Material
CUBIC ZIRCONIA
Cubic zirconia is a man made gemstone that is widely used as a diamond simulant. It is a created to resemble the look of a diamond. Chemically known as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), cubic zirconia is optically flawless and usually colorless, but it can also be produced in various colors. The gemstone is created by heating zirconium oxide powder to extremely high temperatures, resulting in the formation of crystals. Due to visual similarities to diamonds, cubic zirconia is often used in jewelry. It can be cut and faceted to mimic different diamond shapes and styles. It is relatively hard material, ranking around 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
RHODIUM
Rhodium's lustrous and reflective properties make it valuable in the jewelry industry. It is often used as a plating material for white gold and silver jewelry to enhance their appearance and prevent tarnishing. Rhodium plating gives jewelry a bright, white, and reflective surface. Rhodium is one of the rarest elements on Earth, occurring in very small amounts in the Earth's crust. Its scarcity contributes to its high market price. In fact, rhodium has historically been one of the most expensive precious metals, even surpassing the price of gold and platinum at times.
GOLD 18-CARAT
Pure gold, or 24-carat gold, is too soft and malleable to be used in its pure form for most practical applications, including jewelry. Therefore, gold is typically mixed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability. In the case of 18-carat gold, it contains 75% pure gold, which makes it 18 parts out of 24. Color Variations: The choice of other metals in the alloy affects the color of 18-carat gold. Yellow gold, the most traditional and popular color, typically contains a mix of gold, copper, and silver. White gold, on the other hand, is achieved by alloying gold with white metals like nickel, palladium, or manganese, and is often coated with rhodium for a bright, white appearance. Rose gold, which has a reddish hue, is created by combining gold with a higher proportion of copper.
GOLD VERMEIL
is a specific type of jewelry finish that consists of a layer of gold plated over sterling silver or another base metal. It is a popular choice for creating high-quality and affordable gold-colored jewelry. The gold layer must meet certain requirements to be considered vermeil. In the United States, for example, the gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick, and the gold used must be at least 10 karats. Sterling Silver Base: The base metal for gold vermeil jewelry is often sterling silver, which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The silver provides a solid and durable foundation for the gold layer. The gold layer applied in gold vermeil jewelry is significantly thicker compared to regular gold-plated items. This thicker layer enhances the jewelry's durability and can contribute to its longevity. The gold layer gives the jewelry a rich, gold appearance, similar to that of solid gold.
GOLD PLATED
Gold plated refers to a process in which a thin layer of gold is deposited onto the surface of a base metal or another material. It is a common method used to create gold-colored jewelry and decorative items without using solid gold throughout. The gold layer in goldplated items is relatively thin compared to other gold finishes. The thickness can vary but is generally around 0.5 to 2.5 microns (µm). The thinness of the gold layer distinguishes gold plating from other gold finishes like gold vermeil, which has a thicker gold layer. Care and Maintenance: To maintain the appearance of gold-plated items, it is important to handle them with care, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, and gently clean them using non-abrasive materials. Avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture can also help prolong the life of the gold plating.
FRESH WATER PEARLS
Freshwater pearls are a type of pearl that forms in freshwater mollusks, primarily in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They are produced by various species of mussels and are known for their natural beauty and lustrous appearance. Freshwater pearls are created when a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the soft tissue of a mussel. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of nacre (a combination of calcium carbonate and protein), which gradually build up over time and form a pearl. Shape and Size: Freshwater pearls come in various shapes and sizes. They can be round, oval, button-shaped, or irregular in shape. Unlike saltwater pearls, which are often more consistently round, freshwater pearls tend to have more diverse shapes and sizes. They range in size from small seed pearls to larger pearls measuring several millimeters in diameter. Color and Luster: Freshwater pearls display a wide range of natural colors, including white, cream, pink, peach, lavender, and even darker shades like black or gray. The luster of freshwater pearls is generally described as soft and glowing, although the quality and intensity of luster can vary among pearls. Freshwater pearls have been treasured for centuries for their natural beauty and unique charm.
GEMSTONES
A gemstone, also known as a precious or semi-precious stone, is a mineral, rock, or organic material that is cut and polished to be used in jewelry or other decorative items. Gemstones are valued for their beauty, rarity, durability, and sometimes, their symbolic or metaphysical properties. Natural gemstones are formed over millions of years through geological processes. Varieties and Types: There is a wide variety of gemstones, each with its own unique properties, colors, and characteristics. Some well-known gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, topazes, garnets, and opals, among many others. Gemstones' value is influenced by several factors, including their rarity, color, clarity, cut, and size. Gemstones hold significant cultural, historical, and personal value. They are admired for their aesthetics and are often cherished as symbols of beauty, status, and sentiment. Whether worn as jewelry or displayed in collections, gemstones continue to captivate people with their timeless allure.