northern beaches, to get it repaired. "We got a call to go in and, you know, pick it up," Rosa said. "As soon as he opened that bag, and it was missing, I just went into shock." That shock was amplified because her wedding rings were the only jewellery she had left after the Minichini's were robbed seven years ago. "They took everything of my parents', mine, my wife's, my children's necklaces, bracelets, watches, everything. Everything was gone, because everything was in the safe," Joe shared. "You know, with the heartache of just having everything taken away, I just couldn't believe that this precious engagement ring would be taken away," Rosa explained. Rosa said she was shown a photograph of the repaired ring, but what happened on the way back to the Angus and Coote store is a mystery. "I can't see how it's so hard to find, because all diamond places, jewellers, they've got cameras. Surely, from one place to another, the camera can tell where it's gone," Joe admitted. The ring cost $1100 back in 1980, when Joe earned $80 a week, petrol was 40 cents a litre, and a home in Sydney cost $50,000. But the ring hasn't been valued since. "I can't even put a price onto it because of the fact that the sentimental value to me, it's worth more than a million dollars," Rosa said. Angus and Coote is one of Australia's largest jewellers with stores around the country. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836999/couple-ring.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/97b76785be114818a161d0690a366901" /> The company is yet to give an explanation as to where Rosa’s ring went missing, almost seven months later since it was first entrusted to them. The jewellery store has offered to make a replica of the engagement ring. Angus and Coote told A Current Affair "as this is a private matter we will not be making any public comment." Rosa says that answer is just not good enough. “It shouldn't go missing, you know, the thing is that you've got this in your hands. It should be really looked after.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836998/couple-ring-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/931cf7b7b37c4e139b79e1cfe96cd2d6" /> Andrew Gavrielatos from the NSW Fair Trading's customer service department has the following advice for customers. "Everyone places a value on their items, and they do expect to be compensated for that,” he said. Certainly a consumer should expect to be put into that place before the item was handed over. Where there is a sentimental value, obviously that becomes a lot more difficult, because what is that value? It's much harder to determine.” "When you do hand an item over make sure you have a photograph of the item, make sure you get a receipt, for the item you've handed over and tell the business it does have that sentimental value, to keep them focused on that."

Legal

The story behind the Queen’s jewellery for Philip’s 99th birthday

The royal family has released a new photograph of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of the duke’s 99th birthday on June 10. The image, taken at Windsor Castle on June 1, shows the Prince donning a Household Division tie and the Queen wearing a dress by Angela Kelly and a historic brooch. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOsiR6HsKl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOsiR6HsKl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">📸 This new photograph of The Duke of Edinburgh and The Queen was taken last week in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle to mark His Royal Highness’s 99th birthday tomorrow. . Copyright: Press Association</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on Jun 9, 2020 at 2:35pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Dating back to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rct.uk/sites/default/files/null/diamonds_fact_sheet_1.pdf" target="_blank">1911</a>, the Cullinan V brooch features an 18-8-carat heart-shaped diamond at its centre with pave-set border of smaller diamonds. The centre stone is one of those cut from the famous 3,106-carat Cullinan, the largest diamond ever discovered. Other stones from the 621g diamond – found near Pretoria in South Africa in 1905 – were set on other royal jewellery pieces, including the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The Cullinan V was first owned by the Queen’s grandmother Queen Mary, who wore the brooch as part of the suite of jewelleries made for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Elizabeth later inherited the piece in 1953 and has since featured it as part of her outfit on many occasions. She was last seen wearing the brooch during the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding at St George’s Chapel in October 2018.

