Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a purplish blue variety of zoisite that was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. It was introduced to the jewelry world in 1968 by Tiffany & Co., who named it "tanzanite." Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is known for its unique and striking color, which ranges from violet to blue.
Tanzanite is a transparent to translucent gemstone that is often cut into a variety of different shapes, including ovals, rounds, and emerald cuts. It is also sometimes cut into cabochons, which are smooth, rounded, and dome-shaped gemstones that are polished but not faceted.
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale (out of 10). Despite its softness, it is still a popular choice for use in jewelry due to its unique color and rarity. Tanzanite 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.
Tanzanite 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.
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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