Old-european-cut diamond
The old European cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1800s and was used mostly during the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau eras. It is the predecessor of today's modern round brilliant cut and is characterized by a circular girdle, a high crown, a small table, and a large, flat culet. Old European cut diamonds have 58 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Old European cut diamonds are known for their antique charm and character, and they are often used in vintage-style jewelry. They have a softer, more romantic look than modern diamond cuts, which tend to have more precise geometry and a higher level of brilliance.
Old European 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, old European 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.
Onyx
Onyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a variety of quartz that is characterized by its fine grain and layered structure. Onyx is most commonly found in black and white bands, and it is known for its unique color pattern and ability to be carved into intricate designs.
Onyx has been used for centuries as a gemstone and has been prized for its beauty and versatility. It was especially popular in ancient times, when it was used to create cameos, which are small, carved gemstones that feature a raised design on a background of a different color. The layered structure of onyx made it especially well-suited for this purpose, as it allowed the engraver to cut the design in one color while creating a background of another color.
The term "onyx" is sometimes used to describe pure black gemstones, but this is technically incorrect. True onyx is always banded, with alternating layers of black and white (or sometimes other colors). Gemstones that are solid black are usually made of other materials, such as obsidian or black jade.
In addition to its use in jewelry, onyx is also used in various decorative objects and as a material for carving and engraving. It is a relatively hard and durable stone, and it is often used in jewelry and other decorative items that are subjected to wear and tear.
Single-cut diamond
A single cut diamond is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1300s and is still used today in some antique jewelry. It is characterized by a large table, an octagonal girdle, and a culet (the bottom edge of the diamond) that may be pointed or flat. Single cut diamonds usually have 18 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Single cut diamonds are usually smaller in size and less brilliant than modern diamond cuts, such as round brilliant or princess cuts. They are often used in antique jewelry or as accent stones in modern jewelry designs. Single cut diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds with more modern cuts because they require less labor and material to produce.
Despite their lower price, single cut diamonds can still be beautiful and valuable. They are a popular choice for collectors of antique jewelry and for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage cuts.
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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