The Antique Pearl Tiara of the Netherlands
Queen Maxima wears The Antique Pearl Tiara with the famous Amalia pearls, for her 40th birthday formal portrait in 2011.
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Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Argentium Silver
What's the difference?
Sterling Silver is the benchmark silver for jewelry making. It is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloy, usually copper. It is combined with an alloy to increase it's strength and durability, but it is also prone to tarnishing. It is the least expensive of the silvers.
Fine Silver has a purity of 99.9% and a brighter color than Sterling Silver. But because it has no alloys, it is softer. The jewelry made from Fine Silver would be pieces that didn't require the strength of pieces like a ring or clasps. It is beautiful and more expensive that Sterling Silver because of its purity.
Argentium is a unique formula developed by Rio Grande Jewelry Supplies. This formula gives an incredible natural brightness that even outshines white gold, platinum and sterling silver. The measurement is done with a scientific process called the CIELAB system.
Argentium alloys are purer than sterling. There are 2 grades of Argentium, 93.5% and 96%. Regular Sterling Silver measure 92.5% and UK Britanian measures 95.6%. This shows that Argentium measures above even the prestigious UK Britanian silver.
Tarnish resistance is also another factor of Argentium.
Charts are provided by Rio Grande.
Argentium qualities are that it is tarnish resistant, and it is a responsible silver made only from certified recycled silver and does not contain any nickel.
Jacques Cartier Begins the Legend of Bahraini Pearls
Over 100 years ago, Jacques Cartier traveled to Bahrain to search for natural pearls. This began the legacy of Cartier jewelry and many famous pearl pieces.
Phuket Thailand Pearl Farm
I love to take you on a visit to a pearl farm every once in awhile.
Pearl farms are fascinating for many reasons, but most importantly, they can only exist in some of the most clean and sustained water conditions. They are wonderful places to visit.
Cleopatra Drinks A Pearl?
Have you heard this? Set the scene. Queen Cleopatra is dining with the Roman Statesman, Marc Anthony. She is holding a large pearl.
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Was Mikimoto the first developer of the cultured pearl?
That does seem to be the story we hear the most, but I have a different story.
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The Importance of Matching Pearls for a Necklace
Just how much does it matter to match the pearls exactly for a luxury necklace?
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What Crown Will Queen Camilla Wear to the Coronation
This is the week of The Coronation in England and we are naturally curious about the crowns that will be shown.
This is the Crown of Queen Mary that Camilla will wear, but with significant changes that are political and historical.
What Will King Charles III wear for a Coronation Crown?
This is the Crown that will be worn for the actual moment of coronation, but why won't he wear it for the entire coronation?
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Kuwait Pearl Divers
Pearl-diving trips were held annually under the patronage of the Kuwaiti Emir in order to keep alive traditions that accompanied the once important national trade of pearl diving, prior to the discovery of oil.
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Care and Maintenance of Pearls
Here is a more in depth look at how to care for your pearls.
King Charles II of Spain Pearl
This large historic pearl was once thought to be La Peregrina. La Peregrina was last owned by Elizabeth Taylor and the King Charles II of Spain pearl is still being worn today.
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