Retirement Life

Duchess Meghan’s friend warned to take down all “damaging photos” of royal

Duchess Meghan’s friend that she’d made before she hit international fame and married into the royal family, has been ordered by Buckingham Palace to delete any photos of the Duchess that she is using to promote her business. California-based jewellery designer Jennifer Meyer, 42, has reportedly breached a nondisclosure agreement by posting pictures of the Duchess of Sussex wearing her jewellery, as reporting by The Mirror. The two allegedly became good friends while Duchess Meghan was still starring in American legal drama Suits, and has reportedly boasted that she “can’t get enough” of her royal friend wearing her necklaces, rings and earrings. An insider source told the Mirror: “Jennifer Meyer has been told to remove the images and in no uncertain terms how damaging this could be for Meghan and the royal family.” The official Instagram account for Jennifer Meyer Jewellery usually shares images of the Duchess wearing her designs immediately after she has been photographed in them and links to where customers could shop the pieces online. Up until Tuesday, the designer had a designated section of her website where shoppers could browse for the pieces the royal had worn – however this has now been completely wiped from the site. The Duchess of Sussex has worn a number of her designer-friend’s pieces, including in a highly publicised introduction of her and Prince Harry’s son to the world. The tiny tot met with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa. The royal was also spotted wearing as piece by Ms Meyer when she cheered on Serena Williams at the US Open. Scroll through the gallery to see some of the images that Jennifer Meyer may have posted of the Duchess of Sussex on her site.

Beauty & Style

“Extraordinary permission”: Queen Elizabeth allows close friend to write tell-all book

The Queen’s personal dresser and confidant Angela Kelly has been given “extraordinary permission” from the Queen herself to write a tell-all book that details their working relationship. Kelly has been employed by Her Majesty since 1994 and is the first member of the royal household to be given permission to write about their experiences on the job, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-elizabeth-dresser-angela-kelly-given-permission-to-write-book/72ecda56-bfa1-42e1-9e7d-44737ca321e8" target="_blank">Nine Honey</a>. The monarch has "personally given Angela her blessing to share their unparalleled bond with the world", says a spokesperson for the publisher, HarperCollins. Kelly, 51, started at the palace as the Queen’s senior dresser before rising to Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor and Curator, which includes jewellery, insignias and wardrobe as well as in-house designer. She is the first person in history to hold such a job title and shares a uniquely close working relationship with the Queen. The Other Side of the Coin will include never-before-seen photographs from Kelly's private collection as well as anecdotes of their time spent together. "Angela Kelly is the first serving member of the Royal Household to have been given this extraordinary permission," the publisher says. Kelly likened her relationship with the Queen as “two typical women” who “discuss clothes, make-up and jewellery” in a 2007 interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1571986/The-Queen-and-I-by-Her-Majestys-PA.html" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>. "I don't know why the Queen seems fond of me - because I don't give her an easy time," Kelly said. "I do think she values my opinion, but she is the one who is in control. I do worry about her and care about her. But we also have a lot of fun together." Australian palace aid Samantha Cohen, assistant Private Secretary to the Queen between 2011-2018, says the book "gives a rare glimpse into the demands of the job of supporting the Monarch, and we gain privileged insight into a successful working relationship, characterised by humour, creativity, hard work, and a mutual commitment to service and duty". "Angela is a talented and inspiring woman, who has captured the highlights of her long career with The Queen for us all to share."

Books

Why Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring is so special to the royal family

While it is true Duchess Kate’s engagement ring is the most iconic and special pieces of jewellery to the royal family, it is not the only deeply meaningful one. While the Duchess of Cambridge - who announced alongside her then-fiance Prince William back in 2011 of their engagement - had an heirloom passed down from Princess Diana, Princess Eugenie has a special connection to her own ring. The pink centre stone made of large pink sapphire and surrounded by a halo of diamonds is a special nod to her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York. The stone which is called padparadscha sapphire, also referred to as a “lotus blossom sapphire,” is an incredibly rare stone that takes on a gorgeous hue from the red and yellow in the gem. The stone itself is estimated at a cost of AU$12,000 which is not including the intricate diamonds which makes up the halo. The design carries significant weight to Princess Eugenie, as it bears a striking resemblance to her mother’s very own engagement ring. The royal’s husband Jack Brooksbank designed the ring for his wife while keeping in mind his mother-in-law’s special jewellery collection and took inspiration from the piece Prince Andrew used when proposing to Sarah Ferguson in 1986. Fergie's beautiful ring was a Garrard & Co-design which featured 10 stunning diamonds surrounding a large ruby. At the time, it was considered a beautiful contrast to that of Princess Diana’s own engagement ring, which was also designed by Garrard and had a stark blue sapphire. The pair were close pals for many years and it was just one of the many touching ways their different personalities complimented each other so well. Scroll through the gallery above to see Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring and how it compares to other members of the royal family.

