When it comes to easily-obtained information, the world of sapphire engagement rings is not as well-documented as that of diamond rings, for example. However, as the popularity of this precious stone continues to experience a second wind, more and more people are becoming savvy to the terminology used by experts in the field
One distinction, however, continues to baffle those less in the know that between a natural and an untreated sapphires. And with good reason: at first glance, the two would appear to be the exact same thing. There is, however, a very subtle difference, which it is important to be aware of when shopping for sapphire engagement rings.
On what, then, does the distinction between a natural and a untreated sapphires hinge? The answer lies with commonly used heating and clarity-enhancing processes. These are mostly well-accepted and rather common procedures, whereby a naturally mined gemstone is submitted to certain laboratory measures in order to enhance its look, clarity, brilliance, and other parameters customers often look for when purchasing sapphire engagement rings.
The hitch, then, lies with the fact that, by definition, these treatments automatically make any stone they are applied to cease to be an untreated stone. As such, a sapphire can only be called a untreated' when it combines the requirements of having been obtained from nature and never having been subject to any type of artificial enhancement treatment undertaken in a laboratory.
Stones that do come from nature but have been chemically treated to enhance smoothness or brilliance are often referred to as a natural. When compared to untreated sapphires, these will often have fewer imperfections or inclusions, much richer colors and added brilliance, making for an overall more attractive appearance.
As far as which of these variants is better, or even acceptable, the sapphire market is actually divided. While most jewelers and industry professionals have an accepting stance on chemical treatments in sapphires, there are, of course, those who advocate that the only stones of this kind worth having are those who are sold as they were plucked from the earth, entirely untreated. To those with this point of view, a natural sapphires are tantamount to synthetic ones, as they have been altered in a laboratory setting.
Couples buying stones for their sapphire engagement rings, however, are likely not to be too fussed about the distinction between untreated and natural sapphires. For them, it will be all about the brilliance and beauty of the stone. Still, this is an important subtlety to know about - as they say, the more you know...
Costume Jewelry History
And Jewelry Marks
Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts
September 6, 2014
September 1, 2014
Let's Talk About September's Favorite Stone Sapphire!!
I love sapphire jewelry. It's one of my favorite gemstones and happens to be my birthstone, and now that september has arrived....perfect timing!! I am dedicating this week to learning all about sapphires!!
After people believe of sapphires they believe the color ought to be blue. This is not always true. Sapphires occur in each color and can extend from colorless, and from colors covering from light pastel pink, green, and yellow to a midnight blue in addition to all shades in between. Colorless sapphires are well-liked to become referred to as white sapphires. Some sapphires can have a color change or known as color shift. This means that any stones could look a teal outdoors and shift to a red pink indoors.
Various people within the trade call color shift "party colors". The powerful medium colors in sapphires are additional valued. I'm not a big fan of dark stones. A dark stone has a difficult time in presenting its brilliance. The medium saturated colors are the most precious and historically most significant valuable gemstones. Red sapphires are called rubies. Sapphires are valued for their strong luster (ability to reflect light like a mirror), and hardness. These expensive treasures are the next hardest stones right after diamonds. Sapphires are excellent for most any sort of jewelry applications. This approaches they are able to be applied in rings and bracelets for centuries having a minimal chance of becoming scratched.
Clarity could be the other most valuable thing in determining the significance of a sapphire. Most on the natural sapphires over an industry these days have some inclusions seen only under magnification or worse. A totally flawless stone would make a fine jeweler doubt if it is true or manmade. High quality sapphires are rare and also the larger stones, are pricey to your alike color, clarity, and cut. The average observed sapphires in rough before becoming cut is close to six carats and also the most part of those people are little sizes. Something more than six carats, in my opinion, is becoming regarded as large. A six carat rough stone would finish around A single to 2 carats give or take in depending over a size on the rough as well as the type used. Of course, the shape of rough along with a closely matched type would yield closer to a forty percent yield.
Majority all sapphires obtainable in jewelry market are poorly cut. Perfectly cut sapphires are usually obtainable inside most effective jewelry stores and their importance reflects a premium. We suggest that you understand how to tell the difference among a poorly cut ("windowed" and/or "fish eyed") plus a premium cut before ordering your sapphire. If the stone you are seeking to get sounds too excellent to be true, then it's probably a fake.
Synthetic and imitation sapphires are always synthesized and imitated by other substances. In addition, almost all natural sapphires undergo some type of heat treatment process. The heat treatment technique is employed to support with color and clarity. One of the most valuable sapphire has an intense and attractive medium color (cornflower blue and padparascha are one of the most valued colors), a perfect cut (very difficult to discover in sapphire), a large size (over 3 carats), and beneficial clarity (sapphires are rarely perfectly clear). For instance, an a single carat finished round brilliant premium faceted (cut) medium cornflower blue sapphire VVS (eye clean) can vary upwards to and more than three hundred a carat. In my opinion such a stone under magnification need to show internal flaws but glimpse eye clean. Prices will start dramatically per carat for sapphire stones which are over one carat.
After people believe of sapphires they believe the color ought to be blue. This is not always true. Sapphires occur in each color and can extend from colorless, and from colors covering from light pastel pink, green, and yellow to a midnight blue in addition to all shades in between. Colorless sapphires are well-liked to become referred to as white sapphires. Some sapphires can have a color change or known as color shift. This means that any stones could look a teal outdoors and shift to a red pink indoors.
Various people within the trade call color shift "party colors". The powerful medium colors in sapphires are additional valued. I'm not a big fan of dark stones. A dark stone has a difficult time in presenting its brilliance. The medium saturated colors are the most precious and historically most significant valuable gemstones. Red sapphires are called rubies. Sapphires are valued for their strong luster (ability to reflect light like a mirror), and hardness. These expensive treasures are the next hardest stones right after diamonds. Sapphires are excellent for most any sort of jewelry applications. This approaches they are able to be applied in rings and bracelets for centuries having a minimal chance of becoming scratched.
Clarity could be the other most valuable thing in determining the significance of a sapphire. Most on the natural sapphires over an industry these days have some inclusions seen only under magnification or worse. A totally flawless stone would make a fine jeweler doubt if it is true or manmade. High quality sapphires are rare and also the larger stones, are pricey to your alike color, clarity, and cut. The average observed sapphires in rough before becoming cut is close to six carats and also the most part of those people are little sizes. Something more than six carats, in my opinion, is becoming regarded as large. A six carat rough stone would finish around A single to 2 carats give or take in depending over a size on the rough as well as the type used. Of course, the shape of rough along with a closely matched type would yield closer to a forty percent yield.
Majority all sapphires obtainable in jewelry market are poorly cut. Perfectly cut sapphires are usually obtainable inside most effective jewelry stores and their importance reflects a premium. We suggest that you understand how to tell the difference among a poorly cut ("windowed" and/or "fish eyed") plus a premium cut before ordering your sapphire. If the stone you are seeking to get sounds too excellent to be true, then it's probably a fake.
