Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz that is yellow to golden in color and is colored by trace elements of iron. It is named after the French word "citron," which means "lemon." The color of citrine closely resembles the color of yellow topaz, which is more expensive, and as a result, citrine is sometimes marketed under various misnomers such as "Madeira topaz," "Bahia topaz," and "topaz quartz."
Today, citrine is often actually amethyst that has been heated to a temperature of approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit (around 450 to 480 degrees Celsius). This process creates a stable golden to yellow color that can be restored to its original color upon irradiation.
Citrine is the second most coveted variety of quartz after amethyst. It is prized for its beautiful yellow to golden color and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. It is thought to have calming and balancing effects, and is sometimes used in meditation practices.
Rose-cut diamond
The rose cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1500s and remained common during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is characterized by a flat bottom with a dome-shaped crown that rises to a single apex, giving the diamond a shape that resembles a rose bud. Rose cut diamonds can have anywhere from 3 to 24 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Unlike modern diamond cuts, such as the round brilliant or princess cut, the rose cut has a lower crown and a less brilliant appearance. It is a more primitive diamond cut that was used before the development of more advanced cutting techniques. However, it is still a popular choice for collectors of antique jewelry and for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage cuts.
Rose cut diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds with more modern cuts because they require less labor and material to produce. They are often used as accent stones in jewelry designs or as the main gemstone in vintage-style pieces. Despite their lower price, rose cut diamonds can still be beautiful and valuable, and they are a popular choice for those who appreciate the unique charm and character of antique jewelry.
Platinum
Platinum is a white metallic element that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to tarnish and corrosion. It belongs to a group of elements called the platinum group metals, which also includes osmium, iridium, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium.
Platinum is often found in nature as an alloy, which is a mixture of two or more elements. It can be mixed with other platinum group metals or with other elements such as copper, nickel, or cobalt. It wasn't until 1804 that all of the elements in the platinum group were isolated and named, with the exception of osmium, which was not isolated until 1841.
Platinum is a highly prized metal that is often used in the manufacture of fine jewelry. It is malleable, meaning that it can be easily molded and shaped, and it is ductile, meaning that it can be drawn into thin wires or sheets. It is also very strong, which makes it suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
Platinum is named after the Spanish word "platina," which means "little silver." It is thought to have been named this because of its white metallic luster, which is similar to that of silver. Platinum was first discovered by the Spanish conquistadors in South America, near the Pinto River in present-day Columbia.
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