Beauty & Style

Engagement ring sparks fury: Too small or just right?

For many years, there has been debate surrounding the importance of an engagement ring’s size and value. While some are adamant they would prefer to choose their own ring, others believe it doesn’t have as much importance as many would think. One bride-to-be took to social media to slam her fiance for proposing with a “tiny” engagement ring, and since then the post has gone viral. The anonymous woman shared a snap of the band online and asked if she was being “shady” and “materialistic” for not wanting to wear a ring with a “little a**” jewel. “We been together for eight years and talking about getting married for almost three,” the bride-to-be wrote. “This the ring he said he saved up to buy me. Am I being shady or materialistic if I tell this mf I don’t want this little a** ring? [sic].” The photo showed a delicate gold band with a small diamond attached. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7830112/jackie-o-home-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9e33f73d409e48949349363abceaff68" /> A screenshot of the post has since attracted thousands of comments and reactions, with mixed opinions. One user agreed with the woman’s stance, writing: “I’m not materialistic when it comes to things like this but if my man proposed with THAT I would be full on insulted. “He went out of his way to find the cheapest possible option; which to me says that he’s probably like that in every aspect of the relationship and will probably be like that in every aspect of their marriage.” Another added: “Honestly, I’m with her on this. You can get affordable rings that don’t look like they came out of the little dispenser machine next to the stickers and gumballs at Cici’s Pizza. “Even with a small budget he could have gotten something that won’t immediately snap if it gets snagged, and I wouldn’t trust that jewel setting to last more than a week with everyday wear.” However, a few came to the boyfriend’s defence and thought the woman was being harsh. “I’d much rather have just a plain band than the diamond chip,” one person argued. “Because what I care about is him wanting to spend his life with me, not a diamond.” “I kinda like her ring. It's very modern and sleek looking. I'd wear that in a heartbeat,” another added. The minimalist style ring has become an increasingly popular option for those looking for delicate additions to their wardrobe, albeit not for engagement rings.

Caring

The special meaning behind Duchess Meghan’s jewellery

Duchess Meghan has continued to impress royal fans with her chic fashion choices. And for the World Elephant Day this year, she debuted a never-before-seen piece of jewellery with significant meaning in a throwback post on Instagram. To mark the special day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared pictures from their trip to Botswana in 2017. During their travel, the royal couple joined Dr Mike Chase of Elephants Without Borders in the organisation’s effort to fit 25 elephants with satellite navigation collars for tracking purposes. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1EJigXFMFo/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1EJigXFMFo/" target="_blank">🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 Today is #WorldElephantDay and we are pleased to announce that since we followed our friends at @ElephantswithoutBorders (EWB) on Instagram in July, when we were celebrating the environment, you and our friend @TheEllenFund (@TheEllenShow) have spread the word and EWB have been able to help protect 25 elephants by fitting them with satellite navigation collars! These collars allow the team at EWB to track the elephants, as well as to learn their essential migratory patterns to keep their corridors safe and open so future generations of elephants can roam freely. In honour of this amazing support, EWB have named their most recently collared Elephant...ELLEN! We can’t wait to see where she will go! 🐘 Two years ago on World Elephant Day, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined Dr Chase to help in this conservation effort. Below, a few words from Mike and his partner Kelly at EWB: • ‘Today is a day to honor and celebrate the majestic elephant and to make a strong stand for conserving and protecting one of the world’s most beloved animals. elephants are intelligent, sentient beings capable of emotions from joy to grief. They are ‘environmental engineers,’ a key-stone umbrella species, and the fight to save them is in effect, a fight to save entire ecosystems and all wildlife. Today elephants are facing many challenges; habitat loss and competition for resources creates conflict with humans, climate change and fires destroy much needed resources and poaching for the demand of ivory makes elephants bigger targets than ever. African elephants are especially prone to human-wildlife conflict because of their large home ranges. Finding, preserving and creating elephant corridors is therefore of great importance in helping to maintain habitats suitable for movement and minimising human-elephant conflict. Corridors are a mitigation technique to better the livelihoods of local communities and the elephants themselves, by providing environment and ample space for wildlife to navigate from one habitat patch to another, without affecting the livelihoods of communities.’ • EWB - Dr Mike Chase, Ms Kelly Landen . 📸 by DOS © SussexRoyal Additional photos: EWB</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Aug 12, 2019 at 6:00am PDT </div> </blockquote> In one of the photos, the Duchess could be seen wearing one of her favourite rings – the 14-carat rose-gold Hamsa Ring from Kismet by Milka – on her right hand and a new bracelet on her left wrist. According to Hello, the silver steel accessory is an elephant hair bracelet, a piece known in Africa for bringing luck. It is believed that the wearer of this bracelet will be blessed with health, prosperity, happiness and love. While the jewellery was traditionally made from elephant hair, it is made from different materials in recent years, such as wire and beads. Click through the gallery above to see the bracelet worn by Duchess Meghan.