Synthetic and imitation sapphires are always synthesized and imitated by other substances. In addition, almost all natural sapphires undergo some type of heat treatment process. The heat treatment technique is employed to support with color and clarity. One of the most valuable sapphire has an intense and attractive medium color (cornflower blue and padparascha are one of the most valued colors), a perfect cut (very difficult to discover in sapphire), a large size (over 3 carats), and beneficial clarity (sapphires are rarely perfectly clear). For instance, an a single carat finished round brilliant premium faceted (cut) medium cornflower blue sapphire VVS (eye clean) can vary upwards to and more than three hundred a carat. In my opinion such a stone under magnification need to show internal flaws but glimpse eye clean. Prices will start dramatically per carat for sapphire stones which are over one carat.
August 31, 2014
The Beauty Of Pearls
Pearls are different from other gemstones which are produced inside the Earth's deeps. Pearls are created naturally by living creatures which are mollusks. Mollusks have soft whole body inside and a hard outside shell. Mollusks live as freshwater habitats or main land. History about pearls dated back from 530 million years ago. An average of 100,000 living mollusks abound our world today.
Every mollusk which produces shell can make pearls. However, natural pearls are uncommon and perhaps can be found for one in every ten thousand animals. The pearl industry has begun since 20th century and has developed certain methods to induce pearl production.
Generally, pearls can be classified into two categories the natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those produced when an intruder enters into the shell of any mollusks enabling it to grow into nacre around the shells' particles. Natural Pearls are very rare and thus quite expensive.
Cultured Pearls are pearls also growing inside the mollusk but with interference from human. An object is inserted inside the shell and will be coated with nacre layers. The thicker the nacre coating the more durable the pearl will be. The coating of nacre and its depth will depend on the mollusk type, the water and how long a thing lives in the mollusks.
It is quite evident that many pearls are produced these days. Men have learned how to culture these gems. One process is putting shells beads inside oysters and returning it to the water to let it produced more. Cultured pearls are produced mostly in Japan. In South Pacific where there are warmer waters, larger oysters are
These gems are cherished and symbolize perfection and purity. Pearls have occurred naturally in various shapes, colors and sizes. Pearls' classification with regards to its shapes is as follows:
1.Spherical - pearls that are round and the most pleasing shape; rounder pearls are more expensive.
2.Baroque - pearls which have irregular shapes. These pearls are the cheapest of all kinds but also beautiful and unique.
3.Symmetrical - pearls which can be pear in shape and those shapes with symmetry but not necessarily round.
Pearls can further be classified to different types which are generally from the country where they are produced. Some of the types are:
1.Black pearls which are produced from black oysters. Found in South Sea. Some pearls can be made black by using dyes but the natural colors are dark gray or dark green.
2.Akoya pearls are those representing the most common pearls. When you heard of pearl, Akoya pearl is the image which you are trying to describe. These kinds of pearls are mostly cultured in Japan and the oysters producing them are palm sized thus pearls in them are not those large. Only about 2mm to 10mm.
3.South sea pearls are those from white oysters and which is the largest. They are silvery grey in color and measures 15mm. These pearls are very expensive and very rare.
4.South sea half pearls are hemispherical in shape. They are also silvery grey in color and are quite similar to the Mabe Pearls.
5.Mabe pearls are also hemispherical with a rainbow colored luster. Mabe pearls just differ from south sea pearls in color. These pearls are cultivated and cultured nowadays.
6.Seed pearls are very small and resemble a poppy seed. The shape is oval or distorted.
7.Freshwater pearls are cultured mostly in Lake Biwa Japan; others are imports from China. These pearls are oval in shape and white in color. There can also be orange and wine colored freshwater pearls.
8.Keshi pearls are cultured in Akoya and South Sea also. They are small with white silver and silver grey color.
9.Kasumiga pearls are new types of pearls coming from Tokyo lakes in the northeast. The mollusks producing them are Japan and China crossbreeds. These pearls are rosy, light or dark pink in colors.
Pearls whether cultured or natural are fragile and should be taken cared of. Here are some tips on how to handle your pearls:
*Take off the pearls when applying any body creams; put them on when you have applied your make up already.
*Clean the pearls by wiping it with soft cloth regularly. You can also wet the cloth with water or mild soap in case the pearls are dirty.
*Do not use harsh soaps and detergents and ammonia in cleaning your pearls
*In storing your pearls, do not put it together with other pieces of jewelry that can scratched it easily.
*Wear the pearls often. The natural body oil can make pearls lustrous.
All pearls carry with them the class and charm any gemstones can have. It is a gift that we have bountiful pearls available in our planet. But with man's given talent, cultured pearls are also made within our reach. We should take care of these stones because their beauty doesn't fade away but lasts a lifetime.
Every mollusk which produces shell can make pearls. However, natural pearls are uncommon and perhaps can be found for one in every ten thousand animals. The pearl industry has begun since 20th century and has developed certain methods to induce pearl production.
Generally, pearls can be classified into two categories the natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those produced when an intruder enters into the shell of any mollusks enabling it to grow into nacre around the shells' particles. Natural Pearls are very rare and thus quite expensive.
Cultured Pearls are pearls also growing inside the mollusk but with interference from human. An object is inserted inside the shell and will be coated with nacre layers. The thicker the nacre coating the more durable the pearl will be. The coating of nacre and its depth will depend on the mollusk type, the water and how long a thing lives in the mollusks.
It is quite evident that many pearls are produced these days. Men have learned how to culture these gems. One process is putting shells beads inside oysters and returning it to the water to let it produced more. Cultured pearls are produced mostly in Japan. In South Pacific where there are warmer waters, larger oysters are
These gems are cherished and symbolize perfection and purity. Pearls have occurred naturally in various shapes, colors and sizes. Pearls' classification with regards to its shapes is as follows:
1.Spherical - pearls that are round and the most pleasing shape; rounder pearls are more expensive.
2.Baroque - pearls which have irregular shapes. These pearls are the cheapest of all kinds but also beautiful and unique.
3.Symmetrical - pearls which can be pear in shape and those shapes with symmetry but not necessarily round.
Pearls can further be classified to different types which are generally from the country where they are produced. Some of the types are:
1.Black pearls which are produced from black oysters. Found in South Sea. Some pearls can be made black by using dyes but the natural colors are dark gray or dark green.
2.Akoya pearls are those representing the most common pearls. When you heard of pearl, Akoya pearl is the image which you are trying to describe. These kinds of pearls are mostly cultured in Japan and the oysters producing them are palm sized thus pearls in them are not those large. Only about 2mm to 10mm.
3.South sea pearls are those from white oysters and which is the largest. They are silvery grey in color and measures 15mm. These pearls are very expensive and very rare.
4.South sea half pearls are hemispherical in shape. They are also silvery grey in color and are quite similar to the Mabe Pearls.
5.Mabe pearls are also hemispherical with a rainbow colored luster. Mabe pearls just differ from south sea pearls in color. These pearls are cultivated and cultured nowadays.
6.Seed pearls are very small and resemble a poppy seed. The shape is oval or distorted.
