Metal Guide

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Precious Metals have been used to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that makes a perfect gift for you and your loved ones. But have you ever thought about what precious metals makes them so precious that we love to keep them with us forever? Let’s take a look.

 

White gold

White gold is a sought after precious metal for engagement rings, both due to its beauty and because it is a less expensive alternative to platinum. This precious metal is beloved for its gleaming white finish that makes diamonds truly dazzle. White gold is the most popular precious metal for engagement ring settings because it beautifully complements the shiny white sparkle of a centre diamond. White gold is available up to 21 karats. Most engagement rings are 14k or 18k. This gorgeous precious metal looks lovely against any colored gemstones. White gold bridal jewelry is increasingly popular now a day.

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Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold is known for its beauty and versatility, gold is the classic setting for most jewelry. Unlike some metals, gold retains a beautiful luster. The ‘original’ gold, and many still feel the best, is yellow gold, normally an alloy including silver, copper and zinc to strengthen the metal and enhance the yellow sheen. It is the metal of choice of traditionalists, by people preferring the warmer color with their skin tone, and for its contrast with precious stones and other metals. Gold is historically the most popular choice for wedding bands and other jewelry.

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Rose Gold


Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, was very popular in Russia at the beginning of the 19th Century.  It is a gold and copper alloy that is increasing in popularity now as well and is commonly used for rings, pendants and bracelets amongst other jewelry pieces.  The difference between red, rose, and pink gold is the copper content.  With higher copper content, the red coloration grows stronger.  Pink gold has the least amount of copper and subsequently the lowest amount of coloration in the gold; this is followed by rose gold and then red gold with the highest copper content.  The most common karat of rose gold is 14k, but it can go up to 22k which is also known as crown gold.

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Platinum

The everlasting popularity of platinum is due to its purity, color, strength and prestige. As gorgeous as platinum is, it’s not all about looks. Many of us veer towards this metal because of its hardness and resistance to tarnishing, making it a practical and glamorous metal for everyday jewelry. Platinum is a great choice for engagement rings and wedding bands as well because it won’t change its color or fade. Its incredible density and weight make it more durable than other metals and provides assurance in value. Platinum holds precious stones firmly and securely. But, platinum does not wear away and decrease its volume, unlike other metals. Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over a higher polished appearance. Platinum is the rarest and most expensive of the popular precious metals.

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October Birthstones

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October has two birthstones; Tourmaline which is a favourite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colors and Opal which are truly unique as each gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination.

Opal

The name opal derives from the Greek Opallos, which means to see a change (of color).”  Opals range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue. An opal’s beauty is the product of contrast between its color play and its background.

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Through time and nature’s heating and moulding processes, the gel hardened into the form of opals. When these particles are closely packed in spherical arrangements and in regular pattern, a three-dimensional array of spaces are created that give opal its radiance.

It is used in rings, necklaces and diadems; the smaller specimens for mounting snuff-boxes, rings, etc. and is believed to have the power of strengthening the eye.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline, being available in a wide variety of colors, is one of the favourite gemstone among jewelry designer, and gem collectors over the world. It is ideally suited to almost anyone’s taste.

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Tourmaline is also known for displaying several colors in the same gemstone.  These bi-color or tri-color gems are formed in many combinations; gemstones with clear color distinctions are highly prized.

Tourmaline improves sleep; harmonize state of the endocrine and immune systems.

Black tourmaline is also indicated in the treatment of neurotic disorders. Green tourmaline restores nerves after stressful situations. Red tourmaline, especially rubellites, reduced metabolism, improve complexion, improve blood circulation and improves circulatory system. Watermelon tourmaline combines the properties and pink, and green of their fellows.

232 Carat D-Color Diamond Unearthed in South Africa

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Petra Diamonds have unearthed an exceptional 232.08 carat white diamond at the Cullinan mine in South Africa which is expected to fetch between $10 million and $16 million.

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The stone is a D colour Type II diamond with size of a strawberry and no measurable nitrogen impurities. “The diamond is practically see-through, so it is very likely to produce a flawless stone,” says Petra spokesperson Cathy Malins.