Beauty & Style

Bride-to-be blasted for slamming sentimental ring: "Hope that guy takes it back and runs"

A woman has been labelled “trashy” after she made fun of an engagement ring given to her by her partner. The unnamed bride-to-be posted her complaints on Facebook, which was later shared on Reddit. “My boyfriend finally asked me to marry him and this is really what he gives me,” she wrote, including two pictures of her wearing the ring. “He pulled it out of his pocket and it took just about everything in me to not laugh and question whether this was real life or not.”<a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/trashy"></a> <img style="width: 306.22px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823402/ringreddit.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3c475e6a942446d3858b62b84d71132e" /> The woman's post as shared on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/trashy/comments/anfmu0/making_fun_of_your_engagement_ring_on_social_media/">Reddit</a> She said while she was getting used to the jewellery after a few days, she still wished for something different. “It was his grandmother’s and the pearl is my birthstone and I think that’s the only reason I’ve been able to tolerate it.” However, the backlash to her post was immediate. “Hope that guy takes the ring back and runs,” a user commented. Many people agreed that the pearl piece may not be suitable as an engagement ring. “As someone who worked in the jewelry industry for years, if you're going to go with an alternative stone instead of diamond, the pearl is the LAST stone you want in an everyday engagement ring,” one commenter wrote. “They are porous and are easily damaged. Pearls are meant to be worn occasionally, and then kept in a bag away from moisture.” Others were also not a fan of the piece, with many describing it as “hideous”, “ugly” and “upsetting”. However, most agreed that the ring was not the main issue with the woman’s gripe. “That ring is pretty ugly in my opinion, it’s okay to be disappointed with something you’ll have to theoretically wear forever. Posting it all over social media however...” one posted. “The trashiness comes from the Facebook post, not the ring itself. She can hate the ring and talk to him about it. Instead she broadcasted her feelings to the world at his expense.” What do you think of the bride-to-be’s post? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Relationships

The sweet way Duchess Meghan honoured Prince Charles with her jewellery

Duchess Meghan has made a habit of wearing <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-hidden-messages-behind-duchess-megan-s-royal-tour-jewellery" target="_blank">jewellery with special meaning</a> throughout her royal tour with husband Prince Harry. Now, the latest symbolism from her travelling collection has been revealed, and is a very sweet tribute to her father-in-law Prince Charles. The 37-year-old, well known for wearing sustainable jewellery, was snapped in Fiji wearing two gold bracelets connected to a charity started by him, Turquoise Mountain, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-pippa-small-jewelry-prince-charles/" target="_blank">People</a>. Worn during a welcome ceremony to Fiji and again at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney, they were made by artisans who are members of the charity. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821673/meghan-and-harry-bracelet-close-up-main.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/96a7fa4a45834073a3ba5a16289d177b" /> The organisation works across Afghanistan, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia, with the aim to “preserve and regenerate historic areas and communities with a rich cultural heritage and to revive traditional crafts, to create jobs, skills and a renewed sense of pride,” according to its <a rel="noopener" href="https://turquoisemountain.org/" target="_blank">website</a>. Established in 2006 by the Prince of Wales, the foundation has trained more than 6000 artisans. The gold bracelets – Oshna and Omeen bangles, valued at $AU198 and $269 respectively – are part of jeweller Pippa Small’s Turquoise Mountain Collection with the British ethical designer a favourite of Duchess Meghan’s. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821671/megan-close-up-bangle.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/386eac233cbe4d19ac266dbd4ea7afcc" /> Awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2013 for her ethical jewellery and charity work, Small works with the Turquoise Mountain foundation in Afghanistan and Burma training and employing artisans to promote traditional skills, and hopes to introduce Syrian refugees to the program. “It creates jobs and it gives people a sense of pride and a sense of identity,” Small said of Turquoise Mountain in an interview with People. “I’m so thrilled that she was wearing those bangles,” she said. “Even though they were just simple bangles — they look incredibly chic on her of course — but it’s what’s behind them that is so utterly amazing.” This isn’t the first time the Duchess of Sussex has paid tribute to Prince Harry’s father on the current royal tour. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a24109850/meghan-markle-prince-charles-tennis-bracelet/" target="_blank">Town & Country</a>, she wore a diamond tennis bracelet, a gift from Prince Charles, when she and her husband arrived in Fiji.