7.Freshwater pearls are cultured mostly in Lake Biwa Japan; others are imports from China. These pearls are oval in shape and white in color. There can also be orange and wine colored freshwater pearls.
8.Keshi pearls are cultured in Akoya and South Sea also. They are small with white silver and silver grey color.
9.Kasumiga pearls are new types of pearls coming from Tokyo lakes in the northeast. The mollusks producing them are Japan and China crossbreeds. These pearls are rosy, light or dark pink in colors.
Pearls whether cultured or natural are fragile and should be taken cared of. Here are some tips on how to handle your pearls:
*Take off the pearls when applying any body creams; put them on when you have applied your make up already.
*Clean the pearls by wiping it with soft cloth regularly. You can also wet the cloth with water or mild soap in case the pearls are dirty.
*Do not use harsh soaps and detergents and ammonia in cleaning your pearls
*In storing your pearls, do not put it together with other pieces of jewelry that can scratched it easily.
*Wear the pearls often. The natural body oil can make pearls lustrous.
All pearls carry with them the class and charm any gemstones can have. It is a gift that we have bountiful pearls available in our planet. But with man's given talent, cultured pearls are also made within our reach. We should take care of these stones because their beauty doesn't fade away but lasts a lifetime.
August 29, 2014
August 27, 2014
How To Care For Onyx Jewelry..
Your onyx jewelry needs special care most specially your black onyx rings because they are worn in one of the busiest part of your body, your hand, which is subjected to different kinds of substances like water, sweat, food, etc.
You should practice to keeping your black onyx jewelry clean. Take it off when you're going to handle any chemicals or any substances that will greatly affect the quality not only of the finish of your setting but also the stone itself. People have suggested the "put on last, take off first" method when putting on and removing your jewelry. Of course, you wouldn't want to lose them thus always make sure that they are in a secured place when you remove them. It can help if you would carry with you a small padded box where you can place your precious jewel just in case you are out and you really need to take it off.
Keep in mind that your jewelry is supposed to be worn not kept locked away somewhere. When you're wearing your jewelry though, take good care of it and not scratch or damage it. Onyx tips 6.5 to 7 in the Mohs (hardness) scale as compared to the diamond which is at 10 Mohs scale. This means that the onyx is not the hardest one in the bunch even if it looks tough.
If you need to store them, store them properly. Do not just pile your jewelry in your jewelry box. Some jewelry boxes have spaces with padding especially made to insert your rings. If yours doesn't have one, make sure that you keep each in velvety pouches which cases prevents the jewels from scratching and damaging each other.
Always be careful in using any type of jewel cleaner with your black onyx jewelry. It doesn't mean that if it is a jewel cleaner solution, you can already use it on your onyx. For example, submerging your onyx rings on ultrasonic cleaner might not be a good idea even if it is usually done to clean stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Take note that each stone has a different composition. A cheap alternative is mixing a touch of ammonia on water. Unfortunately, this is also discouraged as ammonia is only recommended when cleaning diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
Have in mind that black onyx is a stone and is porous just like a rock. It absorbs the substance which it is submerged to and when this substance seeps into your gem, it will compromise the color of your stone as well as the purity of it.
For opaque gemstones just like your onyx jewelry, it is suggested that it should be wiped only with a moist cotton cloth. For black onyx rings (since it's has lots of grime), it should be soaked for one to two hours on warm water with mild soap and wiped clean with a damp cotton cloth first and then a clean dry cotton cloth afterwards. This is also suggested for necklaces are it is usually touches the skin too.
You should also avoid using polishing cloth. This is usually used to polish the metal of your jewelry. But do not use it on your onyx stone itself. This holds true the most when cleaning black onyx rings. You should be careful in cleaning that part which is in constantly touching the skin since it usually has engravings and dirt can pile up in its crevices. Keep it clean, you guys!
You should practice to keeping your black onyx jewelry clean. Take it off when you're going to handle any chemicals or any substances that will greatly affect the quality not only of the finish of your setting but also the stone itself. People have suggested the "put on last, take off first" method when putting on and removing your jewelry. Of course, you wouldn't want to lose them thus always make sure that they are in a secured place when you remove them. It can help if you would carry with you a small padded box where you can place your precious jewel just in case you are out and you really need to take it off.
Keep in mind that your jewelry is supposed to be worn not kept locked away somewhere. When you're wearing your jewelry though, take good care of it and not scratch or damage it. Onyx tips 6.5 to 7 in the Mohs (hardness) scale as compared to the diamond which is at 10 Mohs scale. This means that the onyx is not the hardest one in the bunch even if it looks tough.
If you need to store them, store them properly. Do not just pile your jewelry in your jewelry box. Some jewelry boxes have spaces with padding especially made to insert your rings. If yours doesn't have one, make sure that you keep each in velvety pouches which cases prevents the jewels from scratching and damaging each other.
Always be careful in using any type of jewel cleaner with your black onyx jewelry. It doesn't mean that if it is a jewel cleaner solution, you can already use it on your onyx. For example, submerging your onyx rings on ultrasonic cleaner might not be a good idea even if it is usually done to clean stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Take note that each stone has a different composition. A cheap alternative is mixing a touch of ammonia on water. Unfortunately, this is also discouraged as ammonia is only recommended when cleaning diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
Have in mind that black onyx is a stone and is porous just like a rock. It absorbs the substance which it is submerged to and when this substance seeps into your gem, it will compromise the color of your stone as well as the purity of it.
For opaque gemstones just like your onyx jewelry, it is suggested that it should be wiped only with a moist cotton cloth. For black onyx rings (since it's has lots of grime), it should be soaked for one to two hours on warm water with mild soap and wiped clean with a damp cotton cloth first and then a clean dry cotton cloth afterwards. This is also suggested for necklaces are it is usually touches the skin too.
You should also avoid using polishing cloth. This is usually used to polish the metal of your jewelry. But do not use it on your onyx stone itself. This holds true the most when cleaning black onyx rings. You should be careful in cleaning that part which is in constantly touching the skin since it usually has engravings and dirt can pile up in its crevices. Keep it clean, you guys!
August 26, 2014
Tips For Buying Lockets!
Lockets are the most cherished of all the accessories that are worn by the women at large to enhance their beauty and adore their neck. With their beautiful styles and intricate patterns lockets have been worn by the women for centuries. The lockets of the Victorian Era and Edwardian era are especially important in this regard. Whenever you are in the market to buy any lockets for yourself consider some important things before buying. This will help you buy something that you would really cherish to have.
First thing that you should consider is that how much money you can spend on buying something like a locket for you as an accessory. If you have a handsome amount you can go on for buying some gold, silver, or diamond lockets. Even you can find a large range of lockets that are studded with real beads, gemstones, or crystals as per your requirement. These materials are arranged in intricate patterns to add to your beauty. However if you are not interested in buying something that expensive, you can have other choices. Vintage lockets and other metallic lockets may be a good choice for you. They give you a trendy look and also you don't have to spend too much onto them.
