NUMBER 1.

GOLD

Gold is the most popular setting for most jewelry because of its beauty and adaptability. The purest gold is 24 karats. 1 karat equals one part pure gold and 23 parts another metal. 18 karats indicate 18 parts pure gold and the remainder is another metal. Its resistance to rust, tarnish, and corrosion, ensures that the final product will last for many generations. Pure gold is alloyed with white metals such as palladium or silver to produce white gold. Additionally, it is generally plated with rhodium to give it a stronger, brighter brilliance.

DIAMOND

A diamond is the only gemstone that is composed entirely of a single element: carbon. Diamonds form only at a precise depth (approximately 100 miles) beneath the earth’s surface, when extreme temperatures and pressures occur. Transparency, luster, light , dispersion, and color are the four primary optical qualities of diamonds. Diamonds are absolutely trans- lucent and clear in its pure carbon state. Perfection is nearly impossible to achieve as in all natural substances while their opacity is caused by the inclusion of additional minerals and elements.