Bakelite Bakelite is a variety of moldable plastic that was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909. Technically, this colorful plastic is a thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resin. A specialized cast iron machine called a Bakelizer was constructed to manufacture this first...
Akoya Pearl Necklace. Bleach Akoya pearl bleaching is a common, but generally undisclosed treatment used to even out the color in white cultured pearls. After the harvest, pearls are soaked and heated in a mild pearl cleaning solution under bright fluorescent lights....
Bone Bones are the rigid skeletal parts that form the framework that supports the bodies of vertebrates. Bone has been used in the creation of jewelry since humans first began to adorn themselves. Easily carved, bone has been fashioned into beads, buttons, rings, hair...
Split Boules of Flame Fusion Corundum.Photo by Morion Company. Boule Boule refers to the rough form of synthetic corundum or spinel, produced through the flame fusion/Verneuil method, which is either pear or carrot-shaped. The name comes from French...
Camphor Glass Camphor glass is clear glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid vapors to give it a frosted, whitish appearance. This effect resembles gum camphor, hence the name. Camphor glass was used throughout the decorative arts to make bottles,...
Chatham Chatham, as used in gemological conversation, stands for a manufacturing technique of synthetic gemstones. The method incorporates crystallization of a gem material from a solution in a flux rather than from molten ingredients such as the flame...
