Pearl Necklace Lengths

Pearl necklaces are well-liked in a number of lengths, the names of which are put out below. Be aware that different countries will change the terms and lengths quite:

PEARL NECKLACE TYPE	LENGTH (inches)	LENGTH (cm)
Choker Pearl Necklace	14-16	35-40
Standard Pearl Necklace	16	40
Princess Pearl Necklace	16-20	40-50
Matinee Pearl Necklace	20-26	50-66
Opera Pearl Necklace	28-36	70-90
Long Opera Pearl Necklace	36	90
Rope Pearl Necklace	40	100

Difference Between Natural Pearl & Cultured Pearl

The difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl used in pearl jewelry may come as a surprise to many. For an oyster/mollusk to make a pearl, an irritant must turn into lodged inside. The oyster then has a protection mechanism next to this “intruder” where it produces a substance called nacre. This nacre covers the irritant and, over time, the layers of the nacre make a pearl.

In a cultured pearl, the irritant is not obtained by some natural means. It is positioned in the oyster by man. Other than that, all is the same. The pearl still grows in the oyster the accurate same way, and a pearl is formed that is just a beautiful as some round natural pearl. The only differentiation is a serving hand lent by humans.

Kinds of Pearls

1. A culture pearl is shaped by an oyster, collected of concentric layers of a crystalline substance called nacre deposited about an irritant on purpose placed in the oyster’s body.

2. Natural pearls are formed by deposits of nacre about an irritant which by chance lodges in the body of an oyster.

3. An imitation is anything else which resembles a pearl but has a surface shaped by a manufacturing process- this is an imitation or replicated pearl and must be labeled as such.

Pearls and Medicine

Several Ways Pearls Have Been Used As Medicine

As of ancient China and India to medieval Europe and Arabia - and in approximately all culture in between - pearls have been used for medicinal purposes, ranging from aphrodisiacs to cures for lunacy. Pearls could just be worn as jewelry for their healing powers, or they could be ground up and made into potions, balms, and salves used to treat a wide diversity of ailments and conditions. One myth said that a pearl located in the navel could cure stomach disorders!

Ideal Cut Diamond variations AGS Ideal 0 vs. GIA Excellent vs. Hearts & Arrows

In spite of all of the variety of monikers used to describe the ideal cut diamonds that we sell such as GIA Excellent, AGS Ideal 0, and Hearts & Arrows, the visual performance is mainly dictated by the proportions and the precision of craftsmanship that we insist upon and not the lab which graded the diamond nor the absence or presence of a model of hearts and arrows.


A few years before an independent gemological laboratory determined that the average light return of a round brilliant cut diamond with AGS-4 Good proportions was almost 70% while the average light return for diamond with an overall cut rating of AGS Ideal 0 was in the range of 96 – 98% depending on the accuracy of facet alignment and the mixture of crown and pavilion angle.


Most people are able to separate ideal cut diamonds from non-ideal cut counterparts from a perspective of illustration performance because the ideal cut diamonds just sparkle more. Most people however would be considerably challenged to differentiate between zero ideal cut diamonds of similar carat weight, color and clarity in spite of whether those diamonds were graded as GIA Excellent or AGS Ideal 0 and whether they exhibited a model of Hearts & Arrows or not.

How to Care for Your Pearls

Like any precious heirloom, your new pearl jewelry will need some care to protect its natural beauty. Rarely clean the pearls gently with a soft lint free cloth dipped in mild soapy water such as that created by mixing a single drop of usual Ivory brand dish soap into a sink full of luke warm water. Then wash the cloth in fresh clean warm water and wipe the pearls clean with a soft motion. Place the pearls on a soft dry cloth and permit them to dry before wearing. It is important to note that not to tug or pull on the strand while it is wet because this can result in breakage of the silk thread and/or stretching which may need that the strand be restrung.

The following ideas will help you to keep your pearls looking their best:

* Remain until after applying make-up, perfume and hairspray to put on your jewelry. Some chemicals may damage jewelry.
* Don't permit pearls to rub against your other jewelry because pearls are a softer gem that can be damaged by other harder gems.
* Softly wipe your pearls clean with a lint free cloth before putting your pearls away after wear.
* Store your pearl jewelry away wrapped up in a clean, soft cloth or the box that it came in so that it is protected from rough objects.
* From time to time, it will be essential to have your pearl necklace re-strung by a professional. Check with a jewelry professional yearly to determine the current condition of your strand.

