Tiffany

In nickel and copper deposits platinum group metals occur as sulfides (i.e. (Pt,Pd)S), tellurides(i.e. PtBiTe), antimonides (PdSb), and arsenides(i.e. PtAs₂), and as end alloys with nickel or copper. Platinum arsenide, sperrylite (PtAs₂), is a major source of platinum associated with nickel ores in the Sudbury Basin deposit in Ontatio, Canada. The rare sulfide mineral cooperite, (Pt,Pd,Ni)S, contains platinum along with palladium and nickel. Cooperate occurs in the Merensky Reef within the Bushveld complex, Gauteng, South Africa.

The largest known primary reserves are in the Bushveld complex in South Africa. The large copper–nickel deposits near Norilsk in Russia, and the Sudbury Basin, Canada, are the two other large deposits. In the Sudbury Basin the huge quantities of nickel ore processed makes up for the fact that platinum is present as only 0.5 ppm in the ore. Smaller reserves can be found in the United States, for example in the Absaroka Range in Montana. This is also shown in the production of 2005. In 2005, South Africa was the top producer of platinum with an almost 80% share followed by Russia and Canada.

This Peretti’s elliptical form presents an intriguing figure. This ring of pave diamonds set in platinum vales $6,800. And the original designs copyrighted by Elsa Peretti. The carat total weight is .80.

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As a pure metal, platinum is silvery-white in appearance, lustrous, ductile, and malleable. It does not oxidize at any temperature, although it is corroded by halogens, cyanides, sulfur, and caustic alkalis. Platinum is insoluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid, but dissolves in aqua regia  to form chloroplatinic acid, H₂PtCl_6. Platinum’s wear- and tarnish-resistance characteristics are well suited for making fine jewelry. Platinum is more precious than gold or silver. Platinum possesses high resistance to chemical attack, excellent high-temperature characteristics, and stable electrical properties. All of these properties have been exploited for industrial applications. Platinum is an extremely rare metal, occurring as only 0.003 ppb in the Earth’s crust. It is sometimes mistaken for silver (Ag) but platinum is whiter in appearance. Platinum is often found chemically uncombined as native platinum and alloyed with iridium. Most often the native platinum is found in secondary deposits; platinum is combined with the other platinum group metals in alluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits used by pre-Columbian people in the Choco Department, Colombia are still a source for platinum group metals. Another large alluvial deposit was found in the Ural mountains, Russia, which is still mined.

The extraordinary size and cut of this Tiffany diamond make it extremely rare, with a setting designed to showcase the center stone. Ring with an oval diamond in platinum. The specification of this ring is like this: Carat total weight 3.86, color grade E, clarity grade VVS1. And the price is also higher as $202,500.

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Platinum is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Pt and at omic number of 78. its name is derived from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which is literally translated into “little silver of Pinto River.” It is in Group 10 of the periodic table of elements. A dense, malleable, ductile, precious, gray-white transition metal, platinum is resistant to corrosion and occurs in some nickel and copper ores along with some native deposits. Platinum is used in jewelry, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts and electrodes, platinum resistance thermometers, dentistry equipment, and catalytic converters. Platinum bullion has the ISO currency code of XPT. Platinum is a commodity with a value that fluctuated according to market forces. On June 5, 2009, Platinum was worth $1263.00 per troy ounce.

This bow tie ring from Tiffany with round brilliant diamonds in platinum values $1,500. The carat total weight is .12.

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Enamelling is the ancient and difficult art of creating beautiful images with finely crushed glass powders.  Often the enamelist’s “canvas” is a jewel or objet d’art.  The enamelist “paints” a surface of the jewel with the crushed glass and,  through repeated applications and firings,  creates wonderful miniature works of art.  Although the first known enamels were created in ancient Egypt (circa 1500 BC),  the art of painting in glass has been practiced throughout the centuries.

