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What is Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is sometimes referred to as pure silver. Sterling silver will tarnish over time but with care and regular cleaning can be restored to its good as new sparkling condition. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper but can be other metal and is used to give this precious metal strength and durability.Generally, the higher the silver content the brighter or whiter the metal but beware of antiquing effects that can make a piece of sterling silver jewellery or decorative silverware look dark. Silver which is 99.9% silver is too soft to be practical for most day to day uses. Do not use tissue or anything other than a jewellery cleaning cloth to polish your jewellery as unseen tiny hard fibers will scratch the surface.
Diamonds are forever
You may be familiar with the term, 'Diamonds are Forever'. It is made popular by the De Beers advertising campaigns and for good reason. They have been used throughout the ages as bearers of mystic powers and incredible beauty. Not only are these diamonds rare in numbers but also in the number of skilled artisans that can complement their exquisite beauty.Part of the credit for the almost mythical reverence to diamonds throughout the years belongs to the fact that these beauties are quite rare in their most sought after gemstone quality form. Through the centuries they have been revered and admired by many civilizations. When it comes to history, diamonds have a very long and fascinating record as one of the most intriguing gemstones on the planet. Forged billions of years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, they have survived the forces of nature to reach us.
Engagement rings would be placed on the left ring-finger
An engagement ceremony would be celebrated with an established rite after families reached a marriage agreement for their children. During the ceremony engagement rings would be exchanged between boy and girl. The Romans used an ancient clasped hand design for betrothal rings.Some antique engagement rings were made with a delicate designs using turquoise. And which is symbolized the forget-me-not flower. This "fede" or "trust" ring remained popular for centuries and is still used in jewellery. Gemstones in antique engagement rings were expensive luxuries as trade with the Middle East and Asia had not yet allowed for the flow of imported stones. In accordance to an Egyptian belief the engagement ring would be placed on the left ring-finger. They believe that very fine vein ran directly to the heart from the left finger.
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