Diamond Color

The color of a diamond refers to the quality and saturation of color, or the depth of color in a diamond. The color of a diamond can range from colorless to a yellow or brown shade. A colorless diamond is rarer and more valuable because it appears white and brighter to the eye. The most valued system used today for evaluating diamond color was developed by the Gemological Institute of America, (GIA).

Even though there are several grades in every category, there are minor differences between the letter grades. D grade is the clearest and most precious, X grade is a dirty yellow and least expensive. Z grade-colored diamonds are the rarest and most expensive. A grade diamond so drenched with nitrogen that it becomes a deep, rich yellow is as rare as a colorless diamond.

How to Clean Diamonds

When cleaning diamonds, the key to a beautiful result is to be sure to remove dirt and debris from every corner and cranny of the ring. Filigree, Celtic, and other elaborate pieces need extra care, while simple solitaires may be cleaned more quickly and easily. The essential steps for cleaning diamond jewelry are:

• Decide whether or not the jewelry can be cleaned at home. If you are unsure of the type of metal, accent stones, or safety of the setting, it is best to leave cleaning to a professional. Also, antique and heirloom rings are more delicate and may need professional attention.
  
• Locate a cleaning space. A towel helps protect surfaces from cleaning chemicals and be sure to choose a location with sufficient lighting to see crevices as well as a location protected from loss (away from sink drains, etc.).
  
• Take away hairs or other fibers stuck in the prongs or setting.
  
• Presoak or wash the jewelry to remove loose dirt. If washing under running water, hold the jewelry firmly or use a sieve deep enough to have it without risk of loss.
  
• Dip ring in cleaning solution (diluted ammonia with three parts water, like a solution with mild clean-rinsing detergent, or professional cleaner).
  
• Softly scrub diamond with soft-bristle brush. Change angles regularly to work into crevices but keep a firm grip on the jewelry.
  
• When cleaning jewelry, use running water or fresh water dish and change angles to take away all cleaning solution.
  
• Use cloth to shine ring for maximum sparkle and shine.

Diamond Enhancements

There are a variety of diamond enhancements or treatments a diamond can undergo that can significantly alter the price of the diamond when compared to a natural diamond. The FTC requires all diamond merchants to disclose all diamond enhancements and treatments to their customers. Failure to do so can result in fraudulent charges and lawsuits against the diamond dealer. When buying a diamond, it is recommended to simply ask for a non-treated or enhanced diamond and have the merchant clearly indicate on the invoice somewhere that the diamond is in fact, not treated and 100% natural mined from the earth. Listed below are some treatments that are done with gemstones.

Bleaching : The use of chemicals or other agents to lighten or remove a gemstone's color to achieve a brighter/whiter diamond.

Gamma/Electron Irradiation : The use of gamma and/or electron bombardment to alter a gemstone's color; may be followed by a heating process.

Heating : The use of heat in a high temperature sintering furnace to effect desired alteration of color, clarity, and/or phenomena.

Infilling/Fracture Filling : The intentional filling of surface breaking cavities or fractures usually with glass, plastic, opticon with hardeners and/or other hardened foreign substances to improve durability, appearance and/or add weight. The foreign material will have a different index of refraction than diamond, and a trained gemologist can see the light bending within the stone.

Lasering : A laser is used to penetrate a diamond and remove certain black inclusions. Chemicals are then used to further reach and alter inclusions in diamonds.

Oiling/Resin Infusion : The intentional filling of surface cavities of a colorless oil, wax, natural resin, or unhardened man-made material into fissured transparent/translucent gemstones to improve appearance. (i.e., oil, man-made resin, paraffin, etc.)

Irradiation : The use of neutron bombardment, with the combination of any other bombardment and/or heat treatment to alter a gemstone's color.

Shapes of Diamonds

Round Brilliant
Round diamonds are the most well-liked of all the shapes, possibly because their circular proportions display the most "fire" and reflect more light back to the observer than any other shape. Round diamonds require that more rough be removed through cutting and polishing than with other shapes. The combined popularity of round diamonds and the important weight loss during cutting are the two main causal factors to the relatively higher price of these stones.