Over time the art of the enameller evolved with changes in history,  fashion and available technologies.  Today many of the historical techniques are being revived by contemporary jewelry designers and artisans.  Three of the most beautiful enamelling techniques are:  cloisonné,  guilloché and plique-à-jour.  A brief review of each of these schools of enamelling follows.

This brilliant blue of Schlumberger’s paillonne enamel is exceptional. This pair of earrings in 18k gold with blue enamel is for pierced ears. It is $8,800.

And this is Jean Schlumberger’s rendition of an “X”, the popular symbol of love. This ring is in 18k gold with blue enamel and round brilliant diamonds in platinum. It is $4,900.

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For centuries, people thought that only India was home to diamonds, but when they were found in Brazil around 1726, the industry moved to South America. It was a short-lived dominance, however, as the discovery of (relatively) immense supplies of diamond were found in South Africa in 1867. Since that discovery, the African continent has been the primary supplier of the world’s diamonds. It was also that discovery, which led to the European conquest of the continent during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

While almost every cut diamond is a coveted item, some diamonds are of such magnitude or beauty that they have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless people. Among these is the Star of Africa (also known as Cullinan I), which at 530.2 carats is the largest cut diamond. It was cut from a 3106-carat stone and is now on the Royal Scepter of Great Britain. A great deal of mystery surrounds the Great Mogul, which is the third largest gem quality diamond known, but which’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Named for Shah Jehan (who built the Taj Mahal), it disappeared in the twentieth century. The inaptly named Hope Diamond is also the subject of much controversy.

An exquisite green tourmaline is enveloped in an embrace of brilliant diamonds. Ring with an oval green tourmaline and round brilliant diamonds in platinum. Oval green tourmaline, carat total weight 4.32; round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .80. $22,500

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We learn from the TV or book that diamonds are not only forever, but they are the symbol of love and commitment. Western popular culture has idolized the diamond for its incredible beauty and its reminder of the first bloom of love. But as you stare deep into the eyes of your lover and think fondly of diamond engagement rings and sparkling facets, can you actually remember when the diamond became that symbol of everlasting affection? Did you ever even know?
The first diamond engagement ring known was given by Maximilian I, Hapsburg Archduke of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor. He gave it to his fiancée, Mary, the heiress to the Dukes of Burgundy (Maximilian was very intelligent and managed to marry a great deal of land and wealth into the family through his own engagement and that of his relatives-the diamond was a small price to pay).

So what were diamonds used for between then and the time since they were first unearthed about 4000 years ago in India? Frankly, very little. Diamonds were relatively insignificant until Louis de Berqueur learned to cut facets into them in 1456. Once they were fashionable, they became sought after pieces of jewelry and also began to be used commercially. As diamond is the hardest substance known to man, its manufacturing uses are practically limitless.

This Schlumberger design pairs beautifully matched tsavorites with a sapphire of extraordinary size and precise cut. Yellow gold, a hallmark of Schlumberger’s designs, is subtly combined with platinum for unexpected yet stunning contrast. Ring with an emerald-cut sapphire, tsavorites and round brilliant diamonds in platinum and 18k gold. Emerald-cut sapphire, carat total weight 10.00; round tsavorites, carat total weight 1.29; round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .43. $85,000

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The Greek word “Adamas ” meaning unconquerable and indestructible is the root world of diamond. Diamonds have been sought the world over, fought over, worshipped and used to cast love spells.

For the last 3000 to 4000 years, diamonds have held special magic for Kings, Queens and their sujects. Diamonds have stood for wealth, power, love, spirit and magical powers. Kings in olden days would wear into battle heavy leather breast plates studded with diamonds and other precious stones. It was believed that diamonds were fragments of starts and the teardrops of the Gods. The diamonds possessed magical qualities of the Gods and held powers far beyond the understanding of the common man. Because of these beliefs, the warriors stayed clear of the Kings and others who were fortunate to have the magical diamonds in their breast plates.