Secondly decide what kind of neck do you have and which jewellery will be best suitable for it. If you have a V-shaped neck line consider buying a Y-shaped locket. If you have a broad neck then it would look best if you wear a thick or wide chain. People who have thin and small necks should always choose for a delicate fit. Also you should consider that what your purpose of buying a locket is. You may need it for wearing to a party, college, wedding or a funeral. Some people may buy it as a present for someone special.
If you are buying a locket for your loved one the heart shaped locket may be a wonderful choice. These lockets are an expression of love and may be used as a gift for your girl friend or wife on Valentine's Day or a similar occasion. If you want that person to keep a picture of yours, buy a locket that has a bit of space inside to place your miniature in it. College girls can have many choices when they are buying a locket as an accessory they have to wear to college. The locket may be oval, round, square, or octagonal in shape as per your choice and trend. On the other hand if you are buying a locket for a funeral tries to buy something simple yet elegant. Mourning lockets have a wide range; they may be shaped in the form of skull or heart or be engraved with the stones of cemetery etc. Check which one is best suitable for you.
Also never forget that these lockets have to come in contact with the bear skin of yours, so never buy anything that has an irritant effect and will cause contact dermatitis.
First thing that you should consider is that how much money you can spend on buying something like a locket for you as an accessory. If you have a handsome amount you can go on for buying some gold, silver, or diamond lockets. Even you can find a large range of lockets that are studded with real beads, gemstones, or crystals as per your requirement. These materials are arranged in intricate patterns to add to your beauty. However if you are not interested in buying something that expensive, you can have other choices. Vintage lockets and other metallic lockets may be a good choice for you. They give you a trendy look and also you don't have to spend too much onto them.
Secondly decide what kind of neck do you have and which jewellery will be best suitable for it. If you have a V-shaped neck line consider buying a Y-shaped locket. If you have a broad neck then it would look best if you wear a thick or wide chain. People who have thin and small necks should always choose for a delicate fit. Also you should consider that what your purpose of buying a locket is. You may need it for wearing to a party, college, wedding or a funeral. Some people may buy it as a present for someone special.
If you are buying a locket for your loved one the heart shaped locket may be a wonderful choice. These lockets are an expression of love and may be used as a gift for your girl friend or wife on Valentine's Day or a similar occasion. If you want that person to keep a picture of yours, buy a locket that has a bit of space inside to place your miniature in it. College girls can have many choices when they are buying a locket as an accessory they have to wear to college. The locket may be oval, round, square, or octagonal in shape as per your choice and trend. On the other hand if you are buying a locket for a funeral tries to buy something simple yet elegant. Mourning lockets have a wide range; they may be shaped in the form of skull or heart or be engraved with the stones of cemetery etc. Check which one is best suitable for you.
Also never forget that these lockets have to come in contact with the bear skin of yours, so never buy anything that has an irritant effect and will cause contact dermatitis.
August 25, 2014
Know Your Cameo Jewelry!!
The portrait is probably the most recognizable function of the cameo and will usually depict a lady in some form of basic pose. Figuring out the worth of a cameo is straightforward once you already know what to look for. It's common to search out many of the cheaper pieces featuring plastic or glass portraits while finer cameos shall be produced from rarer supplies like:
* Coral
* Bone
* Agate
* Glass
* Various Shell Varieties
* Layered Exhausting Stone
The origin of the traditional cameo design return to the times of historic Greece and nonetheless remains popular today. However, the cameo design essentially disappeared from jewellery during the Dark Ages, but resurfaced again through the 18th century. By the 18th century, the center class had started a terrific love affair with the timeless design. And, with the Victorian Age got here the height of popularity for the design, leading to a number of the most interesting classic items throughout this period. Massive income await anybody willing to discover ways to tell the distinction between a molded and carved cameo.
However simply figuring out about the totally different materials would not make identification any simpler. Discovering the perfect pieces comes right down to figuring out whether or not the portrait has been carved or molded. Molded cameos will typically function colours that swirl collectively and may seem shiny. Most molded cameos are less expensive and, are often constructed from glass or plastic. Nevertheless, molded designs have additionally been crafted from ivory and other pure substances. Rounded features and a marked lack of exact or sharp traces are frequent features of molded cameos.
Molded cameos are mass-produced, the carved variations are hand-crafted using pure materials, and thus more valuable. While collectors are always on the hunt to seek out genuine shell cameos, some plastic imitators are so good that it takes a truly trained eye to spot the differences. A skinny, concave again and very precise traces are hallmark characteristics of the carved designs. A lot of the carved cameos may have a thin again but exceptions to the rule include Mother of Pearl and Abalone. Agate is another common materials for carved cameos and tends to command increased values because of a surprising two-toned impact created by color changes, that are clearly visible from the sides.
A number of stone cameos have been crafted in Italy and other European nations so there are nonetheless loads out there in the marketplace to find. Because they are harder to carve they have an inclination to command a higher price. You possibly can determine true stone pieces by examining features like the junction between the portrait and plaque. Look for there to be slight gap where the 2 layers meet if the design is made from stone.
On the end of the day, discovering a rare piece at a flea market or on-line makes amassing cameo jewelry all the worthwhile. Mass produced pieces will typically be lighter, have fewer crisp lines, and should even have mildew marks or dimples on the back of the piece, while most carved pieces, with the exceptions of Mom of Pearl and Abalone, can have a concave again and sharp lines. Understanding the right way to tell the two varieties aside might mean the difference between wearing a cherished family heirloom or just having one other piece of low-cost costume jewelry.
Cameos are very special pieces of bijou which stand out from all others. By some means they are also linked with emotions of love. It is the little boy's present to his mother that she is going to cherish for the remainder of her life.
There are antique cameos that are still around, and had been around before anyone alive today.
As a matter of fact, cameos are sometimes instances believed to be antique, however it's not all the time the case. some items are being made at present and whereas very real, they are also brand new. These are mostly carved in Italy and Germany. Italy being the home of the shell cameo whereas Germany specializes in the arduous stone cameo.
Cameos are items of knickknack that motivates collectors. Severe collectors are willing to pay high greenback to get that additional lacking piece to their collection. Those collectors are normally also consultants and will not be fooled by fakes.
What about you? Can you inform the difference between an actual cameo and a pretend one? You may consider that it is easy enough to do so. The bad news is, it really isn't.
China is infamous to be able to create very plausible fake cameos which are truly meant to be sold as real. The reality is that if you are not an knowledgeable, you will want to rent one to make sure a cameo is actual before you make your purchase, particularly if you're not acquainted with the place of purchase.
Yes, if you are seeking to buy an actual cameo, you can see them in real professional online cameo stores.
* Coral
* Bone
* Agate
* Glass
* Various Shell Varieties
* Layered Exhausting Stone
The origin of the traditional cameo design return to the times of historic Greece and nonetheless remains popular today. However, the cameo design essentially disappeared from jewellery during the Dark Ages, but resurfaced again through the 18th century. By the 18th century, the center class had started a terrific love affair with the timeless design. And, with the Victorian Age got here the height of popularity for the design, leading to a number of the most interesting classic items throughout this period. Massive income await anybody willing to discover ways to tell the distinction between a molded and carved cameo.
