January 29, 2010
History Lesson
The use of jewelry to adorn oneself is timeless. Designs through the ages have influenced and reflected the cultures in which they were born. From simple ornaments of the Stone Age to the elaborate jeweled pieces worn by celebrities on the red carpet today, jewelry speaks about the person wearing it. It’s a signature – in precious metals and gemstones – that leaves a story throughout history. …Dii
January 28, 2010
Just 4 You
You may hear custom designed and custom made used interchangeably. However, a custom made piece may be a stock item which is “customized” using a different gem stone. This is not a truly one-of-a kind design since the basic piece could be purchased again.
What then is handmade? Custom designed or custom made pieces are not always considered handmade – even though a craftsman may alter the setting and then set the stones – by hand. To be called handmade, the piece must be made entirely by hand. For example, a custom piece may be assembled using several “stock” parts. For a handmade piece, every part is made by the craftsman – then assembled. …Dii
January 27, 2010
Jewelry With a Future
It can begin with Grandma’s old ring or an idea in your head – your future jewelry may yet to be created. Maybe you’ve seen something you liked – only wished it were just a bit different. Maybe you’d prefer something that only you have! A custom designed and manufactured style which reflects your taste and the jeweler’s talent.
Designer jewelry may be an entire line of jewelry which is created by one artist and marketed to the public. Custom designed jewelry is that one-of-a-kind piece which cannot be duplicated for anyone else. Not every jeweler has equal ability to sketch these ideas for you – or a craftsman who can manufacture a custom piece – but speaking with a jeweler who has a custom design service is the best place to get started. The future is now!! …Dii
January 26, 2010
Jewelry With a Past
Courtesy of American Gem Society
Whether your jewelry is current, antique, old or used, it can still be fashionable today. Jewelry with a past – aka, estate jewelry – is not just about being antique, old, and used. It’s about the past and the present coming together in a unique fashion statement.
There are estate jewelry shops that exclusively sell period jewelry pieces from any one of the previously mentioned eras (last week’s blogs). Some jewelers purchase this type of jewelry from the public or offer trade-in value for older pieces towards a new piece.
Beware of imitations! It can sometimes take the eye of the expert to determine the authenticity and value of estate or period jewelry. This makes it important to shop with a jeweler who has the expertise and the ethics to guide you with your purchases. In with the Old! … Dii
January 25, 2010
Retro – Active
Before, during, and after World War II, the bold designs of the Art Deco Period gave way to a softer, more feminine look – the Retro Era. From approximately 1935 – 1950, there was a new distribution of wealth – women were working and Hollywood-type glamour became available to the working girl. Tailored clothes, feminine hairdos, and curvy figures supported large jewelry pieces. Costume jewelry was not just acceptable, it was chic! …Dii
January 22, 2010
Crafty
Arts and Crafts Buckle
In Britain and America, the Arts and Crafts Movement, about 1890 to 1914, originated as a rejection of Victorian opulence and the mass-produced products of that time. The movement favored simplicity, personal craftsmanship, and good design.
Arts and Crafts designers looked back in history for the inspiration and design themes, especially the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Rather than using diamonds, less glamorous materials such as turquoise and mother-of-pearl were popular and emphasized the nature-oriented design style of the Arts and Crafts Movement. This buckle, courtesy of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum in England, uses small turquoise stones to highlight each corner. Simple. …Dii
January 21, 2010
Artsy
Plique a jour Pin
Going back a bit, there are two other styles that should be mentioned – The Art Nouveau Period and The Arts and Crafts Movement.
Art Nouveau was a French movement dating from 1880 to 1914 in which the design motifs were characterizes by nature, curves, and the female form. René Lalique is considered a master goldsmith of that period. One popular enameling technique was plique-a-jour, [pronounced PLEEK uh-joor], which means open to light. This method entails using transparent enamel outlined in metal, thereby creating a lovely stained-glass effect. …Dii
January 20, 2010
Art Deco
Courtesy Ebert & Co.
After the close of World War I, the Roaring Twenties brought in the Jazz Age, Prohibition, and the flappers – daring women in short dresses sporting cropped and bobbed hair. The Art Deco Period (1920 – 1940) was as daring as the women – bold, geometric jewelry made in platinum and set with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires took over from the ribbons and bows of the Edwardian designs.
For the average person who could not afford platinum and diamonds, silver was set with marcasites to provide inexpensive but attractive jewelry. Marcasites are cut from iron pyrite and their highly reflective surface makes for an attractive diamond look-alike. We can’t all be Jean Harlow! …Dii
January 19, 2010
Edwardian Era
Queen Alexandra
The Edwardian Era lasted about ten years beginning in 1901 with the crowning of King Edward VII in Britain. Jewelry from this period featured exquisitely delicate designs in platinum, white gold, and diamonds which blended with the softer dress styles incorporating lace and silk.
Queen Alexandra, Edward’s wife, loved pearls and wore seven strands at her coronation in lengths varying from 24 inches to 30 inches! She is best known for the pearl collar, a multi-strand necklace worn tight at the neck, reportedly used to hide a scar. …Dii
January 18, 2010
Victorian Era
Courtesy of The Pearl Antiques
The nineteenth century heralded the age of sentimental jewelry – The Victorian Era. This was named for Queen Victoria of England, beginning with her coronation in 1837 and ending with her death in 1901.
Lockets were very popular, often holding locks of hair from a loved one. Gems were symbolic and sometimes used together to form words: for example using the first initial of each gemstone, Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, and Ruby to spell D-E-A-R.
When her beloved husband Prince Albert died in 1861, the mood went from romantic to mourning. Mourning jewelry came in a variety of black materials including jet, onyx, glass, and even cast iron. …Dii
