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Jewelry Time Periods: Georgian Period
The Georgian Period extends roughly from 1714-1830, which includes the reigns of four English Kings named George. Jewelry during this time was all handmade by skilled artisans and pieces from this era are very rare today. It was a time of upheaval, with the French Revolution, American Revolution and Napoleonic Wars taking place. Gold and diamonds were scarce during this time period, so alternatives like glass "paste" copies of diamonds were created as well as other white colored stones. Garnets, pearls, and coral were used very often, while carving gemstoneswas very popular. Women often worn bracelets in pairs and earrings were worn long with hair kept upswept. Jeweled arm bands worn high on the arm were popular near the beginning of the time period, with a change to more delicate jewelry happening towards the end. Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: Navette style rings Memento Mori jewelry--made from locks of hair of loved ones Ribbons/Bows--often having a pear-shaped gemstones Starburst and Flower brooches Cameos--carving shell, onyx, carnelian was very popular; Napoleon founded a carving school because he was so fond. Roman mosaics "Mille-Fiore" taking semi-preicous stones and inlaying them in black onyx Ferronieres--were head ornaments worn with a jewel that sat on the forehead. It was a fad of short duration during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Once the style was over many pieces were remade into necklaces or bracelets. Crowned Heart design--symbolized the importance of love's rule over one's life. flowers, greek key, laurel leaves, scroll work, eagles, Egyptian symbols, urns and acorns Important People of the Time: Benedetto Pistrucci--talented carver of gemstones and cameos Robert Adam--his architecture work and designs influenced neo-classicism in jewelry arts Life during this time period was often short, due to poor sanitation, poor medicines with diseases spread easily/quickly. The contrast of the small number of people who were rich and the many poor was very distinct--most people were never able to afford jewelry, but those few who did were extravagant and lived a life of luxury. So, if you are lucky enough to own or purchase a piece of jewelry from the Georgian Era, it probably once belonged to someone very privileged. Read More
Two Thousand Nine
Happy New Year! Thanks to all who purchased a Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet in 2008! For 2009, we are looking to add a testimonial page--which will include photos of our customers wearing the bracelet (or bracelets!) So if you purchased, please send a photo--would love to have photos of pets with the bracelet in the picture somehow. The email to send these to is: charitybracelet@gmail.com Read More
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Ross-Simons Year-End BLowout Sale: Must Haves
Desperate times call for desperate measures. It seems "end-of-the-year" sales are everywhere...with coupons galore! Frankly, the only year-end sale I am looking forward to is the Ross-Simons sale. Offering perks like free shipping and additional 20% off already low prices, you can't beat that. My top "must haves" are featured below, but see for yourself and browse the huge selection...you won't be disappointed! Vintage 1970 star sapphire dome ring, done in 18k yellow gold. This ring is on sale for $636 currently. I like the swirling bypass effect it has. This is an onyx ring that features a carved jade floral. The 14k yellow gold bezel adds an elegance to the look. Priced at only $92 currently. This is as good as it gets! Vintage 1900 diamond ring with blue enameling around the center diamond, which is a half carat. The total diamond weight is 1.5 carats, at only $6636 currently with the sale. This is a perfect example of a Victorian piece. I love this citrine masterpiece. It is an estate find from the 1970s, featuring a 22.5 carat citrine! At only a size 3, this would make a great pinky ring. It is $1436 on sale. And lastly, this sapphire dome ring is vintage from 1980. It has almost 3 carats of blue sapphire, flanked in 14k white gold. Priced at $1196 currently. [polldaddy poll="1228270"] Read More
The Knots have Landed.
An exciting jewelry trend for 2009 is knotted jewelry. Of course I am predicting a lot of nylon knotted necklaces found in stores like Claire's Accessories and Forever 21. But what about on the fine jewelry end of things? I've found some great rings that display this up-and-coming trend that will be treasured for years to come. Check them out below! This ring, rightfully called the Luck Knot ring, is done in 18k yellow gold and looks great on. Designed by Barens & Belle and sells for $850 on CatBird. Also done by Barens & Belle is the Large Ball Knot ring, seen here. It is 18k yellow gold with a classic knot front and center. This one is also available through Catbird and is $750. This hammered knot ring is vintage, from Benchmark of Palm Beach. The estate jewelry hunters of this company have some great pieces, including these two knot rings. This one is actually a size 3 1/2 and is 18k yellow gold. Price: $1500 Here we have an interlocking knot style ring, done in 14k yellow gold. This one goes for $800 from Benchmark of Palm Beach. Read More
Merry Christmas MMVIII
Photos courtesy of Lang Estate & Antique Jewelry Read More
