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Jewellery is sometimes seen as wealth storage
Jewellery has been made to adorn nearly every body part, from hairpins to toe rings and many more types of jewellery. Jewellery is sometimes seen as wealth storage or functionally as holding a garment or hair together. While high-quality ornaments are made with gemstones and precious metals. Such as silver or gold, there is also a growing demand for art jewellery where design and creativity is prized above material value.It has from very early times also been regarded as a form of personal adornment. In addition, there is the less costly costume jewellery, made from lower value materials and mass-produced. In some cases people were buried with their jewellery. Other variations include wire sculpture (wrap) jewellery, using anything from base metal wire with rock tumbled stone to precious metals and precious gemstones.
A diamond is a form of carbon
A diamond is a form of carbon that was created deep within the core of the earth more than 3 billion years ago and brought to the surface by volcanic eruption. In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, like a pyramid. Each link or bond is the same length, and the tetrahedral formation is therefore completely regular.Theoretically a perfect diamond crystal could be composed of one giant molecule of carbon. After the magma cooled, it solidified into kimberlite, where the precious rough diamond is still found today. It is the strength and regularity of this bonding which makes diamond very hard, non-volatile and resistant to chemical attack.
Care for Antique Gemstones
Gemstones are a valuable part of any piece of antique jewellery. Common sense is the best preventative measure when caring for any antique gemstone. Although the metal components of ornaments often receive the most attention, gemstone care is equally as important.Hairdryers should never be used to dry freshly-cleaned gemstones, and no pieces should ever come in contact with chlorine. It is crucial to protect antique jewellery as a whole, in order to maintain as much value as possible over time.
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