Victorian Jewelry & The Cultural Impacts

Queen Victoria ruled Britain for 64 years between 1837-1901. Most of this period saw prudery and a visible code of moral conduct. The change took place from a romantic society to the more puritanical Victorian society. The transition to prudery was felt more severely after Victoria’s marriage to Albert in 1840. A change to a livelier lifestyle took place in 1890 with the arrival on the scene of Prince Edward. There was a sharp divide between the people from the towns and those from rural areas. The railroad brought about a huge change in the quality of life as a whole especially among the poorer people from the villages. A show of wealth, while wearing clothes of fashion, became the order of the day. Victorian jewelry became popular. Women started showing interest in wearing bracelets, rings, necklaces and watches with chains among other jewelry. These jewelry items were set with real or imitation jewels. Popular jewels were topaz, emerald, ruby and amethyst. In 1870 South Africa opened its diamond mines. This was an event of great import. Over night the accent of the stones in engagement rings, bracelets and necklaces shifted to diamonds, the girl’s best friend! Today the online historical jewelry shops are stacked with Victorian jewelry items. The pieces are in vintage designs with settings of pearls, Swarovski crystal and jewelry in both gold and sterling silver. So the occasion could be holidays or proms and weddings or homecoming, itemized online catalogues will lay out the best of the choices for you. Victorian jewelry is available in earrings, bracelets, anklets, costume jewelry, lockets and accessories in the most intricate of designs. Typically you could pick up bracelets in sterling silver or 14k gold with white pearl and crystal design. Alternately, you could select a three-tier bracelet with large crystals in a choice of 10 colors. You could buy a flower design with six petals in 8 colors or a bracelet in a sparkling flower design in 9 colors. Similarly, in anklets you could go in for a medium fairy with a choice of 3 Victorian metals. Join Museumjewellery. com at Facebook http://www. facebook. com/antique. museum. jewelry

Finding Authentic Antique Diamond Jewelry

Buying antique diamond jewelry—whether as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or for personal satisfaction—is always an investment. Considered as “nature’s perfect gemstones,” antique diamond jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces or earrings can be priceless and rare especially if they contain high-quality and high-grade diamonds. Since it signifies romance, innocence, and reverence, antique diamond jewelry such as rings are becoming one of the most popular choices in events like engagements and weddings these days. How to know if the jewelry is antique For diamond jewelry such as a ring to be antique, it should be over than 100 years and originates from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Typically ornate and detailed, antique diamond jewelry are usually authentic pieces or a reproductions inlaid in gold, platinum, titanium and silver. If you are looking forward to buying antique diamond jewelry, the first thing to consider is the 4Cs of the diamond. Knowing the elements that reveal the true value and rarity of a diamond is the first step to know if you’re likely to possess an antique diamond ring for keeps. The 4Cs comprise of Carat, which refers to a diamond’s weight; Clarity, which measures the purity of a diamond; Cut, which determines the diamond’s brilliance and Color, which gauges a diamond’s whiteness. Remember that antique diamond jewelry personifies character and history, which sets it apart from other modern designs. Before you purchase antique diamond jewelry such as ring for wedding or engagement ring, here are some of things you might want to consider:1. Look for professional appraisal. Make sure that the antique diamond jewelry is professionally appraised before your pay for it. By doing this, you can be sure that all of its gems are authentic. You can also determine if the jewelry has been repaired or if it need repairs in case there are stone chips or cracks. 2. Find proof. Look for a photograph with a hallmark or written and signed interpretation to know when was the diamond jewelry authenticated. 3. Get estimated repair cost beforehand. In case the antique diamond jewelry needs a repair, get an estimated cost of before proceeding. 4. Be open-minded. There are gemstones and designs other people consider as unlucky. If you’re not into these myths, you might want to consider this antique diamond jewelry because they might be less expensive than others. 5. Be meticulous. Make sure that you inspect and examine closely the condition of the antique jewelry such as an engagement ring. For instance, it’s always best to take note of the prongs holding the center diamond and the shank of the ring. 6. Research, research, research! Do some research on 10X jeweler’s loupe because it will give you more information on antique diamond jewelry such as caring and maintenance and others. When buying antique diamond jewelry such as diamond ring, always get these from a reputable jeweler or jewelry store. Also, it will pay to make sure that everything about the antique diamond jewelry is written on receipts, appraisals, and certifications. To know if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance and if possible, get a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure the authenticity of your antique diamond jewelry.

