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Fine Jewelry University Articles matching: “Letter B”
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Fine Jewelry University (Show All FJU Articles)
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Styles of Earring Backs
Earrings come in many different styles. Here we will explore the more common types of earring backs, highlighting some of the pros and cons of each. Maybe you have a style in mind and don’t know the proper name … the perfect gift. Maybe you are having trouble with your current earrings and are looking for alternatives. Or maybe you are simply interested in expanding your general jewelry knowledge. Keep reading; we have your answers. Friction …) Also called “butterfly backs,” and sometimes “push backs.” These are undoubtedly the most common style of earring back. They work on earrings with posts, using friction to secure the earring in place–hence the name. Often times the …
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Learn Secret Diamond Buying Skills From a Professional Diamond Buyer
… diamond color is actually looking for the absence of color or transparency (except in fancy color diamonds). A letter grade starting with “D” means totally transparent. The scale then moves down the alphabet to the next level of less …One of the most valuable memories in life is the look of your love when she sees that shining diamond ring on her finger for the first time…rare natural stone’s history and lore of romance makes all who receive one the center of their universe. A diamond’s beauty energizes the whole person with a light show unique in the gem world. Diamonds are unique, just like the love …
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Alternative Metals for Men’s Jewelry
Until very recently, men only had a handful of choices when choosing a metal for their wedding band. Gold, silver, and platinum are all excellent metals which make great wedding bands, but with the advent of new …big three” have been joined by a slew of new options. Options are great, but with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. This article breaks down many of the new “alternative metals” (and non-met… explains why you may want to choose one for your wedding band. Titanium Titanium is an excellent metal for wedding bands. It is naturally silver-white in color, but it can be treated to different colors. Titanium is very light weight …
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What are “Blood Diamonds”?
… Africa. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds as “…diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military …, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.” These diamonds are sometimes referred to as “blood diamonds.” In July 2000, the global diamond industry made clear to the international community its zero tolerance …, it worked closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada to create the Kimberley Process Certification System. This system was formally …
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Types of Jewelry Clasps
… variety of clasps, each with its own purpose and unique design. Whether you are searching for a replacement for a broken clasp or just looking to learn more about them, this article is for you. History of Jewelry Clasps Jewelry clasps… of the jewelry and provide a secure way to wear and display precious pieces. The history of jewelry clasps dates back centuries, and we can watch as clasps have evolved over time to meet the changing needs and preferences of different…
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How to Value Inherited Jewelry
… and difficulties, there comes the need to divide the jewelry portion of the estate. Arriving at a fair and equitable division can be tricky, but this article should help guide you through some of the issues. Before we begin, if you … of value and how they relate to your particular jewelry. Jewelry, to many people, is a “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware” area of life. How a small polished rock can be worth the same amount as a car or a house will never be understood…
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Gem in the Spotlight: Blue Zircon
Zircon may be last in the alphabet of gemstones, but it is first in sparkle. The crystal structure of zircon creates one of the … version of zircon was used in jewelry to mimic diamond. Why? Natural zircon is known for its scintillation, brilliance, and flashes of color or fire just like diamond. Zircon also is known for its variety of colors. Blue zircon is the… so much more fire then other colored gems? Zircon has a high refractive index (1.92-2.01). The refractive index (abbreviated RI) of a gemstone is its optical property that refers to the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the …
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Gem in the Spotlight: Tsavorite Garnet
… color to rival the most exquisite emeralds and the clarity of the cleanest sapphires, all with the time tested durability of garnet. Tsavorite is a unique form of garnet with a stunningly vivid green color. It is bright and lively …a very rare gemstone. It is uncommon to find Tsavorite in sizes larger than five carats, and most faceted stones are below two carats. By some estimates, Tsavorite is around 200 times rarer than the much better known Emerald. Gemology …
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Synthetic Gems: The Whole Story
Ruby, sapphire, emerald and alexandrite are very beautiful gems and very rare in their stunning beauty. These four gems … for thousands of years. But, what if anyone could own them? At gem shows and museums, I have seen jaw dropping rubies, sapphires and emeralds. These gems in high quality have put ownership beyond most people to justify the price. Just… like gadolinium gallium garnet (also called GGG) and the modern diamond simulant Moissanite, a man made silicon carbide. In gemology, any material used to look like a gem is called a simulant. So clear glass, rock quartz, GGG, and …