Beauty & Style

The sentimental piece of jewellery Duchess Meghan is saving for her daughter

While Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's wedding was only a few months ago, it seems the former actress has always dreamt of having children. In an interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/fashion/02015090318539/meghan-markle-biggest-splurge-must-have-fall-pieces" target="_blank">Hello! Magazine</a> from 2015, Meghan revealed an item that she plans on using as a family heirloom. To celebrate the success of her show Suits, the Duchess splurged on a Cartier watch which would have pushed her back close to $10,000. But she plans on keeping it around for a very long time. “I’ve always coveted the Cartier French Tank watch,” she said. “When I found out Suits had been picked up for our third season – which, at the time, felt like such a milestone – I totally splurged and bought the two-tone version.” Meghan even had the classic watch engraved with a personal message: ‘To M.M. From M.M.’ “I plan to give it to my daughter one day,” Meghan explained. “That’s what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them.” Following their royal wedding in May, the world now awaits potential baby news from the couple, but don’t hold your breath, as you may be waiting a while. While the royal couple have no intentions of starting a family soon, Prince Harry did add that they will “hopefully start a family in the near future". Though, whenever the two decide to have children of their own, there will be a difference between their child and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – as Harry and Meghan’s children will have <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/why-harry-and-meghan-s-children-will-have-a-different-surname-...">different surnames</a>. With all of Queen Elizabeth’s and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren sharing the historical surname Mountbatten-Windsor, there is a high chance that Harry and Meghan’s children will carry the surname Sussex. With William and Harry being known throughout their schooling as William and Harry Wales due to their father being Prince Charles of Wales, it is thought that Harry and Meghan’s children will adopt their parents’ titles. Likewise, Prince William and Kate’s family are known as the Cambridge’s due to the couple being the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is said that this tradition allows the royal children to adapt to their environment more easily.

Beauty & Style

Why Princess Diana’s jewellery might start appearing in public more

When the new Duchess of Sussex stepped out of Windsor Castle in her wedding reception frock, royal fans were quick to notice the dazzling aquamarine ring she had adorned on her finger. Now that Meghan Markle is officially a royal and part of the family, precious jewels that once belonged to Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, may start to come out of the vault on a more regular basis, according to jewellery expert Ella Kay, from The Court Jeweler. Princess Diana’s precious collection – which includes dazzling diamonds and enormous sapphires – has remained more or less hidden in the years since her tragic death in 1997. However, Ella predicts that Prince Harry’s newly married status may result in the reappearance of many of his mother’s beloved jewels – which have not been seen in public for decades – not only on his new wife Meghan, but also on his sister-in-law Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. “The royal wills are all sealed,” Ella explained to <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/a20976927/princess-diana-jewelry/">GoodHousekeeping.com</a>. “They’re not made public, so we don’t know who exactly got what or what happened to it,” referring to Princess Diana’s estate upon her death 20 years ago. That said, some sentimental jewellery pieces – such as Duchess Kate’s sapphire engagement ring and the diamond’s in Duchess Meghan’s engagement ring – hint that Princess Diana’s sons William and Harry were a part of a special plan when it came to sharing her estate. "It wouldn't surprise me if they kept back the lion's share of jewellery until both of the princes were married so that they could split it," Ella added. "Harry hadn't needed it so far but I can imagine them saying, 'We don't want Kate to start wearing it all,' because there would be nothing left [for Harry's wife]." While some of Princess Diana’s beloved jewellery has already made a public appearance on Kate and Meghan – including a pair of drop pearl earrings Kate wore back in January – there is one item in particular Ella is hoping makes its public debut again. "The one that I cannot wait to see back — or that I'm hoping will be worn — is a sapphire cluster with diamonds all around it like Kate's engagement ring, but it's the size of an egg," she says. "The Queen Mother gave it to [Princess Diana] as a wedding gift. It was originally a brooch, but Diana set it in a pearl choker." Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the precious jewels once owned by Princess Diana that both Meghan and Kate have been seen wearing.

