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· In the early 1980s, a German lapidarist (stone cutter), Bernd Munsteiner, introduced new concepts in gem cutting to America. Munsteiner’s “Fantasy Cuts” consisted of asymmetrical outlines and faceting patterns that were more sculpture-like in nature than the traditional faceted stones of the industry (round, oval, pear, marquis, radiant, etc.) Some common cuts today are: the onion, the shell, the trillion, the kite, and fan. While these stones have a great deal of symmetry to them, they are not your typical cuts. For examples, go to www.munsteiner-cut.de |
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Almost all pearls today are cultured pearls. Man introduces foreign matter in to the oyster or mollusk to initiate pearl growth. In saltwater pearls, a mother-of-pearl bead is inserted in each oyster. In freshwater pearls, many pieces of mollusk tissue are inserted, thus facilitating the growth of multiple pearls simultaneously. You will not find a bead inside in these pearls, only “nacre”, mollusk secretions. Chinese are the most common. |
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Pure silver is too soft to keep it’s shape, so other metals are added. Today, sterling silver is the most common silver on the market, and must be at least 92.5 parts pure silver mixed with 7.5 parts of other metals, typically copper. It is the copper that causes tarnishing. A new silver on the market is “Argentium”, which is 97% silver, and the rest copper, with a touch of germanium to inhibit tarnishing. |
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FAQ’s — Please feel free to e-mail me with your jewelry questions! |
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AGTA stands for the “American Gem Trade Association”, a major professional organization in the jewelry industry focusing on color gemstones. Every year they have design competitions in various categories: bridal wear, evening wear, men’s wear, stone cutting, classic gems, etc. Always cutting edge pieces! We see all the pieces when we go to the AGTA show in Tucson. For more information go to: www.agta.org .
We pleased to be able to offer jewelry from four very active designers, often AGTA award winners and one-of-a-kind pieces. Two of the designers, Gordon Aatlo and Mark Schneider, are third generation jewelers, both designing original contemporary jewelry. Gordon likes to design around one-of-a-kind gemstones, and Mark creates simplicity and clean, fluid lines, utilizing unusual gemstones and diamonds. Jeffrey Bilgore, from New York City, specializes in phenomenal gemstones and very classic, traditional styles, utilizing diamonds and sapphires. All three are AGTA award winners and specialize in fine jewelry. Another designer, Arlee Kasselman, describes her work as a “fusion of fashion and art”, combining gemstone beads with her personally designed 98% silver and 18KYG beads. |
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What is AGTA? Who are the designers mentioned? |
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What is sterling Silver? What is Argentium silver? Fine silver? |
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What is the difference between salt water & freshwater cultured pearls? |
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What are Fantasy cut stones? |
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All metals should be cleaned with a soft polishing cloth. Avoid chemicals which can eat away at the gold (e.g., chlorine pools). Some sterling silver will require cleaning with a tarnish removal cloth. Gemstones and beads are best cleaned using warm, soapy water and dried with a soft cloth, and stored in a soft, protected place, to prevent abrasions and scratches. Diamonds scratches everything, including other diamonds. Jewelry boxes and anti-tarnish cloth (available at fabric stores) are perfect for storage. Pearls should be wiped with a cloth and avoid contact with sprays, perfumes, make up, and chemicals. |
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How do I care for my jewelry ? |
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What are the various abbreviations? |
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14KYG, 14KWG: 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold, respectively. 18KYG, 18KWG: 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold, respectively. 22KYG, 242KYG: 22 karat yellow gold and 24 karat yellow gold. cttw: Total carat weight of specified gem. cts: Carats, weight of the gems. ~ : Approximate carat weight, estimated by formula. |
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Specializing in fine jewelry & gemstones ...... classic, custom, unique, and fun! |