Victorian Bridal Jewelry – Transform Yourself to a High Level of Sophistication

Every bride dreams of looking stunning on her wedding day. Accessorize your wedding gown with antique Victorian jewelry that looks absolutely gorgeous. Antique Victorian jewelry provides a Victorian aura that offers the right level of sophistication and elegance. The Victorian age jewelry brings alive the romance and sophistication prominent to the Queen’s era. Antique Victorian jewelry belonging to the Victorian era is exquisitely crafted with precious stones, pearls, diamonds, and crystals. If you’re a soon-to-be-bride looking for antique Victorian jewelry and is worried about the cost, you don’t have to worry. A great alternative to expensive antique Victorian jewelry would be the Victorian inspired affordable bridal jewelry. My Wedding jewelry offers beautifully carved rhinestone jewelry and pearl bridal jewelry. The elegant Victorian Double Chunky Pearl Necklace and Bracelet set will complement your attire very well. This double stranded necklace and bracelet set can be custom made in a wide a variety of colors to suit the bride’s attire. This pearl bridal jewelry set is crafted from fashionable Swarovski pearls. This is one of the most sought after bridal jewelry sets. The Victorian Bridal Jewelry Set with Pearls and Rhinestones is set brilliantly with faux white pearls, rhinestones and crystals. If you decide to go in for a little grandeur, you can opt for the Victorian Bridal Jewelry Set with Tear Drop CZ Diamonds. This silver Y necklace with high-quality CZ diamonds comes with matching dangling teardrop earrings. If you are looking for gifts for your bridesmaids, you can choose bridesmaid jewelry gifts. You can give them vintage Victorian jewelry as a token of your gratitude. The Victorian Bridesmaid Jewelry and Necklace set. This bridesmaid jewelry set is available in three choices of topaz, aqua or clear. Set with Austrian crystals on a rhodium chain, this vintage Victorian bridesmaid jewelry set is an exquisite piece. Choose from the varied collection of antique Victorian jewelry at My Wedding Jewelry and look radiant on your wedding day.

The Incomparable Elegance of Antique Jewelry

The Incomparable Elegance of Antique Jewelry
From the symbols of love like Engagement Rings to the symbols of commitment like Wedding Rings; Antique Jewelry holds a certain charm that cannot be compared with contemporary jewelry.
Antique jewelries or vintage jewelries are treasures from the past, a glimpse and a perfect example of the beauty of a bygone era. Antique jewelry has that certain aura that draws us into it. It is difficult to pinpoint or determine what exactly draws us to antique jewelry. Maybe because of the item’s history, or its historical value or its elegant appeal, but whatever it is, antique jewelry never goes out of fashion.
The great thing about antique jewelry/ vintage jewelry is that its value does not depreciate but only appreciates with time. Some pieces may well become collector’s item or museum pieces and it may fetch as much as a small fortune. As it ages, its value rises and its importance becomes more prominent. Antique jewelry also stands out when placed along and together with contemporary jewelry, making you the focal point or the center of attention in any occasion.
But finding real, authentic antique or vintage jewelry is very hard to do. Antique jewelries are never sold in department stores and jewelry shops rarely have them on collection. The only time you can see one is on exhibitions of private collections and various social gatherings. The only way you can surely acquire original and authentic ones is through inheritance, when jewelries are handed down as heirlooms or during auctions of estate jewelry or chance sales by vintage jewelry owners/collectors.
Original antique jewelry pieces are also replicated and reproduced by many jewelers. They often sell these to people claiming that they are unique and original antique jewelry. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if a piece is original or not. So it is important that you just buy antique jewelry from reputable dealers and jewelers who have proven their worth in the industry of antique jewelry trade. It is also important that you do a little research before you buy an antique jewelry. You can readily do so with your local library or through the internet. Auctions often have instructive manuals and booklets that would help you understand, identify and know the history and statistics about each of the pieces.
All in all, hunting and acquiring becomes a great experience once you know the ins and outs of the antique jewelry trade. Unique, one-of-a-kind and exotic ancient treasures abound, all you have to do is find them. And the moment you find one for yourself, the joy that it will give you in the years to come will be worth all the effort.

