2009 - Gem Gossip - Jewelry Blog

Books

Must-Have Jewelry Books

March 22, 2009

Most book shelves are filled with boring books, with dull subjects and are visually unappealing. If your book collection makes you dread reading and instantly fall asleep, then these will surely entice you! Filled with interesting information about all things sparkly, with vibrant pictures, leaving you wanting to read on. Any jewelry lover would enjoy each and every one of these books. Jewels in the Lourve by: Adrien Goetz, Claudette Joannis Price: $14.96 Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love, and Loyalty by: Diana Scarisbrick Price: $31.50 Jewels of the Tsars: The Romanovs and Imperial Russia by: Prince Michael of Greece Price: $34.65 Jewels: A Secret History by: Victoria Finlay Price: $10.88 Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style by: Penny Proddow, Marion Fasel Price: $40 Cartier by: Hans Nadelhoffer Price: $47.25 Read More

Obsessions

Beautiful, Wonderful, Perfect Pendants

March 19, 2009

Just some amazing pendants, that are delicate and gorgeous! All unique in their own way--different styles, different materials, and from different periods of time. One thing is for sure, they are all vintage and would look great on. Read on for the details... The white enameling is so unique on this pendant, you don't see that too often. The green stones are peridots. You can find this piece from Craig Evan Small Estate Jewelry. This pendant is delicate, intricate--just plain beautiful! It is comprised of moonstones, sapphires and diamonds. What is interesting about this piece is that it was created during a transitional time between two different artistic movements. This has allowed two different styles to be combined into this one pendant. The price is $5400, from Glorius Antique Jewelry, featured at 1stDibs. This gold and crystal heart pendant belongs to the genre known as regard jewelry, which always includes the use of the stones ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, and diamond. The first letter of each of the gems is an acrostic that spells regard. Interesting, right? Circa 1890, featured at 1stdibs, priced at $1800. Wow, all set in platinum this pendant is so pretty. It is done in blue and white enamel, from Craig Evan Small Estate Jewelry. Read More

Education & Advice

How to Decipher Gold Markings

March 16, 2009

Those of you who are interested in treasure hunting on your own might need to know what the gold hallmark stamps mean. It may be confusing at first, but this quick guide will help you out. The first essential you need to invest in is a jeweler's loupe--a 30 x 21 mm is what I use. This will allow you to get an up-and-close look at the stones (to look for any chips or at the clarity) and the prongs (hopefully they are not worn). Next, check out the hallmark. The guide below will help you decipher what that stamp means: 375 = 9k 417 = 10k 583 = 14k 585 = 14k 750 = 18k 834 = 20k 875 = 21k 917 = 22k The 3-digit number hallmark is stamped on a piece of jewelry of European origin. Above are the North American equivalents. Some hallmarks that indicate that gold is not real, not pure are: 10kGF (meaning gold filled), 18k HGP or 18k HGE (meaning heavy gold plate/electroplate). Above are some of the regional markings for several European nations. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

March 14, 2009

We've seen mesh belts and bracelets, but the combination of those two things creates the retro buckle bracelet, popular in the 40s and 50s. Glam Hollywood starlets decked out their wrists with this look. The buckle motif is still trendy today. Below you'll find some amazing examples of the retro buckle bracelets. Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels with sapphires, diamonds and 18k yellow gold! This bracelet is all about the details: the round sapphires are set in a star setting on hexagonal links, the "buckle" part is bold, with 1.35 carats of diamonds. With 12.5 carats of sapphires to top it all off, any interested party is going to have to request a price check on this piece, from Beladora. Circa 1945, this buckle bracelet is done in 14k rose gold and platinum from The Three Graces. Although it is not an authentic Cartier piece, this one is almost identical. It can be adjusted to fit your wrist, with its largest size extending to 8.25 inches. The red stones are rubies, with 19 diamonds total. Price: $6250 This bracelet is stunning, from Connoisseur Antiques available at 1stdibs. I like how the buckle is floral, rather than a typical buckle. Everything is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of diamonds! Price: $6600 A great alternative to the more expensive and bold choices is this buckle bracelet. The sapphires and diamonds are minimal--the gold mesh is the main focus, which is done in 14k white and yellow. From Lang Antiques, priced at $1450. Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Inside Celebrity Jewelry Boxes Straight from InStyle Magazine

