alcohol does not kill viruses…there is a big difference between a
virus…Colds…Aids…rabies…and bacteria …staph…strep…etc.
there are medical cleaning preps that do kill both…
Hello again - Lisa - do you have the names of any of the cleaning
preps used in the medical field that would kill all the deadlies? I’m
kind of an old dinosaur that remembers when the thermometers used to
sit in a container of alcohol solution between patients. 
After reading the many responses here - I was wondering if perhaps the
medical industry could come up with a “solution” (liquid as well as
problem solving!) for jewelers to use that would be effective. If
they could sell the product in small individual packets - for an
affordable price so everyone could make use of them - better yet!
There are many of us out there all over the world that would benefit
by such a product.
Personally, my earrings also are individualized and especially when
the pairs have 3 dimensional form - it is almost impossible to tell
how they will wear properly on the ear without trying them on first.
Sometimes I will sell the earrings in a partially completed stage -
and can then position the earring post for the customer who choses
that pair - as a seamstress would handle a fitting. I have also
repositioned the posts or changed a pair to non-pierced (or vice
versa) on a finished pair for the same reason (like sizing a ring).
We may have to do more of the individualized fittings as time goes on
- if customers cannot try on the earrings before the purchase and the
earrings are not-returnable.
If it involves the safety of our health it is worth it - however, when
selling through shops - we are not there to provide this service. I
would not plunk down a good chunk of money for a non-returnable
purchase without being certain it fit properly. Also, many of my sales
are to be given as gifts - which adds another glitch to the equation.
Although, my return or exchange rate is very minimal - it does happen.
Funny how the discussions can take different turns - on Orchid. I had
no idea there were laws against the trying on or returning of
earrings. What an eye opener - this forum is a wealth of info! Cynthia
Dah, doesn’t anyone try on a bathing suit before buying??? I would
imagine that “crotch” areas are much less sanitary than ears.
Why would anyone buy earrings if they cannot try them on??? Not me,
for sure! I would feel that my money would be better spent on things
that I knew looked good on me. My ears are pierced and not dripping with puss.
What about wiping down the post or wire with a product like Purell
(anti-bacterial ) gel? anti bacterial is supposed to kill all kinds
of stuff* and when doing shows, if you see someone with dripping
ear holes, wouldn’t it be “common sense” not to let them try anything (into the ear) on??
Alcohol is a very effective sterilizing agent. Bleach is good as well
and is unlikely to affect stones in small quantities - i.e. don’t
submerge the article - but irritates the skin.
Use alcohol wipes in the same way that they’re used for cleaning skin
before injecting.
Tony Konrath
Electric Pencil
1002 Fleming Street
Key West
Florida 33040
USA
do you have the names of any of the cleaning preps used in the medical field that would kill all the deadlies?
well, lets see I’m in the animal part of the medical field but germs
is germs and viruses are viruses…rocal and betadine solutions are
sold, I think to both professions, for virus and bacteria
killing…betadine is used to prep before surgeries…I think the
rocal is kinda caustic straight and I don’t know how any of these
affect silver but if you give me a few days I’ll test these out and see what happens…
I’m loathe to star a flame war - especially here but I want to make a
strong protest about people posting incorrect about health
risks. We are all professionals and appreciate a good knowledge-full
post but the rumours about HIV surviving alcohol are just not true.
Alcohol will kill destroy the AIDS virus HIV.
I’ve been a counsellor and a Psychotherapist for many years and I
HAVE to know. If you are in doubt please go to a good source of
- such as an AIDS help line - and find out. Please don’t
post “I think…” material as fact here without really checking first.
Tony Konrath
Electric Pencil
1002 Fleming Street
Key West
Florida 33040
USA
Jeannie
The use of bleach and ammonia to clean jewelry is a good way to cause
problems with the metal if it is highly stressed like the prongs of a
stone setting. They can cause stress crack corrosion which can
actually crack a prong off. Stress crack corrosion can also cause
failure in the metal structure in later heating and forming
operations. Use of these chemicals in the ultrasonic is even worse as
it can accelerate the reaction. White golds are especially vulnerable
to this type of problem.
It is best to use detergent or soap and water to clean jewelry.
Jim
jbin@well.com
James Binnion Metal Arts
4701 San Leandro St #18
Oakland, CA 94601
510-533-5108
I would like to pose a question regarding this thread: Does anyone
on Orchid have any actual experience with a customer trying on
earrings and spreading or catching a disease ? Please no secondhand
stuff. I would like to hear from anyone who actually had a customer
have an adverse reaction to trying on an earring in a retail setting
once. I am not referring to people who wear stuff for awhile and they
turn out to have an allergy to the metal. And incidentally in some of
this thread the threat of catching specific diseases is absurd. You
cannot, for example, contract AIDS from normal skin to skin contact.