Secrets to Collecting Antique & Vintage Jewelry at 20% of Market Value

Over the past 35 years I have collected antique and vintage signed and unsigned costume and fine jewelry and through this experience I have found many ways to find and acquire the most amazing and collectible pieces, having values far higher than what I paid. My tried and true secrets have worked and as a result I own an extraordinary collection of mostly signed and book pieces dating from the late 1800’s up tio the present. I have acquired signed and unsigned Miriam Haskell (some of which were developed for Coco Chanel and have even been featured in Chanel print ads from the late 1930’s and 40’s),Schiaparelli, Pennino, McClelland-Barclay, Alfred Philippe for Trifari, DeMario, and more of the most sought after names in the antique and vintage jewelry genre. There are three secrets I employ to acquire such desirable pieces. The first secret is aligning myself with the companies that sell out estates from the home of the deceased. I create relationships with the owners of these companies and ask if I can inspect all jewelry (whether costume or fine)prior to the estate sale dates. In exchange I help publicize their upcoming sale by notifying antique dealers, shop owners and specialty store retailers who may be in the market for great furniture, rugs and accessories. To the estate disposal companies this help is invaluable as it raises their chances of getting better than fair market value as they are going to be selling to resellers. There is a second part to this secret and that is that it also works with auctioneers who do general auctions of household and personal items. Once you have developed these relationships, they will call prior to an auction and sell to you before the auction preview at a low box lot price. The second secret is to align yourself with pawn shop owners. They do not sell costume jewelry which to them has really no intrinsic value but will offer a bulk price for costume jewelry brought in by folks and for a small profit sell it to me. I have acquired the most amazing pieces this way. A person has unfortunately hit a rough spot and needs cash and will usually clean out all of their drawers which may include a lot of fine but most likely more costume jewelry. The pawnbroker knows they have an instant sale to me of any and all costume jewelry and most likely sell it to me as a box lot. The person needing the money wins, the pawnbroker wins and I really win, because many of the items have been in the family for years and may date to the late 30’s or older. Some may be trash but there is always at least one or two pieces that made the transaction a success. The third secret and one that takes tact and sensitivity is when a widower or children of a recently deceased family member is trying to move on and feels the need to donate or “clean out” their belongings and personal affects. The family hears of me through an ad I run in the local newspaper or “Pennysaver magazine” stating that I pay cash for any costume jewelry. The family will call and I always give them a more than fair price for the items they have and they are pleased and I have found more wonderful treasures to add to my collection. All in all, after a few years of using the above secrets people will just come to know you as the “jewelry lady” and the calls will consistently come and the jewelry selections will continue to get better and better. Good Luck in your treasure hunt and jewelry quest!!! For more great tips about jewelry and collecting register at www. vintagegemsemporium. com and come sell or buy to your heart’s content.