It has not been determined when the stone will be sold but the timing expected is in the second quarter of this financial year.

Sapphires – September Birthstone

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When hearing the word Sapphire,we immediately envision a stunning violet-blue gemstone because the word “Sapphire” in Greek refers to blue. For centuries, the Sapphire has been referred to as the ultimate blue gemstone.

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the middle ages and is believed to protect your loved ones from envy and harm. Since Ancient times the Blue Sapphire represented a promise of honesty, loyalty, purity and trust which makes them one of the most popular engagement gemstones today.Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.

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Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).

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Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violet blue and various shades of pure blue. They are found in many parts of the world, but the most prized Sapphires are from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir and Sri Lanka. Sapphires with highly saturated violet-blue color and “velvety” or “sleepy” transparency are rare. The purer the blue color of the Sapphire, the greater the price. However, many people find that the darker hues of Sapphire can be just as appealing.

August Birthstone – Peridot

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Those born under Peridot may bewitch others!

Peridot is the birthstone for August and the 15th anniversary gemstone.  This gemstone is said to represent beauty, mystery, passion, and even enchantment. It can also equal forward thinking, channeling both justice and power. It was believed to be a stone of springtime by ancients who considered it a gift from Mother Nature.
Since ancient times, Peridot was said as the symbol of the sun. The Greeks believed that it brought royal dignity upon its wearer and is said to have been first mentioned in the will of a bishop.

Peridot has been known to have healing effect on the gall bladder and liver. It is a protector against negative emotions when used in a necklace. Some believed that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when it was set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.

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Most peridot formed deep inside the earth and was delivered to the surface by volcanoes. Some also came to earth in meteorites, but this extraterrestrial Peridot is extremely rare, and not likely to be seen in a retail jewelry store.

Peridot is a gem variety from the olivine mineral group. The bottle green color is called Peridot. Yellowish green is chrysolite. Olive green is olivine. Sources of Peridot include: St. John’s Island (Egypt), United States (Arizona and Hawaii), Myanmar, Burma, Australia, Norway, South Africa and Brazil.

Some of the finest Peridot stones are called “evening emeralds” because they appear greener under artificial light.

 

Ruby – July Birthstone

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“The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they’ll be exempt and free,
From lover’s doubts and anxiety.”

Ruby represents the sun which is heart of our universe as well as of human persona. They arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and its intense red color is said to bring success in love. There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby.

On wearing it renders a bold & courageous persona to the person. It’s a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means it’s durable enough for everyday wear. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value.

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The most priced color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red. If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it will be called a fancy-color sapphire.

Colored Engagement Ring

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Though white diamonds are stunning and have ruled when it comes to engagement rings, fancy colored diamonds have always captured both attention and imagination. Although white diamonds are still the classic choice for brides to be, it seems colored diamonds are establishing their place in the market.

Scintillating yellow, pink, blue, green, red, orange, black and champagne-colored diamonds are quickly becoming more mainstream. These precious gems are hot trends among celebrities and often worn down the red carpet. Hollywood’s men are also turning to colored diamonds to honor the most important women in their lives.

Let’s look out some of the Famous Hollywood Trends with colored diamond rings.

Jennifer Lopez received her pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck and was one of the first to catch everyone’s attention.

Jennifer Lopez received her pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck and was one of the first to catch everyone’s attention.

Mariah Carey received a pink engagement ring when she promised to say ‘I Do’ with now-husband Nick Cannon

Mariah Carey received a pink engagement ring when she promised to say ‘I Do’ with now-husband Nick Cannon

Enrique Iglesias presented Anna Kournikova with a pink diamond engagement ring,

Enrique Iglesias presented Anna Kournikova with a pink diamond engagement ring,

Carmen Electra’s fiancé, Rob Patterson, proposed with a very unique black diamond ring

Carmen Electra’s fiancé, Rob Patterson, proposed with a very unique black diamond ring

Actor Dax Shepard went for something a little different when he presented his longtime girlfriend, Kristen Bell, with a champagne diamond engagement ring.

Actor Dax Shepard went for something a little different when he presented his longtime girlfriend, Kristen Bell, with a champagne diamond engagement ring.

