Glossary of Terms & Facts

Noble metal

Definition and Classification of Noble Metals Noble metals have little or no tendency to unite with oxygen in the free state. They do not alter the composition of water at...

Nickel silver

History and Development Nickel silver was first smelted in China from unprocessed ore. It was smuggled into the East Indies during the Qing dynasty, despite a government ban. In the...

Nickel

Introduction and Occurrence Nickel is a chemical element with symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel is a hard...

General Information about Nephrite Nephrite is a mineral that belongs to the inosilicate group. Its chemical formula is (Mg,Fe)(OH). Nephrite has a monoclinic crystal system. It is translucent to opaque...

Neckline

Types of Necklines Boat neck (wide, curved neckline that hangs on both shoulders) Deep or plunging neck (low neckline in V, U, or square shapes) Funnel neck (high neckline close...

Necklace

Historical Development of Necklaces Neolithic Talc Necklace Prehistoric use of natural materials like feathers, bone, shells, and plants Bronze Age transition to metallic jewelry Ancient Near East depiction of necklaces...

Neck ring

Neck Rings and Illusion of Elongation Neck rings are worn in some African and Asian cultures to create the illusion of an elongated neck. The weight of the rings twists...

Natural material

Natural Products and their Uses Natural products are substances derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Examples of natural products include herbs, essential oils, and organic foods. Natural products are often...

Native element mineral

Definition and Classification of Native Element Minerals Native element minerals occur in nature in uncombined form with a distinct mineral structure. They include metals, intermetallic compounds, alloys, metalloids, and nonmetals....

N. W. Ayer & Son

Early History and Notable Slogans N. W. Ayer & Son founded in Philadelphia in 1869 by Francis Ayer Started by representing religious weekly newspapers Acquired the Volney Palmer Agency and...

Murowa diamond mine

Geology and Formation Murowa diamond mine consists of three north-trending kimberlite pipes. The kimberlites have been dated at 500 million years old. The kimberlite pipes are intrusive into the Chivi...

Moussaieff Red Diamond

Moussaieff Red Diamond Weighs 5.11 carats (1.022g) Rated as Fancy Red by the Gemological Institute of America Triangular brilliant cut Discovered in 1989 in Brazil Cut by William Goldberg Diamond...