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Two gemstones bear the name jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite, first known as yu, was treasured by the Chinese for centuries. Its current name, and the word "jade," both came from the Europeans via the Spanish conquistadores who.... (2001) Complete Story
Almost any metal or hard plastic item can be buffed to a high polish or a satin sheen with the correct buffing wheel and the proper polishing compound. This includes copper pots, doorknobs, golf clubs and switch plates, to name a few common items. The molecular composition of different metals is as different as the appearance, density and luster of the metals themselves. To polish and enhance the shine on a beautiful piece of jewelry requires a totally different set of polishes and buffs than to get a real professional shine....
(2003) Complete Story
The fragile opal first flashed its fiery colors at mortals millennia ago, igniting a love affair that has survived the fickleness of the human heart. Its faults, like softness and lack of stability, are overlooked by those entranced by its beauty.... (2001) Complete Story
The surface of metals may be colored, a patina added either chemically or with heat. Patinas are generally achieved by causing the metal present to react with another element. It may be the air forming oxides or another chemical added to bond molecularly with the surface. A few pseudo-patinas are simple coatings on the metal's surface. The following patina formulas are but a sampling of the hundreds in existence. The formulas selected illustrate the wide range of application methods employed as well as a rich variety of colors. The first 30 formulas listed are represented on a supplemental sampling chart to designed for use as a visualtext-book..... (2004) Complete Story
Pearls don't need polishing or faceting to reveal their natural beauty. That's why pearls were among the first gems worn by humans. The oldest known pearl necklaces graced the necks of women more than 4,000 years ago....
(2001) Complete Story