Champagne-Colored ‘Kimberley Diamond’

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A rare 19th century 55-carat diamond, once part of the Russian Crown Jewels has gone on temporary view at New York’s American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West. The Diamond gets its name from the Kimberley mine in South Africa where it was found before 1868. It has also been described as a “cape diamond,” an Old World term meaning “deep color.”

kimberleydiamond1The Kimberley Diamond went through a number of transformations during its 145-year history. It was cut from a 490-carat crystal into a 70-carat gem in 1921. The original diamond was fairly large, but there aren’t many descriptions of it, so its history isn’t well-known.

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To improve its brilliance and proportions, the diamond was re-cut to its present form in 1958 by renowned New York City Fifth Avenue jewelers the Baumgold Bros. The rectangular diamond is about 1.25 inches in length and virtually flawless.

by renowned New York City Fifth Avenue jewelers the Baumgold Bros. – See more at: http://www.peleddiamonds.com/blog/dazzling-colored-diamond-on-display-in-nyc/#sthash.i7xYx6zL.dpuf

The diamond was then sold to Bruce F. Stuart, great-grandson of Carnation Company founder Elbridge Amos Stuart, in 1971. Over the years, the precious diamond was transferred to the Bruce F. Stuart Trust, which still owns it. The stone is on loan from the Bruce F. Stuart Trust, said exhibit curator George Harlow.

Moon Sized Diamond

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Large diamonds are extremely rare on Earth. The largest one ever found was The Cullinan Diamond which was 3,106 carats! It was cut into 9 major stones and 96 smaller stones, the largest of which was the “Star of Africa”, a whooping 530 carat diamond set in the septre of the British Crown Jewels. This diamond pales in comparison to the gargantuan discovery by astronomer Travis Metcalfe of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and his colleagues in 2004. They discovered a diamond star that is 10 billion trillion trillion carats!!! Just think how many engagement rings and diamond earrings could come out of that if we had access to it!

The cosmic diamond is a chunk of crystallized carbon and is 4,000 km across, and about 50 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Centaurus. It’s the compressed heart of an old star that was once bright like our own sun, but has since faded and shrunk. Astronomers have decided to call the star “Lucky” after the Beatles song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

According to scientists, if you wait long enough, our own sun could eventually turn into a similar large diamond star!

3D Printer for Your Next Piece of Jewelry

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Chuck Hull in 1984 created first working 3D printer. It‘s a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes.  Imagine a machine that could disassemble old unwanted objects, and use the materials to print new objects — all in the comfort of your own home. Though the technology is 30 years old, it has now come into light due to falling price of the printer.

Recently people began to use 3D printers for creating anything they like, this includes iPad stands, guitars, board games, shoes and clothes, jewelry, even guns. You just need to design the product you want on computer and just print it in 3-D printer. You can refer below video on how 3D Printing works by Marina Mellinas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5voxz39QjcQ

It’s still rather niche, but 3D printers just got backing from one of the biggest vanity items around – jewelry.

Making jewelry with a 3D printer is important to the overall 3D printer ecosystem. The main benefit of manufacturing jewelry through 3D printing is that companies can make custom jewelry for clients at a low cost.

Jewelry with minute and filigree designs require a workshop where liquefied metal are poured into molds and the cost is high, whereas the same piece of jewelry can be prepared with comparatively low cost using these printers. Although the resulting pieces often appear to be complex, the process of their creation did not need to be time-consuming.

The use of 3-D printing to make really precise, miniature pieces of items in jewelry, and availability of mass production, may also drive up interest for 3D printing among the average consumer thus leading to even faster adoption.

3D- Printing technology has also proved as boon for fashion lovers, it helps designers turn intangible ideas into tangible attire by giving them a means to create their dreams.

Dutch designer Iris van Herpen debuted two 3D-printed outfits, a dress and cape/skirt combo in Paris Fashion Week this year.

3d_printed_dresses_fashionNot only fashion and Jewelry industry, 3D- Printing is spreading its roots in almost every field and the day is not far when it will become hard to imagine what else is 3-D printing good for.