Secrets to Collecting Antique & Vintage Jewelry at 20% of Market Value

Over the past 35 years I have collected antique and vintage signed and unsigned costume and fine jewelry and through this experience I have found many ways to find and acquire the most amazing and collectible pieces, having values far higher than what I paid. My tried and true secrets have worked and as a result I own an extraordinary collection of mostly signed and book pieces dating from the late 1800’s up tio the present. I have acquired signed and unsigned Miriam Haskell (some of which were developed for Coco Chanel and have even been featured in Chanel print ads from the late 1930’s and 40’s),Schiaparelli, Pennino, McClelland-Barclay, Alfred Philippe for Trifari, DeMario, and more of the most sought after names in the antique and vintage jewelry genre. There are three secrets I employ to acquire such desirable pieces. The first secret is aligning myself with the companies that sell out estates from the home of the deceased. I create relationships with the owners of these companies and ask if I can inspect all jewelry (whether costume or fine)prior to the estate sale dates. In exchange I help publicize their upcoming sale by notifying antique dealers, shop owners and specialty store retailers who may be in the market for great furniture, rugs and accessories. To the estate disposal companies this help is invaluable as it raises their chances of getting better than fair market value as they are going to be selling to resellers. There is a second part to this secret and that is that it also works with auctioneers who do general auctions of household and personal items. Once you have developed these relationships, they will call prior to an auction and sell to you before the auction preview at a low box lot price. The second secret is to align yourself with pawn shop owners. They do not sell costume jewelry which to them has really no intrinsic value but will offer a bulk price for costume jewelry brought in by folks and for a small profit sell it to me. I have acquired the most amazing pieces this way. A person has unfortunately hit a rough spot and needs cash and will usually clean out all of their drawers which may include a lot of fine but most likely more costume jewelry. The pawnbroker knows they have an instant sale to me of any and all costume jewelry and most likely sell it to me as a box lot. The person needing the money wins, the pawnbroker wins and I really win, because many of the items have been in the family for years and may date to the late 30’s or older. Some may be trash but there is always at least one or two pieces that made the transaction a success. The third secret and one that takes tact and sensitivity is when a widower or children of a recently deceased family member is trying to move on and feels the need to donate or “clean out” their belongings and personal affects. The family hears of me through an ad I run in the local newspaper or “Pennysaver magazine” stating that I pay cash for any costume jewelry. The family will call and I always give them a more than fair price for the items they have and they are pleased and I have found more wonderful treasures to add to my collection. All in all, after a few years of using the above secrets people will just come to know you as the “jewelry lady” and the calls will consistently come and the jewelry selections will continue to get better and better. Good Luck in your treasure hunt and jewelry quest!!! For more great tips about jewelry and collecting register at www. vintagegemsemporium. com and come sell or buy to your heart’s content.

Designing Jewelry With Antique Cut Diamonds

There is a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way. Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds. The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days areBriolette – The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0. 50 carats to 1. 00 carats. Rose – The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm. Bead – This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm. Rondelle – Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm. Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option. Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.

Antique Jewelry – Your Guide To Choosing The Best Vintage Bracelets, Rings, And Earrings

Antique jewelry has never been out of fashion – another example of changing things always remaining the same. Vintage jewelry can be ornate, sentimental, classy, and at the same time, chic. For those who want to stand out and be noticed without going over the top with fancy accessories, here’s your chance to do just that. Try Vintage jewelry – they stand out for their elegant designs, skilled craftsmanship, and for their value. Express Your Sentiments Vintage jewelry stands for another era – a time of innocent sentiments and tender romance. Vintage jewelry, almost a hundred years after the reign of Queen Victoria ended, remains popular for their old world charm. Antique jewelry is one way to express your true feelings; whether you wear a piece of Vintage jewelry with the word “Dear” etched on it, or you gift someone close to you a ring with ‘”True regards” embellished on it with rubies or diamonds. Gorgeous Designs Vintage jewelry can be as extravagant as it can be subdued. A little gilt edged work, a small diamond or pearl, and you have a dazzling hairpin which can set off your dress to an advantage without looking out of place. Try an old-fashioned brooch inlaid with mother of pearl or enamel if you cannot afford more expensive antique jewelry. Look for maidenly pinks, bold reds, royal mauves, prim blues, and pristine whites to go with your moods and dresses. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, pendants, pins, tiaras, even cuffs and rings for men – there is no lack of choices when it comes to Vintage jewelry. If you cannot afford antique jewelry, go for imitation or Victorian inspired pieces. The designs are based on the originals, the workmanship and materials used are similar, only the date of manufacturing has been moved 100 years forward. These modern pieces, created by well-known jewelry houses seeking to cash in on the demand for all things old, are affordable are guarantee quality.