Princess
The Princess cut is a square cut with sharp ends. It has extremely good fire and a high degree of brilliance. The princess cut utilizes most of the unique shape of the rough diamond and the weight loss from cutting is low. As a consequence, its price is typically more attractive than a comparative round cut with the same weight.

Emerald cuts
Emerald cuts are smooth and stylish. The Emerald cut is rectangular by means of cut corners. It is a step cut - its facets being broad with flat planes like the steps of a stair. Higher quality Emerald cuts are favored because its cut makes inclusions and lower color grades more obvious than with other cuts. The emerald cut diamond can be totally stunning. Because of its long lines, it tends to be less burning than a "round brilliant" cut, but it also tends to have broader, more dramatic flashes of light.

Marquise
The Marquise cut is boat shaped and is a difference of the round brilliant cut diamond. Marquise cuts are often chosen by women who wish to show an independence of style. Its elongated form can make the illusion of longer, narrower fingers.

Radiant
This is a customized or combination cut - a brilliant cut square or rectangle shaped diamond with clipped-off corners similar to the emerald cut. It melds the stylishness of the emerald cut diamond with the brilliance and sparkle of the round diamond.

Pear
The Pear cut is a tear-drop shape and is a disparity of the round brilliant cut diamond. This attractive diamond is also very well-suited to pendants and earrings. Lots of the largest stones ever discovered have been cut and faceted into wonderful pear-shapes.

Heart shape
The ultimate symbol of love, the romantic Heart shape is a difference of the round brilliant cut diamond. This ultimate symbol of romance is basically a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The ability of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Appear for a stone with a yet shape and a well-defined outline.

Oval
The Oval cut is egg-shaped in shape and is a variation of the round brilliant cut diamond. The oval shaped diamond gives a pleasing delusion of length to the finger and hand, and is well-liked among women with small hands or short fingers. It can also emphasize long, slender fingers.

Asscher
The Asscher cut is an alternative of the emerald cut and provides a uniquely regal and elegant look to its wearer. Its art-deco styling combines old-world charm with contemporary cutting and faceting techniques to create a dazzling example of brilliance.

Loose Diamonds: A Girl's Best Friend

Going up for live sale in New York City late next month is this seized loose diamond auction. Literally hundreds of diamonds will be up and available for offer. This particular loose diamond auction consists of three round brilliant cut stones. The first diamonds, is 1.40 CT, I color, I-1 clarity. The second diamond is 1.25 CT, H color, and I-1 clarity. And finally, but certainly not least, is this loose 1.19 CT diamond that's I color, and I-1 clarity diamond.

Diamond engagement rings

Diamond engagement rings are frequently seen as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, but for many men they also bring anxiety and fear. How do you know you’re receiving the best deal? What fashion ring should you get? Can you belief the diamond you’re getting is really the quality the jeweler says it is?


Quick Tips:

1) Never purchase the ring and the diamond together.

While there is nothing wrong with trade the diamond and the ring from the same jeweler, don’t make the mistake of overpaying for the diamond or the ring individually by not understanding of what every cost on their own and doing comparison shopping.

2) Always need a GIA or AGS lab report for your diamond.

While most jewelers are honest, some unluckily are not; some will knowingly sell diamonds that they know are inexactly graded. These diamonds come from lesser tier labs such as EGL, IGI, etc. Don’t let them otherwise convince you that the stone they are selling is huge diamond at a rock bottom price. While it may be accurate some lower tier labs do grade exactly from time to time, the rarest and most exclusive gems are only traded in confidence by jewelers when they are accompanied by a GIA or AGS grading report.

3) There is no such as fixation as a diamond wholesaler / retailer.

Jewelers also sell wholesale or retail, not both. In fact it is illegal and a misleading business practice for a jeweler to assert to sell both.

While is true that margins differ from dealer to dealer, it’s amazing how many consumers think they can buy diamonds at “wholesale” prices or below. Diamonds are a commodity and while the occasional deal may surface every once and while when a variety of retailers are compared, diamond buyers will always transaction with a diamond retailer.

History of Pearls

A natural gem, pearls are shaped inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are produced when an irritant such as a tiny rock or bit of sand gets within the mollusk's shell. A shiny substance, called nacre, is secreted around the thing to protect the soft interior surface of the mollusk. As layer upon outside layer of nacre coats the nuisance, a pearl is created. Glow that is reflected starting these overlapping layers produces a quality iridescent luster. This method of building a solid pearl can obtain up to seven or eight years.

