from Gems in Myth, Legend and Lore by Bruce G. KnuthReferences to gemstones appear in many ancient writings. They may be mentioned as decoration, a means of barter, a symbol of wealth,…
You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined…
Silver is a white metallic element, harder than gold, softer than copper and second only to gold in malleability and ductility. Represented on the Periodic Table of the Elements by the symbol Ag, silver is an…
Accessoires (or accessories) are items which men or women wear or carry with them that have a purpose. Historically these were utensils or nécessaire that were suspended from a châtelaine or a watch chain and often were…
Adamantine is the term used to describe the luster exhibited by diamonds and gems with a Refractive Index of 1.9 – 2.5. The root word adamant derives from the Greek word adamastos which means untameable. Throughout history the…
Adularescence is an optical phenomena often called the “moonstone” effect. The phenomenon is applied to feldspar, usually orthoclase that, when cut as a cabochon, exhibits a floating, billowy bluish or…
The Aesthetic Period of Victorian jewelry can be defined as one of reaction against previous jewelry periods. Victorians became disillusioned with fashions and furnishings and sought a way out of…
