As a jewelry blogger, I realize how much work goes into blogging–thinking of an idea, getting the words out, uploading/editing/finding pictures, and then polishing the final product. Now try doing this on a daily basis, without sounding stuffy or repetitious, even after working twelve hours straight. Yikes. But… Read More
When it comes to getting the best price for the jewelry you no longer wear or want, it’s a case of seller beware. With the high valuation of gold these days, the incentive to sell jewelry can be pretty strong. People are holding wine-and-cheese “gold parties” where they sell their jewelry for… Read More
Hulu is a great resource for those who can't find anything worth watching on television. The National Geographic Specials are my favorite, and I recently found a very interesting documentary about the African diamond trade. The special, called Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamond, provides a whole new aspect about diamonds that most never talk about. Aspects that are normally hidden and kept mum are revealed and put on center stage. The journalist, Dominic Cunningham Reid, explores the non-glamorous parts of the diamond trade first-hand, and takes viewers on an eye-opening experience. A shocking statistic shown says: 20% of all diamonds are illicit diamonds. Even more daunting is are the scenes of wars that have been linked to African diamonds, as well as the shear fact that diamonds are incredibly easy to smuggle. Watch the special for yourself to broaden your perspective about diamonds, and help others become more aware! http://www.hulu.com/watch/70093/national-geographic-specials-diamonds-of-war-africas-blood-diamond Read More
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
Bold gold, Hollywood starlets, huge gemstones and cocktail rings, all characterize the Retro time period of jewelry. Spanning from 1940-1945, this coincides almost exactly with World War II. With that said, platinum use in jewelry was no longer available. Gold made a comeback, this time in rose and even green gold. Everything in regards to retro jewelry was oversized. Rubies were the most prominent gemstone, followed by large, rectangular cut citrines, aquamarines and amethysts. Hollywood glamour, as depicted in movies, was popular and let Americans escape from their thoughts about the war. As a result, people tried to mimic the bold jewelry seen in Hollywood spotlights. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were looked upon for their large collection of bold retro jewels, often decked out in Van Cleef & Arpels or Cartier. After this period ended, jewelry during this time period was often used as scrap gold, being melted down, while destroying its rich history. As a result, Retro jewelry is highly collectible and will continue to be sought. Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: bows, florals, scrolls, fans, ribbons, ruffles Hollywood glamour; oversized jewels, cocktail rings huge, rectangular cuts of aquamarines, citrines, amethysts, with ruby or sapphire or diamond accents Patriotic themes; flags, eagles, military post earrings, no dangle; flower earrings birds, baskets, sprays of diamonds, shells, hearts Retro mesh buckle bracelets Cartier's animal jewelry Yellow, rose and green gold Important People of the Time: The Duke & Duchess of Windsor French jeweler, Mauboussin Read More
Photo courtesy of Lang Antiques A favorite decorative period of mine is the Art Deco Era, which sprang from the end of WWI. Bouncing back from war efforts, where women desperately had to take over men's jobs and jewelry production was put on hold, the Art Deco period is characterized by decadence. This period encompasses the 1920s-1930s, during which women gained the right to vote, 15 million new cars were registered and hit the roads (1920-1929), many stock market fortunes were made, all while people danced the Charleston. As you can tell, the jewelry reflected what was happening--especially fashion. The "flapper" style was all the rage. Women rebelled by wearing short dresses, red lipstick, and bobbed hair. Bracelets were piled on, both on the upper and lower arms. Earrings, particularly a dangle style, were popular because of the shorter hairstyles. As the economy and stock market fourished, Americans continued to spend frivolously, while borrowing heavily. As a result, the stock market crashed. The Great Depression loomed, and the lavish living of the roaring twenties had come to a dramatic halt. Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: geometric shapes- as influenced by Cubism white-on-white: platinum with diamonds, this time adding emeralds, sapphires or rubies as well coral + diamonds, turquoise + sapphires black enamel to contrast bright gemstone colors Egyptian motifs, scarab, sphinx & falcon, as influenced by King Tut's tomb discovery in 1923 Eastern influences- carved gemstones and jade automotive motifs- autos, planes, gazelles, arrows & panthers dress clips convertible sautoirs- long necklaces that could be taken apart forming a bracelet, choker & pendant cocktail watches- diamond encrusted watches Important People of the Time: Raymond Templier Frederic Desprès Jean Dunand Paul Brandt Gerald Sandoz Important Jewelry Houses of the Time: Cartier Tiffany & Co. Winston Van Cleef & Arpels Black Starr & Frost Shreve, Crump & Low Read More