Antique Jewelry – The Fitting Choice For All Occasions

Indian jewelry symbolizes the great tradition and culture of India. The exquisite designs are hand-crafted and have distinct quality that can fascinate anybody having eyes for creativity. The antique jewelry designs exemplify Indian culture and the vivid past which have constituents of love, passion, artistry and beauty – all ingrained in one. The exquisite jewelry comes in beautiful pieces of shells, precious stones, glass beads and turquoise.   Antique Jewelry makes a perfect gift for the jewelry enthusiasts as they get phenomenal designs which are evergreen in nature. The best part of the antique jewellery is that there is a wide variety available ranging from bolo ties, rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces to rings.   Nowadays, you can buy Indian jewelry via internet. The prime advantage attached with buying antique jewelry online is that they are available at low prices. This is because the website owners buy them in bulk and as a result offer huge discounts on each purchase. This makes online purchasing one of the most feasible solutions to get your hand at a wide variety of designs.   Another advantage attached with online purchasing is that you get your hand at the original designs that are free from imitations. This is due to the fact that a website owner buys them from manufacturers eliminating the role of middlemen. So, you can be sure of enjoying the factor of originality and creativity to the maximum extent. On the other side, new designs keep on getting updated. Therefore, you can have instant access to the latest trends and designs with just few clicks.   Antique jewelry can be a fruitful investment as the value of antique jewellery keeps on rising with each passing day. Through market surveys, it is seen that proprietors of antique jewellery generally sell them at inflated price as they are in high demand in the international jewelry market.   Be it any special occasion, such as wedding or engagement, or you are going casually, the antique jewelry designs are more than perfect for all of them. So, buy them and make your jewelry collection more exquisite and phenomenal as they have factors of both artistry and creativity.

Antique Jewelry – The Representatives Of The Past Artistic Excellence

Only a few elites can afford to be embellished by a royal antique jewelry, but where’s the harm in dreaming to be ornamented by those enamoring pieces of art. No wonder, history connotes to their beauty in the form and refers to several songs and poems written over them. Add to it the fact that the price of an antique jewelry never depreciates with time; but on the contrary, serve as an asset. Not just the current cost of a piece of antique jewelry matters, rather it serves as souvenirs of the time elapsed. A piece of jewelry is said to be antique only if it is as old as 70 years. Antique collection can be widely seen at some antique auctions or displays at the jewelry shop. These antique jewelries make us remember, for at least once, that they belonged to the historic times and were adorn by the royal people of those times. If you are interested in purchasing an antique gem or jewel from some jewelry shop, there are a few things which need to be taken care of. You shouldn’t just trust anyone with any piece of jewel in hand; you need to be sure that the thing you are getting is genuine. The gems embedded and the metal around it, both should be real. Before purchasing, you can also test the stone or gem in any test center which provides such facility. When purchased, antique jewelry is worthy being adored and taken care of. It should be tidy and clean, so you must wash it before you think to put it in locker. It should be noticed that if the piece of jewelry is made up of silver, it should be kept at a cooler and darker place, in some cotton or good quality paper as it is to be stored for long time in that paper. Gold jewelry doesn’t need to be maintained as much as silver. In order to keep your jewelry shiny always, keep it clean so that when you wear it, it enhances your persona.