An interesting look at simple ways to test jewelry using household items like a magnet, vinegar, chalk and iodine, among other things. Good video for those who shop at thrift or antique stores frequently and want a quick method to test for authenticity.
Sure we can look at jewelry found thousands of years ago through museum glass, but there’s something about jewelry used in a painting that gives us a more intimate look. Let’s take a piece from The Jewelry Loupe that uses this example.
The artist: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (English, 1828–1882).
The painting: Bocca Baciata (Lips That Have Been Kissed), Oil on Panel
Isn’t it exquisite? The model (one of the artist’s favorite) is wearing a Revivalist gold necklace and earrings in addition to an earring attached to beautiful head of hair. Apparently the artist collected Revivalist jewelry himself so its no surprise it made its way into his paintings. Perhaps he even loaned several of his pieces to this model, for the sake of his work.
Revivalist jewelry, popular in the later half of the nineteenth century, consisted mainly of adaptations of earlier jewelry styles.
Anklets and pantyhose – a cringeworthy combination for most of us. Though some still sport the look.
But don’t do it. Just. Don’t.
On top of it being a fashion faux pas extraordinaire, there’s this practicality: anklets often ruin your pantyhose or tights. Best tip: don’t combine the two. Ever.
Thinking of a custom designed anklet this summer? We’re happy to create one especially for you, so you can rock the warmer temperatures in style.
Because of the name, you might assume that semi-precious stones are of less value than precious stones. But that’s not always the case. Some kinds of semiprecious stones such as opal and jade can sell for higher prices than certain precious stones. Take the Aurora Australis Opal which sold for $1 million dollars in 2004, a price which equated to over $5500 per carat (!).
Gemstones were first placed into categories of “precious stones” and “semiprecious stones” in the mid-1800s. These terms quickly picked up speed and to this day, are commonly used among jewelers and jewelry lovers alike.
Though many people in the jewelry industry feel these terms are limiting, creating an unfair “class” system. Most would naturally assume a precious stone is more valuable than a mere “semi” precious stone. Wouldn’t you?
But these categories will continue to exist so we must adapt.
There are four types of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Some consider opal, jade or pearls to be in this category as well, but there’s not worldwide acceptance.
Semiprecious stones include gemstones created from: agate, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, chalcedony, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, citrine, garnet, hematite, jade, jasper, jet, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, peridot, rhodonite, sunstone, tiger’s eye, tanzanite, topaz, turquoise, tourmaline and even more.
Each semiprecious stone holds its own beauty and desirability.
In short: all stones are precious!
If you’re interested in a custom design piece using a semi-precious or precious stone, contact us and we’ll create a piece that goes beyond your dreams.
We’ve seen many “oh my” moments when our custom design jewelry is unveiled to our clients. But we often miss the “big picture”, like when a client comes up with the idea behind it, reviews the 3D model and suggests changes to make it perfectly unique.
One of our team members and ace production manager, Jen Wood, created this piece for herself. She calls it Golden Girl. This allowed us to peek behind the curtain and understand each and every phase of the custom design process intimately.
We co-created the custom design, made the 3D print (she wore the print for about two weeks) and fell in love with our Radiance stone. Our entire team had a fantastic time making this. It was really nice to see the stages of excitement firsthand.
Jen created this ring as a self-purchase; a celebration of her accomplishment. She’s a single, hard-working mom and this ring represented a celebration of her accomplishments.
We’re happy to see this trend more and more–women in particular realizing that rings don’t simply represent marriage but a vow to self–a celebration of self ring. If the ring could speak, it would say:
You matter.
I celebrate you.
You’re worth it.
And Jen, you certainly do matter. And we celebrate you too!
If you’re looking for a custom design ring that beautifully represents you, reach out to us. We’re expert at making jewelry dreams come true.
