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Gemstone 4CsWhile there are no ‘official’ 4Cs for grading colored gems as there are with diamond grading, many of the same principals apply. Here are the 4Cs as they apply to colored gemstones: |
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GemstonesThis section is devoted to providing you with valuable information on the history and character of these beautiful and precious stones, as well as giving you some practical information on judging their quality, to help you make an informed purchase. For more detailed information on judging gemstone quality, see Gemstone 4Cs . |
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Gold FactsGold is a chemical element that, aside from its extraordinary luster, has amazing physical characteristics that make it extremely well suited for use in jewelry making. Although it is the most malleable (able to be shaped into many forms) of all metals, gold is so durable that it is virtually indestructible. One ounce (28 g) of gold can be hammered to 187 square feet, in extremely thin sheets called gold leaf. Gold also does not tarnish or corrode. Gold can be re-melted and used again to create new designs. |
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Jewelry Buying GuideBuying jewelry can be a fun and gratifying experience. However, there are many factors to consider before purchasing a beautiful, new piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love. The type (bracelet, earrings, necklace, etc.) and style (classic or conservative) are certainly important considerations, along with other factors, like the other pieces the recipient may already own. We’ve put together a simple guideline with areas for you to consider, to help make purchasing jewelry the fun process it should be. |
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Jewelry GlossaryThere are hundreds of technical terms used to describe jewelry and its many unique qualities. To assist you in your jewelry purchase at Diamond, we’ve compiled some terms to help you. |
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PearlsThese mysteriously beautiful gems occur naturally--but unlike other “precious gems”, they are not mined from the earth. Instead, they are formed inside mollusks (oysters and mussels). Pearls are a popular gift for brides to wear on their wedding day, as well as for girls to receive on their sixteenth birthday. Not only beautiful, but extremely versatile, these natural wonders can be worn to a gala event or to a backyard barbecue. |
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Platinum FactsCalled the “King of Metals”, platinum is a very heavy (nearly twice the weight of gold), silver-white metal that is very ductile. Although it is a soft metal, platinum is not easily scratched and is very strong and durable. In fact, as the strongest precious metal used in jewelry, platinum also has a high melting point and good resistance to corrosion and chemical attack. Small amounts of iridium and ruthenium are commonly added to it, to give it a harder, stronger alloy that retains the |
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Silver FactsSilver is one of the first metals to be used by humans. It is also the most reflective of all the metals (besides mercury) and can be polished to a higher sheen than platinum. In fact, the chemical symbol for silver, Ag, is derived from the Latin word argentum, meaning 'white and shining.' It is extremely malleable and resists oxidation from exposure to the atmosphere. Silver also has the highest thermal and electric conductivity of any substance. Silver is widely distributed in nature, but |
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