However simply figuring out about the totally different materials would not make identification any simpler. Discovering the perfect pieces comes right down to figuring out whether or not the portrait has been carved or molded. Molded cameos will typically function colours that swirl collectively and may seem shiny. Most molded cameos are less expensive and, are often constructed from glass or plastic. Nevertheless, molded designs have additionally been crafted from ivory and other pure substances. Rounded features and a marked lack of exact or sharp traces are frequent features of molded cameos.
Molded cameos are mass-produced, the carved variations are hand-crafted using pure materials, and thus more valuable. While collectors are always on the hunt to seek out genuine shell cameos, some plastic imitators are so good that it takes a truly trained eye to spot the differences. A skinny, concave again and very precise traces are hallmark characteristics of the carved designs. A lot of the carved cameos may have a thin again but exceptions to the rule include Mother of Pearl and Abalone. Agate is another common materials for carved cameos and tends to command increased values because of a surprising two-toned impact created by color changes, that are clearly visible from the sides.
A number of stone cameos have been crafted in Italy and other European nations so there are nonetheless loads out there in the marketplace to find. Because they are harder to carve they have an inclination to command a higher price. You possibly can determine true stone pieces by examining features like the junction between the portrait and plaque. Look for there to be slight gap where the 2 layers meet if the design is made from stone.
On the end of the day, discovering a rare piece at a flea market or on-line makes amassing cameo jewelry all the worthwhile. Mass produced pieces will typically be lighter, have fewer crisp lines, and should even have mildew marks or dimples on the back of the piece, while most carved pieces, with the exceptions of Mom of Pearl and Abalone, can have a concave again and sharp lines. Understanding the right way to tell the two varieties aside might mean the difference between wearing a cherished family heirloom or just having one other piece of low-cost costume jewelry.
Cameos are very special pieces of bijou which stand out from all others. By some means they are also linked with emotions of love. It is the little boy's present to his mother that she is going to cherish for the remainder of her life.
There are antique cameos that are still around, and had been around before anyone alive today.
As a matter of fact, cameos are sometimes instances believed to be antique, however it's not all the time the case. some items are being made at present and whereas very real, they are also brand new. These are mostly carved in Italy and Germany. Italy being the home of the shell cameo whereas Germany specializes in the arduous stone cameo.
Cameos are items of knickknack that motivates collectors. Severe collectors are willing to pay high greenback to get that additional lacking piece to their collection. Those collectors are normally also consultants and will not be fooled by fakes.
What about you? Can you inform the difference between an actual cameo and a pretend one? You may consider that it is easy enough to do so. The bad news is, it really isn't.
China is infamous to be able to create very plausible fake cameos which are truly meant to be sold as real. The reality is that if you are not an knowledgeable, you will want to rent one to make sure a cameo is actual before you make your purchase, particularly if you're not acquainted with the place of purchase.
Yes, if you are seeking to buy an actual cameo, you can see them in real professional online cameo stores.
August 24, 2014
Selling Vintage Jewelry Through The Era's
Vintage jewelry, also called antique jewelry or estate jewelry, has always been in vogue. Over the couple of years, vintage necklaces, pendants, lockets, bracelets brooches and rings have turn out to be highly sought after by collectors as well as the typical customer. Vintage jewelry is appreciated for its timelessness, elegance and unique aesthetics, and may be quite a valuable commodity. This article requires a look at the various eras and the corresponding designs of vintage jewelry.
Georgian Jewelry: 1714 - 1837 - Georgian periodical Jewelry was all handcrafted from the master jewelers of that era. Consequently, Georgian produced jewelry was characterized by a large mixture of styles and designs, as well as a significant diversity in high quality and value. The value of a provided piece was usually determined by the supplies utilized to create the jewelry (for example, copper and steel jewelry was valued at less than gold or silver jewelry and plain banded jewelry was generally less costly than gemstone embedded jewelry) and the craftsmanship that went into creating the jewelry (intricate and complex styles had been valued higher than the easier designs). Nowadays, vintage Georgian jewelry is thought to become exceedingly valuable and very rare. Vintage jewelry from this era is highly sought following by antique jewelry collectors and aficionados.
Early Victorian Jewelry: 1837 - 1850- Early Victorian jewelry production was significantly affected by the romanticism of that era. The pieces were often formed and engraved with nature-inspired styles such as leaf patterns, flower engravings, vine filigree, etc. Inlayed brooches and lockets, set with precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, were all of the rage throughout the early Victorian period.
Mid-Victorian Jewelry: 1860 - 1880 - The most common jewelry to be worn throughout the mid-Victorian era was mourning jewelry. Mourning jewelry was usually mounted with black gemstones like onyx or black diamond, and was characterized by grave and demure designs. Mourning jewelry became the practice after Queen Victoria's husband's passing. Mid-Victorian mourning jewelry features lockets, pendants, brooches and rings, set with dark stones and merely styled.
Late Victorian Jewelry: 1885 - 1900 - The late Victorian era was characterized by jewelry which was each sophisticated and extremely feminine. During this era, jewelry was intricately designed and set with pastel colored valuable gemstones such as spinel, diamonds and emeralds. Also, throughout the late 1880s, hatpins and brooches became very well liked accessories amongst ladies of leisure.
Arts and Crafts Jewelry: 1894 - 1923 - Arts and crafts jewelry was mainly inspired from the ongoing industrial revolution. Jewelry was made utilizing innovative technologies and machines, and was no longer handcrafted by jewelers. The resulting jewelry was intricate and complex, unusual and unique.
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Art Nouveau Jewellery: 1895 - 1915 - Art Nouveau Jewellery was produced utilizing nature-inspired styles. Jewellery was engraved with vine, leaf, flower and butterfly patterns, and frequently exhibited fine and intricate filigree.
Edwardian Jewellery: 1901 - 1910 - The Edwardian era started using the unfortunate death of Queen Victoria and also the a lot celebrated ascension of her son Edward to the throne. Consequently, this era's Jewellery was characterized by a festive theme, set with joyously colored gemstones and developed in intricate and bold patterns.
Art Deco Jewellery - 1920 - 1935 - Art Deco developed Jewellery was characterized by contemporary and uncommon styles, which had been thought to become incredibly distinctive and revolutionary during the early 1920s. Art Deco Jewellery was designed using sharp contours and angles. The resulting pieces had been optically intricate. Art Deco Jewellery was often produced utilizing unconventional substances like enamel and Bakelite, materials which weren't generally used in Jewellery prior to the early 1920s. Throughout this era, layered necklaces and bangles were all the rage, and had been regarded as incredibly chic.
