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How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

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

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Top Jewelry Blogs picked by Gem Gossip

Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

April showers brought May flowers

Just a little spring time inspiration. The Nashville area has been anything but springlike. Oh well... Beautiful 1920s platinum and diamond ring. The flower motif is elegant and done in a non-trendy way. The total carat weight is 1.2 carats! From Israel Rose and priced at $1650. 18 carats of aquamarine! From the 1950s done in 18k yellow gold, I can't imagine how eye-catching this bracelet would look like on. The mesh-iness of the entire piece makes it that much more unique. From Israel Rose, priced at $3500. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkSq2Zn2XoY] Read More

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: The 50s-Modern Times

Jewelry of the 1950s has recently been acknowledged in a historical perspective. Modern day jewelry is everchanging and is not yet considered "historical." After WWII, the jewelry industry began to flourish once again. Television and rock & roll were new influences. Several large jewelry houses produced both high-end, luxurious jewelry, as well as smaller classic pieces for your average, middle class consumer. During this time, artisan jewelry emerged, inspiring "Jewelry as Art" or "Wearable Art." Often this type of jewelry was hand-made and only included one-of-a-kind pieces. There are many collectors of Mid-Century American Studio Jewelry today. Present-day jewelry is happening now, with trends and motifs all around us. It is only a matter of time until it makes its way into history! Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: pavé diamonds! open, textural designs braided & twisted goldwork yellow gold paired with gemstones; white gold/platinum paired with diamonds matching sets called "suites" animals, bumble bees, snowflakes, flowers, leaves, stars short necklaces, choker style; "Riviera" necklace- graduated diamond choker Important People of the Time: Harry Winston Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Heidi Montag’s Wedding Jewels

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt tied the knot, for real this time, this past weekend. Heidi's jewelry for the big day was bold and glamorous. She is seen here with her bridal jewels, which are Neil Lane and worth over $1 million! Her bracelets are amazing. Below are some great choices from Lang Antiques, all may be well over your wedding budget, but it is always fun to dream! This bracelet is sleek, with a bold center diamond--almost 2 carats! Crafted during the Edwardian Era, it is rightfully done in platinum and totals 4 carats of diamonds. Price: $19,500 This one has the open links, similar to Heidi's. It is a French Art Deco piece, all done in platinum. The total diamond weight here is 8 carats, with a price of $17,500 Although Heidi wore a white-on-white look with her jewelry, adding a small pop of color, especially sapphires, is always pretty. I like this bracelet circa 1915, all set in platinum with bezel set diamond and sapphires. A total of 12 carats worth of diamonds in this bracelet! The price surely reflects that, $36000. All bracelets can be purchased at Lang Antiques, photo of Heidi courtesy of Pop Sugar. Read More

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Engagement/Wedding Rings

Conflict-Free & Eco-Friendly Diamond Rings

If you haven't already "greened" up every aspect of your life, now is your chance to reform your diamond ring.  These are not only conflict-free diamonds, but they are also made of recycled gold.  There are over a dozen of these rings featured on Fay Cullen, each unique in their own way. Designed to resemble a "Medieval" look, all are crafted with 18k hammered, yellow gold.  All are rough cut, with darker colors...some brown, some gray, some even a shade of green.  Taking into account carat weight and price, these are an amazing deal!   Whether it is a fashion statement, an eco-conscious movement, or a token of love, these rings are sure to please. 4.35 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=600 3.14 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="3.14 carats, Price: $1950"][/caption]950 2.11 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="2.11 carats, Price: $1560"][/caption]560 Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Interesting Idea for Stick Pins

I came across an interesting idea while browsing jewelry news, that I just loved. If you are a jewelry collector, more specifically a stick pin collector, you will love this idea! A woman from the Palm Beach area has collected stick pins over the years, and decided to have them all fashioned onto a solid gold cuff. This was done by assembling the heads of the stick pins, as you can see in the accompanying photo. Such a great idea and an even better way to get use out of her entire collection. She probably gets so many positive and inquiring comments. That bracelet is sure to be treasured for years to come. Her collection consists of a platinum and diamond violin, an emerald encrusted pet, a pearl and turquoise tennis racket, gold golf club and many more...a total of 50. Story courtesy of Firstwater News. Read More

Most Popular

How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

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

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

Education & Advice
Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Education & Advice

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting? This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten--10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle. Known as a "gypsy" ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces. Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525. For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle. Read More