The most precious pearls are completely symmetrical, relatively large and naturally formed. They contain a shimmering iridescence which is called orient shine.

Silver design jewellery

Costume jewelry that includes traditional jewelry, wedding sets, jodha-akbar designs, Victorian design etc totally based upon existing market demands. This kind of jewelry designs might be silver plated, with rhinestones, beads, colorful diamonds etc.

Sterling silver jewelry as the name signifies have the whole thing in silver.

Pearl jewelry designs might be totally made up of pearls only or often other material but majority of it would be pearls.

Original jewelry is exclusively focused at youths.

11.46ct Round Brillinat

Ideal cut diamonds

Precision – This is pardon? tells you how “clear” a diamond is. Almost every diamonds contain “origin marks”. These origin marks are called “Inclusions” and range of forms of inclusions survive:

Black inclusions
Exterior imperfections
Vapors
Feathers
Naturals
Chips
Graining
Knots
Man – Made Drill holes
Enhancements

These imperfections contain a direct effect on diamond value. Depending on the quantity of imperfections and of what type, the diamond be able to be graded as to its clarity, initial from I3 to F. The prices of diamonds go up radically from Included to Flawless.

Queen Mary’s Honeysuckle Diamond Crown

Queen Mary’s diamond Crown is ornamented with a graduated frieze of styled honeysuckle.
The central ornament is made to be separable. It was completed before or during Febuary 1914. HRH Princess Alice – Duchess of Gloucester was known the crown by Queen Mary.
Our model crown is as close to as possible to the original piece. It is completed in silver plate.

How diamonds are older?

A cut diamond with a huge violet-red garnet inclusion.

Diamonds are approved to the surface of the earth by magma, or molten rock, which solidifies while it draws closer to the surface. However, the diamonds themselves is much older than the rock that they are found in.

Measuring age
It isn't at all times possible to find out the age of a diamond by examining it directly. A better process is to look at tiny inclusions, which are crystals complete from other minerals that are frequently found within diamonds. These provide out a slight radioactive indication that scientists can measure to discover how old they are.
This resources flawless diamonds, that don't have some inclusions, are very difficult to date.

A garnet inside a diamond
The diamond during the image above contains a violet-red garnet. The crimson gives us a clue to the situation and rock types that the diamond produced in, as scientists know the temperature and pressure is also needed for garnet to turn into its crystal form.
Extra minerals turn into crystals at different temperatures and different pressures.

Finding Exact information
There is some argue about how accurate the evidence from inclusions is. Various inclusions are very old and so the diamonds they are establish might also have formed a very long time ago. However, some scientists imagine diamonds could have formed around the inclusions more recently.

Synthetic diamonds
Advances within technology mean that we can now generate synthetic diamonds and contain increased our understanding of diamonds in the natural world.
Through working out the conditions needed to create synthetic diamonds, we have also learned more regarding how and where real diamonds form, and where else we might hunt for them.

History of Diamonds

In the video, museum mineralogist Andy navy discusses the history of diamonds. The talk starts with the days of the Romans while diamonds were placed in jewellery without still being cut and next looks at all of the different ways in which diamonds were used around the sphere over the years thereafter. The meeting finally finishes in the modern day where diamonds are not just for ornamentation but also industry.

Diamonds occurring obviously in 3 different types of rock, from Namaqualand, South Africa and Siberia:

Diamonds might be dazzling, but there's more to them than their appearance. They are some of the oldest crystals on Earth moreover there are diamonds in space that are even older. Discover what diamonds can reveal regarding our solar system and how their amazing natural properties are put to use.

Diamond is created in huge pressure and heat, deep within the earth:

Diamonds are crystals of pure carbon that form below crushing pressures and strong heat. They mostly form in the Earth's layer, the layer beneath the crust or surface layer, at a depth of about 150km.

Buying a Diamond in 2009 Engagement Trends:

Customers are focused on the economical atmosphere the market has generated. Of course size is a thing to most but quality is still absolute. Education of a diamond purchase is clearly on the increase. Knowledge of the four c's is the initial point detail from the origin of the stone to the culet gap is determinate factors in the purchase. Not only are customers learning about diamonds metals are being discussed as well. White platinum which is the more in fashion but expensive choice in metal for engagement rings can now be replaced by choice metals which are a fraction of its cost. White gold can replace white platinum and are about 40 percent lesser in terms of cost. Palladium which is a metal that is similar to platinum can also be worn and is priced about 70% lower than platinum.