Retro Jewelry: 1940s - Bold and intricately developed jewelry was very much in fashion during the early 1940s. Retro jewelry was meant to encapsulate the old Hollywood glamour. As such, large cocktail rings and dangling chandelier earrings set with colorful gemstones had been in high demand throughout this era, and had been worn often at red carpet events. SILVER PRICES -- SILVER BARS, COINS, BULLION >>> SILVER BARS, SILVER COINS
Georgian Jewelry: 1714 - 1837 - Georgian periodical Jewelry was all handcrafted from the master jewelers of that era. Consequently, Georgian produced jewelry was characterized by a large mixture of styles and designs, as well as a significant diversity in high quality and value. The value of a provided piece was usually determined by the supplies utilized to create the jewelry (for example, copper and steel jewelry was valued at less than gold or silver jewelry and plain banded jewelry was generally less costly than gemstone embedded jewelry) and the craftsmanship that went into creating the jewelry (intricate and complex styles had been valued higher than the easier designs). Nowadays, vintage Georgian jewelry is thought to become exceedingly valuable and very rare. Vintage jewelry from this era is highly sought following by antique jewelry collectors and aficionados.
Early Victorian Jewelry: 1837 - 1850- Early Victorian jewelry production was significantly affected by the romanticism of that era. The pieces were often formed and engraved with nature-inspired styles such as leaf patterns, flower engravings, vine filigree, etc. Inlayed brooches and lockets, set with precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, were all of the rage throughout the early Victorian period.
Mid-Victorian Jewelry: 1860 - 1880 - The most common jewelry to be worn throughout the mid-Victorian era was mourning jewelry. Mourning jewelry was usually mounted with black gemstones like onyx or black diamond, and was characterized by grave and demure designs. Mourning jewelry became the practice after Queen Victoria's husband's passing. Mid-Victorian mourning jewelry features lockets, pendants, brooches and rings, set with dark stones and merely styled.
Late Victorian Jewelry: 1885 - 1900 - The late Victorian era was characterized by jewelry which was each sophisticated and extremely feminine. During this era, jewelry was intricately designed and set with pastel colored valuable gemstones such as spinel, diamonds and emeralds. Also, throughout the late 1880s, hatpins and brooches became very well liked accessories amongst ladies of leisure.
Arts and Crafts Jewelry: 1894 - 1923 - Arts and crafts jewelry was mainly inspired from the ongoing industrial revolution. Jewelry was made utilizing innovative technologies and machines, and was no longer handcrafted by jewelers. The resulting jewelry was intricate and complex, unusual and unique.
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Art Nouveau Jewellery: 1895 - 1915 - Art Nouveau Jewellery was produced utilizing nature-inspired styles. Jewellery was engraved with vine, leaf, flower and butterfly patterns, and frequently exhibited fine and intricate filigree.
Edwardian Jewellery: 1901 - 1910 - The Edwardian era started using the unfortunate death of Queen Victoria and also the a lot celebrated ascension of her son Edward to the throne. Consequently, this era's Jewellery was characterized by a festive theme, set with joyously colored gemstones and developed in intricate and bold patterns.
Art Deco Jewellery - 1920 - 1935 - Art Deco developed Jewellery was characterized by contemporary and uncommon styles, which had been thought to become incredibly distinctive and revolutionary during the early 1920s. Art Deco Jewellery was designed using sharp contours and angles. The resulting pieces had been optically intricate. Art Deco Jewellery was often produced utilizing unconventional substances like enamel and Bakelite, materials which weren't generally used in Jewellery prior to the early 1920s. Throughout this era, layered necklaces and bangles were all the rage, and had been regarded as incredibly chic.
Retro Jewelry: 1940s - Bold and intricately developed jewelry was very much in fashion during the early 1940s. Retro jewelry was meant to encapsulate the old Hollywood glamour. As such, large cocktail rings and dangling chandelier earrings set with colorful gemstones had been in high demand throughout this era, and had been worn often at red carpet events. SILVER PRICES -- SILVER BARS, COINS, BULLION >>> SILVER BARS, SILVER COINS
August 19, 2014
A Few Top Vintage Jewelry Designers..
Brooches are an art in themselves, but vintage brooches are a unique art. Modern day manufacturing can process out brooches and pins by the thousands, one after another all just alike. Problem is that they lack the character and unique individual attention given by a real artist to create these vintage brooches and pins. Perhaps this is why so many people today are looking for these old pieces. Two of the most popular brooch and pin designers were Marcel Boucher and Christian Dior. Who were these designers of old times and why did they stand out?
One of the more popular artists was Marcel Boucher. Marcel Boucher was born in Paris in 1898. He joined Cartier as an apprentice jeweler, probably in 1920. Some time around 1923, Marcel was transferred by Cartier from Paris to their New York workshop. After the 1929 Wall Street Crash, fine jewelry fell into a deep recession and Cartier's business was severely cut back. Marcel found employment with another precious jeweler, and was fortunate enough to be relatively unaffected by the Depression. He also did freelance work, mainly in fine jewelry, and designed show buckles and costume jewelry for Mazer Brothers, which enthused him with the possibilities. By spring 1937 he was ready to start his costume jewelry firm with his partner Halberstadt. The new designs were launched for the 1937 Fall/Winter Collection. The first collection consisted of six different designs. They gave Saks Fifth Avenue an exclusive to sell the collection for the first few weeks, before making it available to other top department stores. The three-dimensional naturalistic themes with their unusual enameling were so original after years of "art deco" designs and were such a success that they immediately put him on the map and made his reputation. For the next four years, until America entered World War II, Marcel produced a range of costume jewelry, which can be described as "very stylized, very elegant and very chic." They are considered to be innovative, bold, and fashionable. Perhaps best described as "couture" jewelry, and certainly based little on the imitation of fine jewelry. Marcel was prolific and was responsible for all the designs produced by his firm.
Christian Dior is another awesomely impressive designer that had no real formal training in the area of design and came into this profession later in his life. His design career started with an apprenticeship with the respected French designer, Robert Piguet. Dior opened the House of Dior which became immensely popular for its clothing line. Bolstered by this success the House of Dior then branched out into designing extravagant, gorgeous costume jewelry, which included brooches and pins, for such movie star icons as Betty Davis and Lucille Ball and that eternal symbol of haute couture fashion - the late Jacqueline Kennedy. The House of Dior was the first to use 'aurora borealis' rhinestones in their costume jewelry. The aurora borealis is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon and the rhinestones are treated to reflect those flashes of color. In a way the play of color and light is very similar to that found in opals.
In the world of vintage brooches and pins today the pieces designed by these two designers stand out. If a vintage piece is attached to one of their names it is sure to signify quality and artistic design. The art and design skills that made them so popular is still passed on today in the products they left behind. It is no wonder that costume jewelry that carry the Dior or Boucher name are in still in high demand. The unique artistic characteristics found in their beautifully designed products are transferred into the look of the people who wear them, and perhaps that is why they have such an everlasting lure to women all around the world yesterday, today, and perhaps in the future as well.
