Opal
Opal is a gemstone that is known for its unique and stunning appearance. It is composed of microscopic cristobalite spheres arranged in layers within an amorphous hydrous silica jelly, which gives it its unique crystal habit.
One of the most striking features of opal is its play-of-color, which is the way that light is refracted by the microscopic spheres within the gemstone. This refraction creates an array of vivid colors, ranging from red and orange to yellow, green, blue, and purple. The play-of-color is what makes opal such a beautiful and desirable gemstone, and it is one of the main reasons that it is so highly prized.
There are many different types of opal, including black opal, white opal, and fire opal. Black opal is the most valuable and sought-after type, as it has the most intense play-of-color. White opal is less valuable, but it is still prized for its beauty and is often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. Fire opal is a type of opal that is characterized by its deep orange or red color and is often used in jewelry.
Opal is found in a few different locations around the world, including Australia, Mexico, and the United States. It is a relatively soft and brittle gemstone, and it requires careful handling and protection to preserve its beauty. Despite its delicate nature, opal is a popular and highly valued gemstone that is used in a wide range of jewelry and decorative objects.
Old-mine-cut diamond
The old mine cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1700s and was most prevalent during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is similar to today's cushion cut and is characterized by a squarish girdle with gently rounded corners, a high crown, a small table, and a large, flat culet.
Old mine 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 mine 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 mine 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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