After we had mentioned the jabot pin last time, we received inquiries about the various types of brooches that are currently for sale. While the jabot pin stands out because its display’s success relies on the presentation of fabric in between its decorative ends, other brooches present with different types of remarkable appeals. Learning how […]
Month: November 2015
Shop for Unusual Jewelry Your Mother in Law Will Adore
With the holidays upon us, most folks are now setting up their shopping lists. If you are married, your mother-in-law is most likely near the top of the list. Moreover, if she is like most mothers-in-law, she is a bit harder than other family members to shop for at this time. How can you impress […]
The Beauty of Vintage Carrera y Carrera Jewelry
Our recent mention of a Carrera y Carrera pair of angel-themed earrings has sparked an interest in this venerable design house. Who are the artisans that can create highly detailed gold jewelry with such apparent ease? Your questions – answered. A Brief History of Spain’s Most Famous Jewelry Maker The history of Carrera y Carrera […]
It Is Not Too Early to Shop for Christmas Themed Vintage Jewelry
Since the Thanksgiving holiday is just about here, now is a great time to shop for Christmas-themed vintage jewelry. The time right after the holiday is a whirlwind of activity. With the shopping season starting pretty much after you put the turkey leftovers into the refrigerator, it makes sense to take your time and leisurely […]
How to Get a Ring Off Your Finger When It Will Not Budge
When Queen Elizabeth I died, jewelers had to cut and file the coronation ring off her finger because it was impossible to remove it otherwise. The ring had to serve as proof to James VI of Scotland that she had chosen him as her successor. Every day, people have to struggle with taking rings off […]
Cobalt Blue Jewelry for Avid Collectors
The blue pigment that makes a cobalt hue stand out refers to cobalt oxide heated and pressure treated with alumina. This sets it apart from the iron and cyanide mixture of Prussian blue or the ground lapis lazuli powder used for the creation of ultramarine deep blue. Although it was used on Chinese porcelain in […]
Should You Say Yes or No to Rhodium Plating?
Look closely at this three-row diamond wave ring. The setting material is 14k yellow gold. It displays 36 round diamonds with a combined weight of .72cts. They arrange in a three-row wave. On top of the yellow gold setting, there is rhodium plating. In this case, the plating enhances the shine and good looks of […]
Set Apart with an Emerald Cut
Among the wide range of stone cutting options, the emerald cut stands out for the presentation of a gem. Why do vintage jewelry aficionados adore this cut – and why should you, too? It is all about the Ratio and the Clarity The magic number of a successful emerald cut is the length to width […]
Synthetic Gems Spell Savings for Jewelry Shoppers
Earlier this year, we discussed the difference between natural and synthetic gemstones. We concluded that buyers of vintage jewelry inevitably favor natural gemstones when selecting their pieces. The histories of the stones as well as their mining locations are just as important to buyers as the looks of the settings. Fast-forwarding to the winter shopping […]
Need a Great Last Minute Gift for the Man of the House? Think Tie Bars!
You have received an invitation to your significant other’s family Thanksgiving dinner. You have the hostess present for the mother nailed down, but what do you bring the man of the house? A tie bar is an excellent compromise when you do not know the recipient well enough to bring a more personal gift. In […]