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| Chrysocolla covered with quartz |
#jewelleryfacts365 255/365
Prior to the introduction of plastics, ivory had many ornamental and practical uses, mainly because of the white color it presents when processed. It was formerly used to make cutlery handles, billiard balls, piano keys, Scottish bagpipes, buttons and a wide range of ornamental items.
Synthetic substitutes for ivory in the use of most of these items have been developed since 1800: the billiard industry challenged inventors to come up with an alternative material that could be manufactured; the piano industry abandoned ivory as a key covering material in the 1970s.
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| Vintage Scottish ivory bagpipes |
Jewellery masterpieces
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
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| Lalique 1879-99 Ornamental Corset: 3 'Scarabées' in the middle, at the extremes, 2 women-insects w/wings instead of arms: gold/ enamel/ diamond/ chrysoprase: for Sarah Bernhardt |
#jewelleryfacts365 254/365 Gem fact
The first archaeological evidence known of usage of the obsidian were made from within Kariandusi and other sites of the Acheulian age (beginning 1.5 million years previously) dated 700,000 BC
#jewelleryfacts365 253/365 Gem facts
Monday, October 10, 2016
Being a phosphate mineral, turquoise is inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents; perfume and other cosmetics will attack the finish and may alter the colour of turquoise gems, as will skin oils, as will most commercial jewellery cleaning fluids. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may also discolour or dehydrate turquoise. Care should therefore be taken when wearing turquoise jewellery. Cosmetics, including sunscreen and hair spray, should be applied before putting on a turquoise piece of jewellery. Also, you should not wear it to a beach or other sun-bathed environment. After use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a buildup of residue, and should be stored in its own container to avoid scratching by harder gems. Turquoise can also be adversely affected if stored in an airtight container.
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| Silver ring with turquoise and sugilite |
#jewelleryfacts365 252/365 Diamond fact
In the time of the Pharaohs, 3000BC, a diamond was placed in the middle of the ankh – a cross with a loop on top. This was the Egyptian hieroglyph meaning life. Diamonds represented the sun, symbol of power, courage and truth.
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