What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is often characterized as pure silver, when in fact it is a silver alloy. Pure silver, also called fine silver, is defined as 99.9% pure silver, but is too soft for most uses. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% being another metal, most often copper. The addition of the less costly metal - often called a base metal - serves to harden the resulting alloy so that the metal can be cast into shapes that it will retain with use. Sterling silver tarnishes simply by being in contact with the air. Your sterling silver can be kept polished simply by buffing with a cotton cloth regularly. Sterling silver that has been stored away unused for a period of time might develop a significant layer of tarnish and need a polishing paste.
What is Hematite?
Hematite is a type of iron oxide, meaning that it contains closely packed oxygen molecules mixed with iron. It is the most abundant iron-containing mineral on Earth, and is an important source of iron. Various cosmetics and paints are made using hematite, and it also appears in jewellery and carvings in many parts of the world.
The colour of hematite ranges from almost black to silvery gray to blood red. It forms in series of crystalline plates which build on each other, and often leaves a red streak if it is drawn across a surface. One of the most famous forms of hematite is the lustrous silvery gray form, which is frequently used for ornamental purposes. In general, hematite contains about 70% iron ore and 30% oxygen.
What is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is distinguished by its beautiful purple colour. Chemically, the stone is described as SiO2, or silicon dioxide, along with other quartzes. The transparent crystalline stone is often used in jewellery such as rings and necklaces, and some people believe that the colour has soothing and healing properties. The ornamental stone is also the birthstone for the month of February. Because amethyst is so abundant in nature, the stone is not classified as precious, although it often appears in settings with precious stones. Traditionally, the stone has been associated with wisdom and purity, and can be worn by both women and men.
What is Swarovski Crystal?
A Swarovski Crystal is one of the most recognised brands of crystals in the world today. Sold under the Swarovski luxury brand name, these crystals have been famous worldwide for their precision cuts, clarity, and sparkle. Swarovski crystals have made appearances in all pieces of jewellery imaginable, including necklaces and pendants, earrings, rings, stick-on tattoos, and tiaras. They are now even used as appliqués in clothing fashions and home decor, among myriad other things.