Geometry, they kept telling us, would be really useful in real life. Eh, not so much...except when it comes to jewelry. An isosceles triangle gets really special when it's made up of gold-plated brass chain earrings strung with mother-of-pearl beads (any math teacher would give them an A). 2". Gold-plated brass, gold-plated zinc, mother of pearl, semi stone. Sterling silver posts are naturally soft due to the high silver content (just bend 'em back into shape if they get out of whack).