925 Sterling Silver Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing functional objects; therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength while preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. Why Platinum Plated? Platinum overlay gives the sterling silver jewelries a beautiful bright shine. The overlay can also improve various properties of the basic sterling alloy such as reducing casting porosity and increasing resistance to tarnish. Gemstones & Quartz Amethyst Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. It is one of several forms of quartz. Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February. Citrine There are not many yellow gemstones in the world of jewels. Citrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a lemon yellow to reddish brown. The name is derived from Latin citrina which means "yellow". Citrine is the stone for the month of November. Garnet Wonderful deep-red garnets often find in antique jewelries. However, far too few people are aware that the world of the garnets is far more colorful than that. Garnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. In daylight, some Garnet color ranges from shades of green, beige, brown, gray, and blue, but in incandescent light, they appear a reddish or purplish/pink color. Peridot Peridot is a very old gemstone, and one which has become very popular again today, one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, an olive green. In fact, color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green. Peridot olivine is the birthstone for the month of August. Topaz Typical topaz is wine, yellow, yellow-brown, reddish-orange, honey-yellow, flax, brown, green, blue, light blue, blue brown, pale green, pale gray, red, gold and pink ... and sometimes it has no color at all. These so-called apocalyptic stones are intended to serve in protection against enemies and as a symbol of beauty and splendor. Topaz means "heat" or "fire". The Romans dedicated the topaz to Jupiter. Topaz is the stone of the month November. Gemstones Care Gemstones are very durable and easy to take care: - Keep your gemstones clean. You can simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle soap. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone (e.g. on a ring). Single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra sparkle. - Almost every gemstone is harder than the metal set on. Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones and your gold, silver or platinum jewelries.
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