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Q. What is the
difference between Art Clay and PMC?
A. Art Clay and PMC are both Metal
Clay. Art Clay is developed by Aida Chemical Industries Ltd. of
Japan and Precious Metal Clay is developed by Mitsubishi Materials
Corporation of Japan. Relatively the same materials, nearly the same
price-range, but two different brands.
Metal clay is made up of particles of precious metal - pure silver or
gold - held together with water and an organic binder. After a metal
clay object has been fired with a torch or in a kiln, the water is
eliminated and the binder is burned away. What's is left is the pure,
precious metal - either fine silver (.999 silver, which is 99.9% silver
vs. sterling, which is only 92.5% silver), or 22K gold.
Q.
What is the difference between
precious and semi-precious stones?
A. The
term semi-precious is misleading as it suggests less value than precious.
Historically, only Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire were considered
"precious." However, all natural-colored gemstones are rare and
precious. Their prices are determined by availability and quality.
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Q.
What are the four C's of stone
as below in answer and why should I be concerned about them when looking for
Diamonds?
A.
The same four Cs (cut, clarity,
carat weight and color) are also used when talking about colored gemstones.
Cut Quality
cutting is what produces the sparkle, the shining brilliance, and the stunning beauty and twinkle.
Clarity Inclusion
is not just being asked to the party...when talking about gems, it refers to
a characteristic of the stone. Inclusions are perfectly natural and
acceptable, but the more noticeable the inclusions, the less beautiful they
are.
Carat Weight Go
on. Make the rabbit jokes. Carat Weight has to do with the size
of the stone. Obviously, the larger the stone, the more Carat Weight.
Some are more rare than others. For instance, you'll sooner find a 22
carat Amethyst than a 22 carat Ruby.
Color This
one's simple - the purer and more intense/vivid the color, the more valuable
the gemstone.
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Q. What
is my birthstone?
A.
See
chart below
January
Garnet |
February
Amethyst |
March
Aquamarine |
April
Diamond |
May
Emerald |
June
Pearl |
July
Ruby |
August
Peridot |
September
Sapphire |
October
Opal |
November
Topaz |
December
Turquoise |
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