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Victorian jewelry is elegant, full of symbolism, and very collectible. The 80+ year Victorian era began with young Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1837; it ended in 1901, with her death. To quote Victoriana Magazine, “[she] LOVED jewelry. She designed it, wore it, and gave it as gifts through the rise of British Global Empire and […]
You can find jewelry and accessories in all types of gold. But the type of gold you get—and the type of jewelry it’s used in—can make a big difference in a piece’s durability, value, and appearance. 24 karat gold is one of the purest types. It’s tarnish-free, won’t cause allergic reactions, and polishes to a […]
“A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.” If your birthday is in July (or if you’re celebrating your 40th anniversary), your special stone is the ruby, the epitome of richness. The American Gem Society says that rubies “arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, […]
At a recent jewelry convention I was struck by the number of talismans, or good luck charms, that I saw in gold, silver, and gemstones. Think about the popularity of Pandora and Alex and Ani. Their products weave stories of health, friendship, success, and good luck around every bead and bracelet. Talismans through history The […]
You’ve heard the ads, “1 carat total weight diamonds.” But what does it mean and how is it measured? Here’s the low-down on carat weight. Diamonds (along with other gemstones) are measured in metric carats, abbreviated as “ct.” A carat equals 0.2 grams, or as the GIA puts it, “about the same weight as a […]
We’re continuing our series about issues surrounding insuring your jewelry when you’re at home and away. Jewelry has an emotional tie to us; but if something happens, it pays (literally) to have its value safeguarded by insurance. Are you covered if there is negligence or carelessness involved? What if you don’t know what happened […]
This is the month that hosts Father’s Day and many high school and college graduations. Here are some great jewelry gift ideas for dads and grads. For Dad: Beyond the necktie Ladies obviously have the advantage when it comes to jewelry, but as you’ll see, the men aren’t left out. Watches: A computer watch may […]
“A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” –Coco Chanel From Coco Chanel to contemporary designers, pearls have a special place in gemstone jewelry. And for you lucky June babies, it’s your birthstone. A pearl’s shimmering iridescence, with tones from white to cream to pink, is flattering to every skin tone. Another reason June is […]
Vacation season is the time to pack up your favorite outfits, along with your jewelry, so you can shine and sparkle away from home. But just as you keep your wallet safe when you’re traveling, here are some tips from the experts that you can do to keep your jewelry safe, too. Take just […]
Diamonds are under a lot of pressure. Literally. Because they grow deep in the earth, and experience massive heat and pressure, they naturally have certain amount of what the GIA calls “birthmarks”: internal, which are called inclusions, and external, referred to as blemishes. The GIA Clarity Scale The fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the higher […]
