Even though Maine lobsters are consumed by millions of people all over the world, little is know about our Homarus americanus (American lobster.) Let me share a few little-know lobster facts that you can ponder the next time you dig into these succulent crustaceans.

Lobsters love the colder waters you find around the Maine coast. They molt 2-3 times a year while juvenile, but only once a year when fully mature (about 4 to 7 years old.) In the first two weeks after molting, lobsters are very vulnerable because their new shells are so soft they can’t move very fast, or defend themselves. Their natural predator is the codfish. There are others, too─haddock flounder and other lobsters.

Lobsters are not the scavengers everyone makes them out to be. They eat live food, consisting of fish, mollusks, other crustaceans, worms and some plant life. However, I have seen them hanging out in some of the bars in the Old Port in Portland.

Lobsters can live for more than 100 years. They can get big, too. The largest lobster weighed in at over 44 lbs. They come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, green purple and yellow.

Lobsters have a brain the size of a grasshopper’s. They have two different size claws; a crusher and a pincher. Lobster’s teeth are in their stomach.

Here’s one other lobster fact that you should be aware of: I make the best gold lobster in the country. It’s 18k yellow gold with movable claws that hold two beautiful diamonds (different size claws. Remember crusher and pincher?) There are ten different pieces that must be assembled to create this lobster and it takes me three weeks to complete the job. The detail is exquisite and I sell this lobster to the lobster fisherman in Maine, it’s that good, and they’re very particular when it comes to lobsters!

Log onto www.porte4.com to see my lobster, and other sea and nautical jewelry that I create. Thanks – Gerard

Now let’s talk jewelry.

Many women complain that their white gold jewelry is turning yellow. They don’t understand why this is happening and they’re confused.

I am the author of a platinum brochure that helps clear up some of the confusion. In it, I delve into the history of platinum as well as answer some of the most popular questions concerning platinum vs. gold. For example:

Q: What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

A: There is a tremendous difference between the two metals and it has to do primarily with purity. White gold is a fabricated color. In order to obtain the ‘white’ look of white gold, pure gold is diluted with white metal(s), such as nickel. However, this resulting metal is still not a true ‘white’ and must be plated in platinum to achieve the look of platinum. Over time, this plating wears away and a yellowish tint emerges. This yellowish hue is not tarnish; it is the true color of white gold. To restore the white and bright finish, the metal must again be plated. Platinum, on the other hand, is 99% pure and will always remain naturally ‘white.’

Here’s another question that often comes up.

Q: Why does platinum cost more than white gold?

A: The market value for platinum per ounce is much higher than gold. One reason is that platinum is much more rare than gold. In fact, it is 60 times rarer. It takes ten tons of ore and eight weeks to produce just one once of platinum. But it’s worth it.

There is an additional factor to the price disparity. While platinum requires less ongoing maintenance than that of silver or gold, platinum does require very special attention when fabricating a quality piece of jewelry. Today, there are few jewelers who can work well with platinum. It requires special tools, special techniques and highly trained individuals. At Porte 4, we’re experts working in platinum.

Platinum is the metal of kings. It’s pure and it’s dense. Did you know that a six inch cube weighs an incredible 165 pounds? I’ve always advised my customers to purchase platinum when they could afford it.

My platinum brochure is yours for free for the asking. You’ll find it on my site www.porte4.com

Let me know if you have any jewelry questions. I’ll be happy to answer them. See you soon!