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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.

Education & Advice

How to Decipher Gold Markings

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

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

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

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Obsessions

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

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

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Great Vintage Finds for Under $250

Every month I nearly die writing out that $550 check for my car payment.  Do you realize how nice of a piece of jewelry I could have purchased with that kind of money?!  Having a budget and bargain shopping have become everyone's reality.  So how are Americans ever supposed to afford diamonds and gold?  With that in mind, I have scoped out some amazing vintage finds that are all under $250.  Antique jewelry is the way to go--not only is it "greener," but its quality and craftsmanship is like no other.  Besides, $250 is totally doable if you save change over several months or sell some of your old stuff laying around.  With your latest acquisition, it can lift your spirits during these harsh times everytime you look at it! This necklace is trendy and cute, would be great layered with other necklaces. Circa 1975, the black onyx hearts are totally 70s but would still be fashionable. The setting and chain are 14k yellow gold and priced at $137.50 from Beladora. Also from Beladora are these great statement earrings. You would never guess these cost $175.50! Such a great investment, and these can be worn with anything and everything. They have a nice twisted style to them, called a "doorknocker" done in 14k yellow gold. Need some luck? Or maybe even just another stackable bracelet to add to your collection? This is a great find for only $245. The buddha is carved jade, which dangles from a braided leather cord with 14k yellow gold clasps. Make this your everyday bracelet! From C.H.A.R.M. These are lion doorknocker stud earrings from Doyle & Doyle. From their contemporary heirloom collection, these are 18k white gold. I can picture these looking great with diamond studs and gold cross studs in as well, if you have multiple piercings. Price: $150 And finally, my last pick is this charming necklace from Beladora. I think it would look great layered with the heart necklace above. This is actually an antique bar pin converted into a pendant necklace. Three diamonds top it off, all set in 15k yellow gold (yes, 15k it is not a typo, it is of English origin). Price: $175.50 Check out Beladora's other pendant necklaces that feature a bar pin converted into a necklace. They are great! Read More

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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

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: Edwardian Period

King Edward VII took the throne, which began the Edwardian Period in 1901 and lasted until around 1915, around the start of the first World War.  During this time, fashion and opulence were the forefront of society.  Women were as feminine as possible, outfitted with delicate layers of feathers, bows, lace and silk.  Queen Alexandra was iconic.  She often wore many strands of pearls and other necklaces all layered together, as illustrated in the picture below.  Progress made in gem cutting made triangles, baguettes and trapeze shapes new and interesting.  This time in history marked England as a global, dominant force, with the rich living in extravagance.  The start of World War I made for a quick end to this lavish era of a carefree spirit.  Precious metals became scarce, while many people hid away their jewels in vaults or had to sell them.  Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: overuse of platinum; platinum and diamonds jewelry imitated lace; "lace translated into platinum and diamonds" milgraining négligée pendants- two drops of unequal length sautoir necklaces- long necklaces usually composed of pearls, with tassels on ends stars, ribbons, bows, garlands dog collar style choker necklaces jewels for hair Peridot was considered the "good luck stone" as popularized by King Edward bar pins Important People of the Time: Queen Alexandra Read More