One of the more popular artists was Marcel Boucher. Marcel Boucher was born in Paris in 1898. He joined Cartier as an apprentice jeweler, probably in 1920. Some time around 1923, Marcel was transferred by Cartier from Paris to their New York workshop. After the 1929 Wall Street Crash, fine jewelry fell into a deep recession and Cartier's business was severely cut back. Marcel found employment with another precious jeweler, and was fortunate enough to be relatively unaffected by the Depression. He also did freelance work, mainly in fine jewelry, and designed show buckles and costume jewelry for Mazer Brothers, which enthused him with the possibilities. By spring 1937 he was ready to start his costume jewelry firm with his partner Halberstadt. The new designs were launched for the 1937 Fall/Winter Collection. The first collection consisted of six different designs. They gave Saks Fifth Avenue an exclusive to sell the collection for the first few weeks, before making it available to other top department stores. The three-dimensional naturalistic themes with their unusual enameling were so original after years of "art deco" designs and were such a success that they immediately put him on the map and made his reputation. For the next four years, until America entered World War II, Marcel produced a range of costume jewelry, which can be described as "very stylized, very elegant and very chic." They are considered to be innovative, bold, and fashionable. Perhaps best described as "couture" jewelry, and certainly based little on the imitation of fine jewelry. Marcel was prolific and was responsible for all the designs produced by his firm.
Christian Dior is another awesomely impressive designer that had no real formal training in the area of design and came into this profession later in his life. His design career started with an apprenticeship with the respected French designer, Robert Piguet. Dior opened the House of Dior which became immensely popular for its clothing line. Bolstered by this success the House of Dior then branched out into designing extravagant, gorgeous costume jewelry, which included brooches and pins, for such movie star icons as Betty Davis and Lucille Ball and that eternal symbol of haute couture fashion - the late Jacqueline Kennedy. The House of Dior was the first to use 'aurora borealis' rhinestones in their costume jewelry. The aurora borealis is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon and the rhinestones are treated to reflect those flashes of color. In a way the play of color and light is very similar to that found in opals.
In the world of vintage brooches and pins today the pieces designed by these two designers stand out. If a vintage piece is attached to one of their names it is sure to signify quality and artistic design. The art and design skills that made them so popular is still passed on today in the products they left behind. It is no wonder that costume jewelry that carry the Dior or Boucher name are in still in high demand. The unique artistic characteristics found in their beautifully designed products are transferred into the look of the people who wear them, and perhaps that is why they have such an everlasting lure to women all around the world yesterday, today, and perhaps in the future as well.
August 14, 2014
What is .925 Silver Jewelry?
If you are a jewelry lover, particularly silver, you probably are familiar with the 925 mark. But for the sake of those who are asking what 925 silver marks is, this article will give you the answer. Silver, which is chemically denoted as Ag, is a white colored metal that is popularly used to create premiere lustrous silver jewelries. This lustrous metal is basically an alloy of gold or other metals when it is still in its pure form. And commonly, it is a by-product of metals such as zinc, lead, copper and gold. Well, so much with that introduction. Basically, everybody knows what is silver but does all of you know what is 925 silver? This is the recent trend in silver jewelry making so some are asking what is that 925 silver mark.
The 925 silver or also known as the 925 sterling silver is a mark to indicate an alloy that is made by combining 92.5% silver by weight with 7.5% of other metals by weight. Usually, the other metal is copper. Mixing copper and silver will create a perfect combination of metal that will deal with malleability issues. Pure silver is brittle or malleable thus combining it with copper will make it solid. Using copper has two benefits and one is it adds strength and second, it preserves ductility and natural illustriousness of the silver metal.
So with that being said, the next question now is, is 925 silver a great choice? The answer is a definite yes. Silver jewelry pieces equally provide a great deal of adornment and aesthetic pieces for men and women. They blend well with style and they are the perfect accessories for all seasons and occasions. May it be for weddings, parties, business functions, and whatever the occasion there is, silver pieces will make anyone stand out from the crowd. But of course, this is only applicable if you have really acquired genuine 925 silver and not cheap imitations. Be careful when buying silver jewelries as there are lots of fake ones scattered in the market.
Don't be fooled by seemingly great silver deals. Watch out as you can fall from the scams who are just interested in your money and you ending up with fake silvers that you sure will never be happy about.
With the many silver jewelry stores in the market today, it is important that you only deal with reputable stores like Direct Sales Jewelry. Though you can widen your search in the internet for the best silver jewelry stores, but if you want only quality, genuine, and great designs, only trust reliable stores like direct sales jewelry. It offer a wide variety of jewelry collections, from Silpada jewelry, Avon jewelry, Kirks Folly Jewelry, Cookie Lee, Park Lane, etc. The choices on premiere jewelries are limitless and the prices are reasonable. It is a sure thing that when you have decided to buy a specific kind of jewelry, you will be happy that you have gotten the best value for your money.
The 925 silver or also known as the 925 sterling silver is a mark to indicate an alloy that is made by combining 92.5% silver by weight with 7.5% of other metals by weight. Usually, the other metal is copper. Mixing copper and silver will create a perfect combination of metal that will deal with malleability issues. Pure silver is brittle or malleable thus combining it with copper will make it solid. Using copper has two benefits and one is it adds strength and second, it preserves ductility and natural illustriousness of the silver metal.
So with that being said, the next question now is, is 925 silver a great choice? The answer is a definite yes. Silver jewelry pieces equally provide a great deal of adornment and aesthetic pieces for men and women. They blend well with style and they are the perfect accessories for all seasons and occasions. May it be for weddings, parties, business functions, and whatever the occasion there is, silver pieces will make anyone stand out from the crowd. But of course, this is only applicable if you have really acquired genuine 925 silver and not cheap imitations. Be careful when buying silver jewelries as there are lots of fake ones scattered in the market.
Don't be fooled by seemingly great silver deals. Watch out as you can fall from the scams who are just interested in your money and you ending up with fake silvers that you sure will never be happy about.
With the many silver jewelry stores in the market today, it is important that you only deal with reputable stores like Direct Sales Jewelry. Though you can widen your search in the internet for the best silver jewelry stores, but if you want only quality, genuine, and great designs, only trust reliable stores like direct sales jewelry. It offer a wide variety of jewelry collections, from Silpada jewelry, Avon jewelry, Kirks Folly Jewelry, Cookie Lee, Park Lane, etc. The choices on premiere jewelries are limitless and the prices are reasonable. It is a sure thing that when you have decided to buy a specific kind of jewelry, you will be happy that you have gotten the best value for your money.
August 10, 2014
A Look At Trifari Costume Jewelry~Part 1
Vintage Trifari jewelry is a good choice for beginning collectors. The jewelry is beautifully made, was plentiful over a long period of time, and vintage pieces are still very affordable.
The company started to produce costume jewelry in 1910, and production continues to the present day. The most affordable and available vintage Trifari jewelry dates from the 1950s and '60s. Trifari produced so many different styles, that the beginning collector can be choosy and select only those pieces that she truly likes.
For investment purposes, Trifari rhinestone jewelry from the 1950s is affordable and a good long-term investment. And, as always, the piece should be in excellent condition. Keep that loupe or magnifying glass with you every time you shop, and look for flaws, chipped stones, deterioration of the metal, and of course the designer's signature.
