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... Be aware that when you talk platinum you may be a number of different combined metals. [...] Iridium (Ir) The alloy, usually about 10% iridium with 90% platinum, is a very hard, white and brittle metal (which is an interesting contrast to Gold which is extremely soft) and is much harder than pure platinum.
... These regions have been known to be producing opal since the time of the Aztecs, and the opal is commonly referred to as “Fire Opal. [...] Varieties of opal being mined include precious, which comes in a varity of colours (white and pink, yellow, blue and pink) as well as common opal. ... It is a steel-white metal, does not tarnish in air, and is the least dense and lowest melting of the platinum group metals. [...] This is a wonderful metal because it is a bright white color, very similar to platinum, but has a much lower price. ... Platinum - A gorgeous silver-white color, platinum occurs as an alloy in nature. [...] Numerous jewelers use simulated gemstones which offer the sparkle of the "real thing" at a far lesser price. ... White Cliffs, New South WalesLocated 295 kilometres northeast of Broken Hill, White Cliffs is Australia's oldest opal field, where mining began about 1889. [...] During those early years production was low as there was no ready market for the gem. ... A full range of colours can be found, with the background colour either white or light blue. [...] The material shows a more ordered array of colour because the intricate patterns of natural opal cannot be duplicated. ... Less magnification may not show enough detail, while more magnification may give you an unrealistic expectation. [...] Rest a finger or the back of your hand against your face to help you keep the loupe stable and relaxed. ... An inexperienced buyer is presented with more questions than answers. [...] Most are more than happy to help you craft your words to fit the item but the you must have a good idea of what you want to say. ... You can find candle holders for any variety of candles, including: tapered, pillar, votive, floating, tealites, birthday, etc. [...] There are also many beautiful glass cup candle holders to hold your votive candles. ... Diamonds also play another role in our society – that of being one of the hardest known substances that modern industry can use. [...] It was cut into eight of the world's greatest diamonds and 96 lesser gems.
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