Platinum.

Platinum (symbol PL) was accepted as a precious metal after only the second half of the 19th century and has a deep luster and a rich, white color. It is rarer and heavier than all other precious metals and is considered to be more valuable than gold. Platinum is often used to set the most valuable gems to produce the finest jewelry. Platinum is one of the most popular metals of choice for ring settings, because the strength and color of platinum enhances the brilliance and depth of diamonds and precious stones.
Because of its density and weight, you can feel the difference between platinum and other precious metals when comparing different types of jewelry. Platinum is usually marked with the following symbols: PL, PT, PLAT, 950 or PT950.
Since platinum is the purest metal, it rarely causes an allergic reaction. In the US and abroad, there is an increased interest in platinum jewelry, with wedding rings being the strongest selling category. The platinum group of metals (PGM), is comprised of six closely related metals: Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium and Osmium.

Diamond Information.

The Diamond is the birthstone of April and the anniversary gemstone for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds were discovered in India in 500 B.C., and the name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas" which means unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. Since ancient Greece, diamonds and diamond jewelry have been the traditional symbol of love, and the ancients believed they were hardened dew drops, splinters from the stars or crystallized lightning. A diamond is the hardest substance known to humankind, and is made of a crystallized carbon that has unique powers of light reflection. Since diamonds are composed of a single element, they are the purest of all gemstones.
The Structure of a Diamond
Proportion refers to the angles and relative measurements of a polished diamond. More than any other feature, proportions determine a diamond's optical properties. Studies have shown that table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth have a dramatic effect on a diamond's appearance.
Symmetry is a grading term for the exactness of shape and placement of facets. Variations in symmetry include off-center culets and tables, poor facet alignment, misshapen facets, out-of-round girdles, and wavy girdles.

Silver Jewelry Care And Cleaning

Tarnish is a product of oxidation, caused by the interaction of silver jewelry with certain elements such as oxygen or sulfur as well as with certain acids. Tarnishing on silver jewelry, when worn on a regular basis, usually does not occur. Storage for a prolonged time causes silver jewelry to tarnish. Contact with rubber bands may cause tarnish - the sulfur in rubber is a catalyst for tarnish. Taking a medication that changes the acidity of your skin may cause silver jewelry to tarnish.
To keep your silver tarnish-free, frequently clean your silver in a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water. Thoroughly dry your silver jewelry after exposure to water. Store silver in a dry container or a plastic bag with anti-tarnish paper.
To remove tarnish or oxidation film from silver you can use fresh, uncontaminated commercial silver dip liquid, polish paste or polish cloth, available in jewelry supply or hardware stores. Make sure there are no loose stones or parts. Limit the gemstone's exposure to silver cleaners - cleaners may harm certain kinds of gemstones. Please read the cleaning product's instructions before cleaning. Thoroughly rinse jewelry after cleaning, and dry with a soft cloth until it's completely dry.

Gemstones - Quality and the "Four C's"

Within each gemstone variety, quality dramatically affects price: a gem can sell for $100 or $2,000,000. When buying a gemstone - buy the best quality, most experts recommend. Choose a smaller stone of higher quality over a larger stone of lower quality, or buy a higher quality gem from an unusual variety if your budget is too small.
Well-known gemstones like rubies, emeralds and sapphires - which have been known for centuries - are more valuable than more recently discovered gemstones which are also beautiful and rare. You may be surprised how beautiful and affordable garnets, tourmalines, tanzanites, and other exotic gemstones can be.