This brings us to identifying marks, or signatures as they are called in the jewelry biz.
Recognizing the various signatures will help to date the piece. Early Trifari pieces are signed "KTF" and are highly collectible. "KTF" was first used in 1935. "KTF" with a crown above the "T" dates from 1954, and "Trifari", with no crown or with a thin crown dates from 1937. "Trifari Pat. Pend" is from the 1940s, and Trifari Sterling is from 1942-1947. The copyright symbol - © - appears after 1954. "Trifari" with the © and a small crown in a rectangle is a modern mark, but the date it was first used is unclear.
Any Trifari jewelry that has original paper tags, was featured in vintage advertising, or jewelry that is in its original box make the piece more interesting and more valuable.
Collectors prize jewelry with carved or molded stones. In the 1960s and 1970s beautiful molded stones became available. Some pieces are designed with irregular molded glass stones combined with aurora borealis and other colored stones to give a sense of movement in the piece.
An easily recognizable style of Trifari jewelry is the use of both silver-tone and gold-tone metals in the same piece. Another Trifari creation was the "Jelly Belly", usually figures of birds or fish, with a clear Lucite "belly". These were created during WWII.
Whatever your taste, and whatever your budget, do seek out vintage Trifari jewelry - you'll find some gorgeous pieces at very reasonable prices.
The company started to produce costume jewelry in 1910, and production continues to the present day. The most affordable and available vintage Trifari jewelry dates from the 1950s and '60s. Trifari produced so many different styles, that the beginning collector can be choosy and select only those pieces that she truly likes.
For investment purposes, Trifari rhinestone jewelry from the 1950s is affordable and a good long-term investment. And, as always, the piece should be in excellent condition. Keep that loupe or magnifying glass with you every time you shop, and look for flaws, chipped stones, deterioration of the metal, and of course the designer's signature.
This brings us to identifying marks, or signatures as they are called in the jewelry biz.
Recognizing the various signatures will help to date the piece. Early Trifari pieces are signed "KTF" and are highly collectible. "KTF" was first used in 1935. "KTF" with a crown above the "T" dates from 1954, and "Trifari", with no crown or with a thin crown dates from 1937. "Trifari Pat. Pend" is from the 1940s, and Trifari Sterling is from 1942-1947. The copyright symbol - © - appears after 1954. "Trifari" with the © and a small crown in a rectangle is a modern mark, but the date it was first used is unclear.
Any Trifari jewelry that has original paper tags, was featured in vintage advertising, or jewelry that is in its original box make the piece more interesting and more valuable.
Collectors prize jewelry with carved or molded stones. In the 1960s and 1970s beautiful molded stones became available. Some pieces are designed with irregular molded glass stones combined with aurora borealis and other colored stones to give a sense of movement in the piece.
An easily recognizable style of Trifari jewelry is the use of both silver-tone and gold-tone metals in the same piece. Another Trifari creation was the "Jelly Belly", usually figures of birds or fish, with a clear Lucite "belly". These were created during WWII.
Whatever your taste, and whatever your budget, do seek out vintage Trifari jewelry - you'll find some gorgeous pieces at very reasonable prices.
August 7, 2014
Origination & Description Of Costume Jewelry
Jewelry that is fabricated as adornment for complementing a specific fashionable garment or costume is known as costume jewelry. It is also familiar as fallalery, trinkets, junk jewellery, fashion jewelry, fake jewelry, etc. It is an accessory which is disposable and cheap and is meant for wearing only with a particular outfit. It was invented in the 1930s and though it was fashionable, it remained for a short phase of time. It got outdated by itself and was then repurchased for fitting with a brand new garment or style of fashion. Its chief usage is wholly in fashion and it is made up of glass, synthetic stones, plastic, base metals, which are not so valuable.
The label costume jewelry dates back to 20th century. The term is a reflection of the word costume for referring what is now known as a outfit.
Stimulated gemstones which were inexpensive like the brass, rhinestones, silver; Lucite, nickel, etc were used for making costume jewelry. During the time of depression even manufacturers' down-graded rhinestones for meeting the production cost. During the era of World War II a fascinating phenomenon took place when the incorporation of sterling silver was seen in designs of costume jewelry. This was mainly due to two reasons. The substances which were used for base metal were required for the production during the war time which is the military applications and there was a ban on the usage of these in the private quarter. Another reason is that conventionally base metal was quite popular as it had the ability to approximate the colour of platinum, and the similar function was fulfilled by sterling silver. Thus the production of sterling silver costume jewelry took place and still they are found in some vintage jewelry souk.
A broad range of materials is incorporated by costume jewelry that is modern. Instead of valuable stones, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds; some valuable stones, high end crystals, etc are used. Metals consist of sterling silver, gold, vermeil, etc.
For almost 300 years, costume jewelry is a part of culture. But the actual golden era for this jewelry started in the mid 20th century. During this period the new middle class started wearing gorgeous but cheap jewelry. So the demand for costume jewellery began to increase at a rapid speed and in the machine age, this kind of jewelry coincided with the peoples' needs. It had become very popular.
For almost 300 years, costume jewelry is a part of culture. But the actual golden era for this jewelry started in the mid 20th century. During this period the new middle class started wearing gorgeous but cheap jewelry. So the demand for costume jewellery began to increase at a rapid speed and in the machine age, this kind of jewelry coincided with the peoples' needs. It had become very popular.
August 6, 2014
Spotting a fake piece of vintage jewelry...
In today's vintage jewelry market, there are many unscrupulous jewelry dealers hoping to make a quick buck off of an unsuspecting collector by selling them a fake piece of jewelry at authentic prices. And with the high-quality fake materials being used to mass produce these fake pieces that are being found on the market today, it can be very hard to tell which pieces are real and which ones are frauds.
With so many reproductions on the market, it can even be hard for professionals to tell the real pieces of vintage jewelry from the frauds. How then can a novice size up a piece of jewelry to be sure that they are purchasing the real thing? Here's how:
Always question a good bargain. In most cases, a deal that seems too good to be true really is too good to be true. So, before you make an emotional purchase and snatch up a beautiful piece of jewelry at an unbelievable price, stop to think that what you see, or what you think you see, might not be what you are actually getting.
Do your homework. Online there are dozens of sites that post pictures and descriptions of known frauds that are being mass produced and sold as authentic pieces. If you tend to purchase pieces from a certain time period or style, be sure that you are familiar with the scams that are out there before you go shopping.
Be aware that there will be unsigned pieces of jewelry that almost look exactly like the real thing. These pieces were often created at the same time as the original by competing jewelers. While the materials used to make these pieces may be real, the ¬knockoff is not worth as much as the original and the price should reflect this.
Never trust that all the information that a dealer gives you is correct. Even dealers receive false information and can pass it along to their consumers unintentionally.
Remember, the most important thing that you can do to prevent being duped at the vintage jewelry counter is to make yourself aware of what's out there and how to tell the real pieces from the frauds. Taking just a little bit of time to do your homework before you go shopping can save you a great deal of hassle and headache in the long run.
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