It just isn’t possible unless you both have open wounds. The virus
does not stay alive long enough outside the body to last on ear wires.
Daniel R. Spirer, GG Spirer Somes Jewelers 1794 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140 @spirersomes
http://www.spirersomes.com
bleach and ammonia rlorine gas which kills a number of people each
year. NEVER mix them. Charles
Charles Lewton-Brain
Box 1624, Ste M, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2L7, Canada
Hi there. The solution you were speaking of that the instruments
were at the Dr.'s office were only for sanitizing and only removed
"germs" not anything that is encapsulated. Instruments are
sterilized, heat under pressure X time. Now the thermometer is in
plastic before it goes in our mouth or the new core temp in the ear.
I never realized the problems trying on earrings!!.
It has made me think twice about good ole alcohol. Former RN/now
Jeweler
In all the years I have tried on earrings in a store or simply
dressed in my 3 studs in each ear, I have always used alcohol and
have never had an infection. I never trusted that “germicide” in the
DR’s office since it was multi used. I think that is what started me
thinking about infection. That practice is outdated. I think you
are wise and a teacher. I know the laws differ fr state to state and
honestly, I have no idea about my state at the
present, but I will find out. Education is the key. Good show Pat
Commenting on the note from Daniel Spirer (snipped):
I would like to pose a question regarding this thread: Does anyone on Orchid have any actual experience with a customer trying on earrings and spreading or catching a disease ?
No, I cannot say that I know of a single case that I can actually
refer you to.
And incidentally in some of this thread the threat of catching specific diseases is absurd. You cannot, for example, contract AIDS from normal skin to skin contact.
Agreed.
It just isn't possible unless you both have open wounds. The virus does not stay alive long enough outside the body to last on ear wires.
That’s the whole point surely? The danger that customers might
have freshly pierced ears that are still “weeping”, or that are only
just healed and in which the skin may be broken easily.
Just my opinion.
Kevin (UK)
Kevin, All your points and Daniel Spirer’s may be valid, but the
bottom line is that where I am, New York City and in other locations
trying on pierced earrings is prohibited by a Health Department
Ordinance, just like smoking in a store is prohibited by a Fire
Department Ordinance. It doesn’t matter whether we agree or not. It is
the law. I just happen to agree with the Ordinance and feel very
strongly, that the practice is not higienic. Respectfully,
Vera
Hi all, I am new, but feel I can jump into this question. When I
purchase earrings, I really want to see how they look “on”, same as
any other wearable object. Many shops have the alcohol pads in foil
to use before you try on, excellent before and after. I doubt any
disease can be transmitted on earwires or backs. Keep well all.
Sandy
I just happen to agree with the Ordinance and feel very strongly, that the practice is not higienic. Respectfully, Vera
Vera, have NYC jewelers had any problem with customers being unhappy
with this ordinance? Have earring sales remained steady, or have they
dropped? Are NYC jewelers actually supporting the ban, and
prohibiting try-ons, or are they disregarding the ban?
Kat
Even in nice stores, most people in NYC don’t even know there is a
ban. Often, there is not even alcohol on hand. NYC is about money
not about ordinances. I’ve never seen the earwire police in action.
Maybe they are undercover, or maybe they are too busy keeping people
from smoking in the cafes.
Vera, you must have missed some of the earlier discussion on this
topic. I raised it initially because I was surprised that in some
places customers were trying earrings on, albeit that the jewellers
were acting responsibly, as they saw it, by using alcohol wipes. I
hope and fully expect that the legal position you have in NYC will
gradually spread to other locations. It is clear from the discussions
here though that not everyone agrees.
Kevin (UK)Kat, I have had no problems with customers. It is generally known
that trying earrings on is a no-no. All the department stores
follow the ordinance, from my experience. Beside, if not trying them
on would make us lose a sale, how come we are so excited about
E-commerce? You can’t try on what you are buying. Most of the time
one can tell whether or not a style works by holding it against the
ear, unless they are very unusual in shape. As far as weight goes I
take that into consideration during the design process. If an
earring is too heavy it will be uncomfortable, we all know that. I
prefer to take these things into consideration during the design
phase, and then sell with confidence. If a customer insists I will
stand firm, and very nicely remind them it is a City Ordinance. You
never know who that person is. They could be City Inspectors (I’m a
little paranoia, but I prefer to be overly cautious). Let me add also
that I love jewelry and have quite a collection, including several
earrings of all kinds and materials. I did not try one of them on
before buying and wear them all confortably on occasion. As far as
other jewelers are concerned, I can’t answer for them. This is
ultimately their decision. As I said before, department stores and
boutiques as a general rule, will not allow the practice no matter
what the price point is. Regards, Vera