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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “Cleaning Sterling silver”
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Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)
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Art Deco vs. Art Nouveau Style Jewelry
…stones to create pieces that were not just adornments but works of art. Many Art Nouveau jewelry pieces were made in silver, but white gold and platinum were quite common as well. The diamonds used in Art Nouveau jewelry were typically Old …-1930 Key Aesthetic Organic, flowing lines, nature Geometric symmetry, bold contrast, simplicity Materials of Choice Silver, semi-precious stones, enamel Platinum, diamonds, emeralds Prominent Designers Louis Comfort Tiffany Cartier, Van …
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Platinum
… metal in the rivers of Equador. Not realizing its superb qualities, they named it contemptuously platina (little silver) and threw it back into the river to ripen into silver. In 1912 white gold was “invented” in Pforzheim, Germany, as a …
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The Difference Between White Gold and Platinum
… that make them unique. How is white gold made? White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver, nickel or palladium. The white color is achieved by a careful choice of the alloying metals, which bleach the deep yellow …, then don’t buy it. New white gold rings are usually coated with a hard protective finish of rhodium, a silver-white metal like platinum. The rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look more white. The Rhodium is very white and …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Jade
… desirable piece of material. Green nephrite is mined all over the globe, but the main producers are Northwestern China, British Columbia, and Siberia. Myanmar (Burma) and Guatemala are the primary sources of jadeite. Care and Cleaning of Jade Both nephrite and jadeite can be damaged by the heat of a jeweler’s torch. Jade is generally safe in ultrasonic cleaners, but the treatments we just discussed can be damaged. Warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush are the safest …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tsavorite Garnet
… believed to aid in circulation and to protect against diseases. Tsavorite in particular is thought to provide its wearer with strength and positivity. It is also believed to help the immune system, breathing, and metabolism. Care and Cleaning Tsavorite is rated as “good” for everyday wear. You should avoid sudden temperature changes and never steam clean your Tsavorite Garnets. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe unless the gem has a preexisting crack or fracture. To …
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Anatomy of a Ring
… a jeweler can “re-shank” the ring by replacing the metal at the bottom of the shank, going as far up the sides as the design and the extent of the wear require. If you are careful with your rings (removing them when doing dishes, cleaning with harsh chemicals, gardening, etc.), the shank may last your lifetime and beyond. But, shanks that were thinner to begin with are more likely to need attention sooner. When shopping for a ring, look for one with a sturdy, thick shank …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Alexandrite
…Alexandrite is said to bring luck, prosperity, and intellect to its wearer. Its changing colors remind us that life has its ups and downs, and so alexandrite is also connected with bringing a sense of balance and well-being. Care and Cleaning of Alexandrite Alexandrite should always be treated with care because of its value and rarity. While ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for alexandrite, warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush are always the safest. With…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tourmaline
…the efforts of gemologist George F. Kunz. He documented reports about the tourmaline deposits of Maine and California and praised the quality of the stones they produced. Along with opal, tourmaline is October’s birthstone. Care and Cleaning of Tourmaline Tourmaline makes a great gem in a ring for occasional wear or a pendant/earrings for daily wear. Because it isn’t exceptionally hard (Mohs hardness of 7-7.5), it should be stored away from other gemstones that could …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Opal
… for its extraordinary play of colors and its rarity. This opal is quite large, weighing approximately 180 carats (36 grams) and measuring 3 x 1.8 inches long. Its size and quality make it an exceptionally valuable gemstone. Care and Cleaning While opal’s enchanting colors may seem otherworldly, it is important to care for this delicate gemstone to maintain its brilliance. Opal is not as hard as some other gemstones, making it susceptible to scratches and damage from sharp …