How the diamond is place on the ring is also changing in 2009. More and more people are shying gone from the split setting and are choosing more engagement rings to have diamonds that are set in a semi-bezel method into the ring band. The semi-bezel sets will give added hold to the diamond to prevent its loss brought regarding by an active lifestyle. Another recession-friendly trend is the use of the stress setting to hold the diamond in place. Pressure settings have been in survival since the mid 1900s but the technique has greatly enhanced so that it holds the diamond more securely than the conventional pronged setting. Tension setting also allows lighter to pass during the diamond making the engagement ring produce more sparkle.

Diamond jewellery-exhibitors

Welcome to the dazzling domain of jewellery, exhibitors of truest Indian art and culture., we provide you designer Diamond Jewellery that are finest paradigms of royals and elegance. Carving the most excellent designs and imbedding the eye-popping final contain the primmest features about our diamond jewelries. We are known as most valued metal jewellery manufacturer just because of placing of nonpareil styles and shades.

Jewelries like kundan jewellery are highly demanded in all over the world, driving us to be one of the major kundan jewellery suppliers from India. We have earned elevated in the hearts of masses as we provide in some of the most unique and innovative designs in jewelers. We have a enormous range for jewellery having the blend of old traditional and new styles, inevitable for generations of all the age-groups!

Certified Diamonds- A Brief direct

Certified diamonds are polished diamonds to have been graded uncounted within one of several gemological laboratories. These diamonds contain and looked at by a capable specialist to determine a variety of factors, each one exact to that particular diamond. These information include such information as the weight, dimensions, colour and purity of the diamond. The diamond shape, the proportions, the finish, the cut, and the presence of fluorescence are amongst these particulars.

It is probable to have any size of diamond certified, but it becomes less cost effective to have smaller diamonds under quarter of a carat certified. Now the cost of the certificate would be a larger proportion of the diamond cost. It is extremely important to purchase your diamond starting a reputable source and know a little about the details that appear on the certificate. The cut of diamond shape for example. This can be choice enormously. A diamond that has a fair cut grade will be less luxurious than a diamond that has a very good cut grade. If you want a diamond that has excellent proportions stop and is normally a very high color and clarity of diamond, expect to pay a premium for being a better diamond. On the additional hand, a greater discount will be offered on diamonds that do not read so well on the certificate.

Gold - How its made

Women's Silver Charms

This women's silver disc charm necklace has a polished finish and be able to monogrammed on the frontage to convert it into a personalized piece of wearable art. Engrave the back a genuine inscription. This pendant is supported by a stylish link chain.

This monogram jewelry floats along a good-looking 2mm thick round link chain crafted solid .925 pure silver, obtainable in 16", 18", 20", 24" lengths, firmly fastened by a lobster claw clasp.

This monogram compact disk charm pendant can be not only monogrammed on the front, but also imprinted on it's rear features with an inscription to additional personalize. Please view all design details for the available options.

The main characteristics of diamonds

Carat is a unit of quantity for the weight of a diamond with one carat equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams, also known as 100 points. Since superior diamonds are harder to find than smaller ones, the price of diamonds with value to their carat cargo goes up exponentially.

The image above shows an example of the change in carat weight with modify in the diameter about diamond. But remain in mind that two diamonds of the same weight could contain different sizes. Why? If a diamond is cut too trivial (or flat) it will have a superior diameter, but shallow depth and become visible larger. Likewise, if a diamond is cut too deep (or pointed) it will contain a smaller diameter and deep depth and come into view smaller. This is why cut is consequently important.

Diamonds is a complete guide explaining diamond characteristics like cut, color, clarity & carat, as well as the dissimilar diamond shapes and types of diamonds. You know how to learn what to buy for your diamond jewellery desires such as diamond rings or diamond bracelets and how these grades will change diamond prices. The method of buying diamonds online may be daunting to few, right through this site we offer advice and information on buying all types of diamonds including loose diamonds with wholesale diamonds and the reasons why you should for all time buy certified diamonds.

