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.
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.
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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