March 11, 2009

eBay was my new best friend these past weeks--just me searching for back issues of InStyle magazine. Why? Because of the special article in a few issues, titled "My Jewel Box," where you can get an inside look into celebrity jewelry boxes. InStyle featured Christina Aguilera, Kimora Lee Simmons, Donatella Versace and Nicole Richie. Each article shows pictures of their jewelry, often featuring their collection in their own jewelry boxes and each lovely lady describes several pieces. I love Nicole Richie's large Louis Vuitton jewelry case, full of jewels from all over the world. She says her travels have helped her collection grow--always stopping by shops and boutiques in hopes of that special piece. A few items have been passed down from her mother, which is an important aspect of the unique history behind jewelry. Someday she will pass along her collection to Harlow. Christina Aguilera's jewelry is both sentimental and reflective of her changing style. A favorite of hers is a ruby and white gold locket, with "Max" written on it, with a photo of her son in it. She has necklaces of all kinds draped on gorgeous picture frames. Many of her pieces are designed by Stephen Webster--whom she appears in many ad campaigns for. Kimora Lee Simmons never fails to disappoint when it comes to anything sparkly, so why should her jewelry box be anything less? She pulls out some stunning pieces in her spread, even discreetly keeping mum about how much certain rings cost (like that huge yellow diamond ring). She declares her love for Hello Kitty and even promotes her malachite charity bracelet, that I featured in my favorite charity bracelets post. Read More

Obsessions

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

March 10, 2009

Earrings can really make a difference in an outfit or a look. There are so many styles to choose from: hoop, dangle, stud, chandelier... you can go bold or dainty, gemstone or gold. More overwhelming than you thought? Well, one trend that has a unique look is a bold flower, which nearly covers your entire earlobe. This actually catches your eye and draws your attention to the face. It looks great with your hair up or down, and really balances your entire look. Less jewelry worn in other places is usually a good idea when wearing earrings this bold. Don't have your ears pierced or don't like earrings? I have a great option for you too! Check out below. Vintage Tiffany & Co. from 1960, with ten rubies totaling .33 carats and two diamonds, total. These can be purchased from the Ross-Simons Estate Collection for $1276. If you want to do the flower trend without going so bold, these earrings are for you. From Israel Rose, these are made of rubies and 18k yellow gold. Price: $750 Poppies are what inspired these earrings--add some pearls and 18k yellow gold, and you got yourself some great earrings. Ross-Simons let's you choose whether you want clip or post style earrings, at a price of $355. The color and style would be easy to dress up or down. From 1950s, these lovely earrings feature rubies and 18k yellow gold. They measure 1.25 inches all around, so they are a perfect size for this trend. These are from Israel Rose, a jewelry company who calls the heart of NYC's diamond district its home. Price: $1900 And for those who do not have pierced ears or like earrings? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Show some flower power with this amazing necklace designed by Elisa Solomon. The daisy is front and center, all in 18k yellow gold and diamonds for $909. Making the necklace even more special is the ancient beads that are used. How could you have a bad day wearing this?! Read More

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Must-Have Jewelry Books

Obsessions

Beautiful, Wonderful, Perfect Pendants

Education & Advice

How to Decipher Gold Markings

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Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

Celebrity Jewelry

Inside Celebrity Jewelry Boxes Straight from InStyle Magazine

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How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

How to Clean Antique Jewelry — The Important Do’s & Don’ts

Welcome to the New Website!

Obsessions

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

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