The Origin of the Heart Symbol
Many have posited theories about why the heart symbol is shaped like it is. After all, it doesn’treally look like the actual organ. While no one can be completely sure, there are some interesting ideas out there. Some say that the heart was inspired by the curves of the female body.
What Is Palladium?
Palladium is a rare, naturally white and lustrous metal. Unlike white gold, palladium does not need to be alloyed or plated for protection or coloring. This is good news for jewelry lovers allergic to nickel, which is often used in creating white gold.
How Birthstones Were Selected for Each Month
Many have offered that people would wear a certain stone during its corresponding month as a talisman. For example, the healing powers of February's stone would be most powerful during February, so that stone should be worn during February, even if the wearer wasn't born during that month.
Holiday Drink Recipes: Vodka with Gold Leaf
Gold consumption can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who credited the metal with metaphysical and healing powers. In fact, many believe our enduring obsession with gold began with the Egyptians some 5,000 years ago. Often associated with Eternity, gold, or “the skin of the gods,” held deep spiritual value for the Egyptians.
What Is a Fisheye Diamond & How to Avoid Them
The unfortunate fisheye phenomenon occurs when the diamond is cut with shallow pavilion angles, a large table facet, and/or a thick girdle. The fisheye is a reflection of the girdle appearing just inside the table.
Testing for the Purity of Gold
Usually gold jewelry is stamped with its karat amount, but polishing, repair, and wear can efface the stamp. Fortunately, there are a few reliable ways to determine the karats or your piece.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
In searching for an eco-friendly engagement ring, you may have come across something called a “lab grown,” “synthetic,” or “man-made” diamond. While the concept of a man-made diamond may seem peculiar, lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Unlike diamond imitations (like cubic zirconia or mossanite), lab-grown diamonds share the same optical, physical, and thermal properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is that instead of being mined, they were grown in a lab.
