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Andrew Stratton's Articles

  • Aquamarine: Blue as the Sea
    The most desirable and largest supply of these gems come Brazil, known for the deep sea blue color it produces. There are also mines located in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar and Zambia. The oldest mines are in Madagascar, but when the Brazilian mines were found the Madagascar mines became less important. People appreciated the intensity of color from Brazil over all others.
  • Celtic Jewelry: Ancient History Meets Magic
    An ancient and storied art that transcends time and cultures, Celtic jewelry is known for its flowing lines with swirls, spirals and knots that represent the interconnectedness of life.
  • Ceramic Restoration: How Millenia-Old Pottery Pieces Are Preserved
    Ceramic restoration can take many different forms and different methods are employed depending on the type and age of the ceramic piece. For example, the goal of restoration of centuries old or even millenia-old pottery is to make as few changes to the original construction as possible, to preserve as much information about the ceramic as possible.
  • Citrine: A Gemstone with Refreshing Brilliance
    The most valuable color is burnt-orange and the most popular is a slightly lighter yellow with a hint of orange. It should be easy to find a citrine necklace free of inclusions. Typically, only the clear stones are cut into facets. If there are inclusions, they are used in different cuts that reduce their visibility.
  • Fire Opal: A Cool Stone with Lots of Heat
    Typically, the gemstone retains about 10% water content which makes it quite soft and delicate. They also come in a variety of colors-shades of blue, green, pink, black, white, red, yellow and orange. This stone is coveted for its play of color which is the dazzling display of color as light bounces off the spheres of silica.
  • Jade: A Mystical, Virtuous Gem
    Many cultures have a gemstone that they consider to be most precious and, in the case of the Chinese, even heavenly. Jade is more valuable than gold in the Chinese culture and it is evident in how they use it in their daily lives. One emperor chose to be buried in a suit made of the lustrous green stone to protect his body from decay.
  • Masonic Jewelry: A Symbol Of Brotherhood
    The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in London, but there was loose organization and use of terms and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.
  • Piano Care: How To Properly Move A Piano Without Damaging It
    It is probably one of the heaviest and most valuable pieces of furniture in your house-the piano. Whether it is an upright or a grand, it is likely the centerpiece of a room and, even if you don't play it, you love looking at it. But, you want to relocate it to a different room or to a whole new house altogether. However far you are going with it, there is a right way and a wrong way to move a piano. The wrong way can damage the instrument and affect the tuning.
  • Piano: Why Climate Control Is Important For Piano Maintenance
    The piano is an elegant musical instrument that can convey and evoke a variety of emotions with a range from soft lilting tones to aggressive frenzied pounding. It is an instrument to be appreciated and adored.
  • Sapphires: The Cool, Elegant, September Gemstone
    Sapphire is a classic gemstone that comes in shades of blue. This gem makes a fabulous piece of jewellery. Read about its history and origins and find out how to care for it.
  • Steinway Piano: Through the Years
    Henry Engelhard Steinway was a cabinetmaker born in Germany where he built his very first piano in his kitchen. As an immigrant in Manhattan, he formed the company Steinway and Sons in 1853. The first instrument sold under the company name went for $500, a mere portion of what they are worth today. With his five sons, Henry went on to develop one of the most requested and revered pianos in the world. Royalty and accomplished musicians alike prefer this instrument above all others.
  • Tanzanite: A Rare, Lovely And Unique Gemstone
    Unique. Rare. Beautiful. Blue. These are all words that can be used to describe the gemstone tanzanite. So, what exactly is it? This gemstone is made up of calcium aluminium silicate and is actually a member of the zoisite family of gemstones. But, because of its rarity and sheer beauty, it gets its own category.
  • The Charm Of The Charm Bracelet
    Ancient Egyptians wore charm bracelets to ward off evil, designate their family line and as status symbols. Other cultures also wore them for superstitious reasons. Knights in the Middle Ages didn't just rely on their ability and armor-they wore tokens for protection in battle.
  • The History And Tradition Of Bulova Watches
    In 1875, Joseph Bulova was just 23-years-old when he opened a little jewelry store in New York City. Out of the shop, he sold watches that he designed and created. From there, the tradition of this particular brand of watches began. By 1919, he had a full line of men's Bulova watches in production and then a ladies' line in 1924. His product was popular not only for the quality and craftsmanship that went into them, but also because he kept the 'Bulova' name at the forefront of everyone's mind.
  • The Ruby: Fire in a Gemstone
    ike the sapphire, this gemstone is corundum, a crystallized aluminum oxide formed under heat and pressure. In fact, it is exactly like the sapphire and the only colored corundum that is not called a sapphire. The chrome particles are what give it its delicious red color.
  • The World's Top 5 Pianos And Why They're The Best
    The world is full of fine options; but there are a handful of companies that produce the absolute best. Here are the top 5 world's greatest makers of the beloved instrument.



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