Beauty & Style

Are you accidentally destroying your diamonds?

Whilst diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, they aren’t invincible. Mike Marty, director of online diamond and fine jewellery retailer Blue Nile, explained that women make many mistakes that are accidentally destroying their diamonds. To undo the damage, Mike shared some much-needed tips to keep your jewellery sparkling forever. 1. DO – Be cautious about the beauty products you use The first tip Mike told the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5692843/Seattle-jeweler-reveals-dos-donts-diamonds-sparkling.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>, is that you need to be careful about what lotions and hand creams you put on your hands. “Lotions, cosmetics, and perfumes may be beautiful but their effect on jewellery is another story,” he said. “Products can build up over time and cause your jewellery to lose its natural shine while harsh chemicals may weaken or discolour your precious metals. We recommend you remove your jewellery before applying your product.” 2. DO – Remove your jewellery before manual work If you are about to do a strenuous activity, make sure your jewellery is removed. He explained, “Damage to your diamonds is avoidable. Simply remove your jewellery before engaging in activities that might damage the stones. For example, gardening, cleaning, and even exercise can put your precious gems at risk.” 3. Do – Diamond inspections Whether your diamond is on a ring, earrings or necklace, Mike recommends doing inspections to see if there is any damage. The inspections don’t have to be frequent if you are not wearing your jewellery excessively, but it is important to make sure there has been no damage. “The more you wear your jewellery, the more often it should be inspected,” he said. “If you only wear the item once or twice a year, a simple eye-check before placing the item back into storage is acceptable.” 4. DON’T – Neglect your diamonds To make sure your diamond's condition will not worsen, you can also take them to a jeweller for an inspection. “To protect your valuables, we recommend that all jewellery, in particular rings, which tend to receive a significant amount of wear, are inspected every six months, and no less than once every 12 months,” said Mike. 5. DON’T – Forget to clean them Mike says the easiest way to dull the beautiful sparkle of your diamond is to let oil and dust build up. “We recommend cleaning and inspecting your jewellery often. Check your jewellery settings frequently to be sure that prongs aren't working loose. “Remove any oil and dust that has collected in the crevices behind your setting that may be dulling the beautiful sparkle,” he said. “Simple steps can keep your stone sparkling for a lifetime.” How do you care for your diamonds? Let us know in the comments below.

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Bicarb to the rescue

Cheater called out by jewellery store worker

Meghan and Harry’s subtle hint for baby’s gender

Luxury jewellery company designs $2 million face mask

Sydney grandmother furious after precious ring goes missing in jewellery store

The story behind the Queen’s jewellery for Philip’s 99th birthday

Duchess Meghan’s friend warned to take down all “damaging photos” of royal

“Extraordinary permission”: Queen Elizabeth allows close friend to write tell-all book

Why Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring is so special to the royal family

Engagement ring sparks fury: Too small or just right?

The special meaning behind Duchess Meghan’s jewellery

Bride-to-be blasted for slamming sentimental ring: "Hope that guy takes it back and runs"

The sweet way Duchess Meghan honoured Prince Charles with her jewellery

The sentimental piece of jewellery Duchess Meghan is saving for her daughter

Why Princess Diana’s jewellery might start appearing in public more

Are you accidentally destroying your diamonds?