Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals -- a single gram can be beaten into a sheet of 1 square meter, or an ounce into 300 square feet. Gold leaf can be beaten thin enough to become translucent. The transmitted light appears greenish blue, because gold strongly reflects yellow and red. Such semi-transparent sheets also strongly reflect infrared light, making them useful as infrared (radiant heat) shields in visors of heat-resistant suits, and in sun-visors for spacesuits.
Most American and European gold jewellery is made of an alloy of gold, the purity of which is stated in karats, indicated by a number followed by the letter K.
Exclusive: Erdem, Philip Treacy, Richard Chai and More Reflect on Their Favorite Swarovksi LooksMost American and European gold jewellery is made of an alloy of gold, the purity of which is stated in karats, indicated by a number followed by the letter K.
Swarovski just announced their spring 2012 Swarovski Collective group. The lucky New York-based designers benefitting from Swarovski’s generous sponsorship and sparkly crystals this year include: Bibhu Mohapatra, Jason Wu, Juan Carlos Obando, Rebecca Minkoff, Richard Chai, and Rodarte. They’ll also be supporting Giles, J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, Craig Lawrence, Erdem, Marios Schwab, Viktor & Rolf, and Thierry Mugler at London and Paris Fashion Weeks.
In honor of Swarovski’s new spring class, the brand has put together a lovely film featuring past Collective members reminiscing on their favorite sparkly looks from seasons past. There are awesome close-ups of an ornate floral Erdem number, one of Giles’ Pac-Man dresses, and a completely blinged out Philip Treacy bowler hat that Grace Jones wore in a show (so you know it’s extra bad ass). Treacy says it’s his favorite Swarovski piece.
