#jewelleryfacts365 264/365 Emerald fact

In Ancient Rome, Nero supposedly watched gladiator fights through a large transparent emerald as he found the color to be calming.

Rough emerald. I am sure, Nero had a much better quality piece, thugh :)

Nature's gems

Cuprian Smithsonite from Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

#jewelleryfacts365 263/365 Silver fact

During the European Industrial Revolution, people found that their .800 silver was tarnishing much faster than before - a reaction to the new pollutants in the air - from burning coal in the factories. .925 silver tarnishes not as much. Interesting enough, but we love tarnished silver and tarnish it with chemicals for a dramatic look!

Tarnished silver in the background for a more dramatic look

Craft Day

What I knitted while was taking a break from blogging..

I started with a tiny hat :) It is too small now for her, so I have re-used this yarn again for another hat by now:

#jewelleryfacts365 262/365

The engagement ring Prince Albert presented to Queen Victoria featured a serpent motif. The Victorians considered snakes to be symbols of eternity and there are many pieces from the era that feature snakes or serpentine design.

Queen Victoria's serpent ring

Sold one-of-a-kind jewellery

Silver and copper earrings with Swarovski crystals

Nature's gems

Chalcanthite / Helvetia mine, Arizona

#jewelleryfacts365 261/365 Gold fact

The largest nugget (and the second largest ever) still in existence is the "Hand of Faith", found in 1980 in Australia. It is currently on display at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas.

Hand of Faith

#jewelleryfacts365 260/365 Diamond fact

The De Beers company, as the world's largest diamond mining company, holds a dominant position in the industry, and has done so since soon after its founding in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes. De Beers is currently the world's largest operator of diamond production facilities (mines) and distribution channels for gem-quality diamonds.

Cecil John Rhodes PC (5 July 1853 – 26 March 1902)[1] was a British businessman, mining magnate and politician in South Africa, who served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896

Nature's gems

Opal from Nevada