Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar that is named for its blue-white sheen, which resembles the moon. It is a transparent to translucent gemstone that is known for its unique and striking appearance.
Moonstone is found in a variety of colors, including white, gray, yellow, pink, and green. It is often cut into cabochons, which are smooth, rounded, and dome-shaped gemstones that are polished but not faceted. Moonstone is also sometimes cut into other shapes, such as ovals, rounds, and hearts.
Moonstone is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale (out of 10). Despite its softness, it is still a popular choice for use in jewelry due to its unique appearance and cultural significance. Moonstone is often associated with spiritual and emotional balance, and it is believed to have various healing properties. It is also sometimes used in meditation practices and is believed to promote calmness and tranquility.
Moonstone is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also sometimes used in decorative objects, such as figurines and other decorative items.
Brilliant-cut diamond
The round brilliant cut is a type of diamond cut that was developed in the early 1900s and is now the most popular and widely used diamond cut. It is characterized by a circular girdle and 58 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance. Unlike the old European cut, the round brilliant cut does not have a culet (the bottom edge of the diamond).
The round brilliant cut was designed to maximize the fire and brilliance of a diamond, and it has become the standard cut for diamonds. It is known for its bright, sparkling appearance and is often used in engagement rings and other high-end jewelry. The round brilliant cut became prevalent during the Art Deco and Retro periods and is still widely used today.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are typically more expensive than diamonds with other cuts because they require more labor and material to produce. However, they are considered the highest quality and most desirable type of diamond cut, and they are a popular choice for those who want the highest level of sparkle and brilliance in their jewelry.
Carre-cut diamond
Carré diamonds are known for their clean lines and simple yet elegant appearance. They are a popular choice for engagement rings, as well as for other types of jewelry such as earrings and pendants. One of the main advantages of the carré cut is that it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through the diamond, creating a bright and sparkling appearance.
The carré cut is often confused with the princess cut, which is a more modern diamond shape that is also square in appearance. However, the carré cut is distinguished by its 90 degree corners and large upper facet, which are not present in the princess cut.
As with other diamond cuts, the quality of a carré diamond is determined by the 4 C's: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. A well-cut carré diamond with excellent clarity and color will have a higher value than a poorly cut diamond with inclusions or a yellowish tint.
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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