Buy Pearl Jewelry

Wedding is just like a cooperation of the buyers, the two will first combine the original shopping list, and then adding up new items, specially few big, relaxed house is one of them. Now that wedding is related with housing put away, is there any relationship between marriage and house price?

The surprised married couple rate makes forner Federal Reserve president Alan Greenspan re-adjust his predicts of American house price in Aug. With the intention of time, he pointed out to the house price in first half year of 2009 will turn into gradually stable, even as it is still falling. Right now he distorted his words to remit three or six months for the basis that the new pair in America is less than what he has expected.

The hypothesis of Mr Greenspan is simple, the less public get married, the less the domination of house will be. Meanwhile, the earlier the new houses complete, the faster of the speed in house only if will be.

However, Mr Greenspan have not indicated that there might have a violent circle between the falling down home price and re-organized family amount.

Men's Silver Cufflinks

Cufflinks are the wonderful accessory for men who recognise style and strong design.

At this point at English Cufflinks you can look around and buy from a refreshing collection of modern silver, gold, titanium and designer cufflinks.

We include over 100 different designer cufflinks for you to choose starting and we aim to provide a pair of men's cufflinks for most wellbeing, professions, hobbies, sports, pastimes and occasions counting Wedding Cufflinks.

All our own cuff links are hand made in the UK, most are hallmarked solid pure silver and suitable for engraving. Our release is fast and free - anywhere.

Diamond Jewelry store in India

Diamond Jewelry store in India anywhere you can find the most beautiful designs. So, if you are looking for gem necklaces, ruby studded diamond necklaces and bracelets, or gold bars and Tahitian pearls’ rings and studs, or a wonderful set comprising exquisite pendants, necklaces, bangles studs and bracelets, you make out exactly where you’ll find them! So remain no more and compose the priceless diamonds yours, which you will treasure forever.

As an NRI, you can hand finely crafted diamond jewelry offerings, from our store, to your near and valued ones in India. If you are an NRI, you can only select and propel traditional diamond jewelry to your family and friends in India. Choose starting the classic Indian diamond.

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Men's Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry has the main collection of stunning sterling silver rings for men and women. Our wholesale silver jewelry groups include silver celtic rings, flower rings, butterfly rings, animal rings, plain graceful rings, tribal rings, puzzle rings, rolling rings, spinner rings, wave rings, dolphin rings and further added.

W e contain new silver rings and silver toe rings. Plus silver bracelets and silver neclaces by without pebbles. We supply about 30 styles of wholesale faceted earrings and rings with real stones.

1.40 carat total weight Princess cut diamond stud earrings

Diamond and Gold Eternity bands

Eternity bands converse on your behalf concerning the eternity of love that you share with your much-loved one. Wedding and anniversary eternity bands beginning our amazing album are wonderful jewelries in wide ranging varieties of diamonds and their settings.

Diamond eternity ring with diamond eternity bands are our particular gifts to the group who are both entering in a wedding or celebrating their anniversary of living wage together. Decide our fair gold eternity bands for luxurious feeling of the metal and the diamonds of high quality.

We contain some attractive offers of platinum eternity bands and palladium eternity bands with princess cut diamonds and around dazzling cut diamonds settings. Look around the set for the recent price-cuts that we contain accessible to our esteemed customers.

Blue-gemstone jewelry

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers use a variety of common and specialized handtools and equipment to design and manufacture new pieces of jewelry; cut, set, and polish gem stones; repair or adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry; and appraise jewelry, precious metals, and gems. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas and may work for large jewelry manufacturing firms, for small retail jewelry shops, or as owners of their own businesses. Regardless of the type of work done or the work setting, jewelers need a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail.

Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Following their own designs or those created by designers or customers, they begin by shaping the metal or by carving wax to make a model for casting the metal. The individual parts then are soldered together, and the jeweler may mount a diamond or other gem or may engrave a design into the metal. Other jewelers do finishing work, such as setting stones, polishing, or engraving, or make repairs. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings.

Sterling Silver with Turquoise

Sterling silver is used for jewelry, silverware, etc. where appearance is paramount. This alloy contains 92.5% silver, the remainder being copper or some other metal. Silver is of the utmost importance in photography, about 30% of the U.S. industrial consumption going into this application. It is used for dental alloys. Silver is used in making solder and brazing alloys, electrical contacts, and high capacity silver-zinc and silver-cadmium batteries. Silver paints are used for making printed circuits. It is used in mirror production and may be deposited on glass or metals by chemical deposition, electrode position, or by evaporation.

