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What is Lapis Lazuli and How is it Used in Jewellery?
Lapis lazuli is semi-precious gemstone, prized for its intense blue colour and gold flecks. It is most commonly known for being used in Tutankhamun’s death mask, as well as many of the amulets and scarabs found in his tomb.
The Significance of Birthstones: Opal and October
Opal, the birthstone for October, is a beautifully iridescent gemstone which has been highly prized for thousands of years – even from before the Ancient Greek and Roman times. There are two main varieties of opal: precious and common. Precious opals can take on many colours, with internal refraction of light causing the phenomenon called ‘play of colour,’ meaning that no two are the same. Common opals don’t display play of colour but instead come in a variety of hues such as pink, green, blue and yellow.
The Intriguing History of the Choker Necklace
Although usually associated with contemporary fashion, chokers are very much a piece of jewellery history – worn by women throughout the ages along with necklaces and pendants. A choker is a necklace worn high on the neck and generally tight fitting, although wider chokers are sometimes known as dog collars. Historically, chokers have been regarded as being ‘high fashion’, but there have been periods in history where they were associated with prostitution.
What is the difference between Vintage, Antique and Estate Jewellery?
Vintage and antique are two terms that are now used almost interchangeably to describe jewellery from years gone by – but there are differences in the meanings of the words that could be important to you, should you make a purchase.
Most Influential Art Deco Jewellery Designers of the 1920s
The Decorative Art Movement, otherwise known as Art Deco, was a response to Art Nouveau, its subtle predecessor which tended towards curves, flowing lines and symbols inspired by nature. Contrary to Art Nouveau, Art Deco manifested itself as bold, geometric and colourful, a movement that inspired and was inspired by a number of designers that made a name for themselves during the 1920s.
How To Start An Antique Jewellery Collection
An antique jewellery collection has many appeals: it’s beautiful, unique, and better for the environment than modern mass produced jewellery. As well as increasing in value over time, antique jewellery tells a story of its age; it is a relic made by artisans using methods often forgotten.
The Times That Shaped Edwardian Jewellery
La Belle Epoch or ‘the beautiful era’ is a period of western history that dated from the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 to the start of World War One in 1914. In the UK, this time period was named the Edwardian period, after King Edward VII, who is remembered for his decadent lifestyle. Just like the king that ruled over England during the period, Edwardian jewellery is also remembered for its decadence.
Kutchinsky Jewellery: A Celebration of Imagination and Workmanship
If you’ve ever seen a piece of Kutchinsky jewellery, it’s unlikely you’ll forget it. Made during a time of extreme austerity, Kutchinsky pieces were refreshingly bold and harnessed the growing sense of optimism of the beginning of the post war period.
Cartier vs Tiffany: The Story Behind the Jewellery
Luxury jewellery brands Cartier and Tiffany are often compared to each other. As two of the world’s most well-known jewellers, the names are synonymous with quality and elegance. Vintage Cartier and Tiffany jewellery is often hard to come by, as pieces tend to be passed down the generations, but antique jewellery from either brand will sell for thousands if in good condition – with the price generally increasing the older the piece is.
Choosing Between Cluster Rings and Solitaire Rings
Like all jewellery, rings have changed drastically over time. What was fashionable in the 1950s is not to today’s taste. However, quality vintage and antique jewellery remains truly beautiful and unique regardless of the fact that the trends that formed it are no longer popular.