Until the 15^th Century only Kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. Over the centuries, the diamod acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love. It was said that Cupid’s arrows were topped with diamonds that have a magic that nothing else can equal.

So often Jean Schlumberger finds inspiration in nature’s forms. This five leaves brooch in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum valus $16,5000.  And the four leaves ring in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum is $8,100.

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The sheer scope of Tiffany & Co’s world of jewelry is sometimes hard to fathom. It creates affordable, diminutive silver tokens and multimillion dollar masterpieces. While the little blue box from Tiffany & Co is about as recognizable and welcome a gift wrapper as one could hope for, its conents could contain vastly different treasures: a carved wood cuff from Frank Gehry’s collaboration with the brand, a fully bedazzled, floral parure, enameled earrings reminiscent of Victorian Jaipur. Tiffany’s high jewelry Blue Boo Collection, takes advantage of its clout to bring together top jewelry craftsmen from one corner of the world and the very best gemstones from another.

Ribbon Rosette necklace. In total, Jean Schlumberger’s necklace is set with over 1,000 round brilliant diamonds. A previous version was centered with the Tiffany Diamond and worn by Audrey Hepburn in publicity photographs for the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s $470,000. The close-up image of the brooch set in the necklace is charming and beautiful.

This Hean Schlumberger’s Fleurage bracelet with platinum-set diamonds and a colorful variety of fancy-colored sapphires in 18k gold is valued $240,000.

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Despite the economic and social benefits that mining can contribute to communities, Tiffany believes that there are special places where mining should not take place. Bristol Bay, Alaska is one such place. Tiffany & Co. supports the many Alaskans who believe that the development of the Pebble Mine poses too great a risk to one of the world’s greatest remaining salmon fisheries and to the wilderness and recreational resource values that Bristol Bay embodies.

These two are Jean Schlumberger diamond and gemstone rings for Tiffany & Co. The rings feature gemstones of exceptional color saturation, cut and clarity. Four Flowers ring with cushion-cut aquamarine, 18K gold and platinum-set diamond flowers; and extravagant Leaves ring with radiant cushion-cut rubellite emerging from lush 18K gold leaves sparkling with platinum-set diamonds. And the prices from top:$59,000, $54,500.

Jean Schlumberger rings, from left: Leaf ring with emerald-cut 13.58-carat aquamarine and diamonds; Leaf cluster ring with cushion-shaped 12.14-carat sapphire and diamonds; Petals ring with oval-shaped 10.73-carat pink sapphire and diamonds. In 18k gold and platinum. And the prices from left: $36,000, $170,000, $168,000.  

They are so beautiful and charming that no one can refuse then. En, and the price is also too high to afford. Most of us just can enjoy them in a far distance.

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Tiffany has long recognized the challenge and complexity of abtaining precious materials that have been mined, processed and crafted into finished jewelry in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible. It is their goal to have a clear understanding of the origins of all the materials contained in their creations so that they can best meet the challenge.

To ensure the intergrity of their supply chain, Tiffany creat Laurelton Diamonds, a wholly owned subsidiary that procures rough diamonds and manages their worldwide supply chain that sources, cuts, polishes and supplies finished stones to Tiffany. Laurelton Diamonds sources diamonds from known sources across the globe, primarily in Africa, Canada and Russia.

In creating Laurelton Diamonds, Tiffany recognized early on that diamond producing countries want, and indeed deserve, to benefit from their diamond resources. They wholeheartedly support the process of producer country“beneficiation”. They believe that diamond activities should be used to further develop and sustain economies, to creat employment opportunities and to support the broader social goals of communities and nations. They think it is their responsibility to contribute to the effort.

This Jean Schlumberger’s rendition of an “X,” the popular symbol of love. Ring in 18k gold with green enamel and round brilliant diamonds in platinum. Carat total weight .85. $4,900. One of the Tiffany Celebration Rings.

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