When freshly deposited, it is the best reflector of visible light known, but is rapidly tarnished and loses much of its reflectance. It is a poor reflector of ultraviolet. Silver fulminate, a powerful explosive, is sometimes formed during the silvering process. Silver iodide is used in seeding clouds to produce rain. Silver chloride has interesting optical properties as it can be made transparent; it also is a cement for glass. Silver nitrate, or lunar caustic, the most important silver compound, is used extensively in photography. Silver for centuries has been used traditionally for coinage by many countries of the world. In recent times, however, consumption of silver has greatly exceeded the output.

Attaching a Clasp to a Beaded Necklace

Attaching a Clasp to a Beaded Necklace -- powered by eHow.com

Precious opal from Louisiana is a sandstone

The reported precious opal from Louisiana is a sandstone/quartzite with precious opal cement and matrix. It has blue or purple play of color. The material could be cut into cabochons for jewelry and other items of interest. To date, most of the material has been cut into large (over 2-inches in diameter) gemstone spheres.

Nevada is known for precious opal from Virgin Valley. The first discovery of precious opal in the Virgin Valley area was in 1905 or 1906. Since then a significant quantity of the highly prized opal has been recovered. Virgin Valley opal is comparable to any in the world for its vivid play of color and in terms of the size of material available. Individual pieces weighing over 3 kilograms have been recovered from the Virgin Valley deposits. In 1993, miners found a 100-kilogram opalized log containing precious opal. The material varies in body color from deep pure black to brown to yellowish-white to white to colorless. The play of color includes all colors common to precious opal, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, etc. The opal occurs primarily as replacement of wood, or sometimes, as replacement of conifer cones. Some opal does occur as nodules filling void spaces in clay. The wood replacement is so complete, that generally the wood grain and banding are no longer visible. The exception to this would be that often the exterior wood texture is still present as a brown or black rind.
The uses of the opal can be restricted because of crazing. Crazing is the breakdown or deterioration of opal by the development of very fine cracks all over the surface that extend until they intersect. In the worst cases, the surface of the opal deteriorates into a crumbling sand-like material. Because of the crazing the opal is not well suited for use in jewelry, but displayed in water, glycerine, mineral oil or other liquids makes remarkably beautiful mineral specimens. The mineral collections of most of the better museums contain very fine pieces of Virgin Valley opal. Many museum pieces are crazed from exposure to the air.

Gemstone gets set to shine again

Long considered two counties yet to fulfill their economic potential, eastern Taiwan's Hualien and Taitung are ready to shine at the Eastern Taiwan Gems and Jades Exhibition. Hosted by the National Taitung Living Art Center from event features more than 1,000 pieces of precious stones and jewelry.

Three famed gemstones found in eastern Taiwan, hornblende (commonly known as Taiwan jade), blue chalcedony and red coral are the highlights of the fair--a joint effort between the government and industry aimed at kick-starting the island's dormant jewelry industry and generating local employment opportunities.

According to Hsieh Jing-lin, chairman of the ROC Gems and Jades Association and co-host of the exhibition, in the 1960s and 1970s, Taiwan hornblende held a 90-percent share of the global jade market. "Back then, Hualien's Fengtian Village was a mining town best known for the precious stone and the county boasted more than 1,000 gemstone factories," he said.

But toward the end of 1970, Hualien's jade industry went into steep decline as local deposits of hornblende were exhausted. "Over the years, many people believed that untapped veins of the stone could be found in the county's mountainous regions," Hsieh said.

"Exploration was never carried out because at that time, Taiwan did not possess the know-how to prospect for these deposits," he added.

A native of Taitung, Hsieh considers Taiwan's blue chalcedony--distributed over ranges in Hualien and his hometown--to be the world's most beautiful "natural" specimen of the quartz. "Unlike blues from abroad, Taiwan's stones do not need heat treatment to improve their color," he said. "They naturally possess a pure luster and clarity, which make them the darlings of Japanese collectors."

The gem dealer said the region's old mining towns, if tastefully transformed into tourist attractions, could breathe added life into eastern Taiwan's precious stone enterprises. "People would be interested in trekking along winding paths through mines where gemstones exposed can be seen," Hsieh suggested.