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From Lang Antiques. An exquisite mid-nineteenth century jewel. The graceful undulating design is packed with three concentric rows of bright-white old mine-cut, and a few scattered rose-cut, diamonds glittering around a central antique cushion-cut diamond, all of which are set in silver supported by a yellow gold ring shank. A Georgian/early-Victorian delicacy, not for everyday wear.

The history of jewelry never ceases to amaze. Why? Because every time period had its share of beauty and majesty.

The Georgian period is no exception.

The Georgian period encompasses the reigns of 5 English kings (four were named George, hence the Georgian period). Georgian art refers to the English art and culture created during this time.

And though this period refers to England obviously, jewelry design displayed influences from historical events in France, Germany and Italy as well.

Characteristics of Georgian jewelry include, most notably, intricate metal work. Metals frequently used during the period include: silver for gemstone settings, 18k or higher yellow gold, iron, steel and pinchbeck (83% copper and 17% zinc).

Locating jewelry from this period is very difficult. Georgian jewelers often melted down what was considered “out of date” pieces to make trendier pieces.

You also won’t find authentic Georgian jewelry with stamps since these marks weren’t enforced until the 1900’s.

Few of us truly understand the attention and skill required to become excellent in the craft of hand engraving. It’s an arena that requires the utmost in specialist knowledge, like understanding metals on an intimate level as well as learning to master precision tools. (And that’s on top of a solid base of calligraphic and artistic skills!)

And it’s an old craft. Hand-engraving has been around as long as jewelry itself. Historically, it’s been used in myriad of applications; from royal seals to hunting arms, bank notes and coins…and of course, jewelry.

When it comes to hand engraved jewelry, we all intrinsically understand the end result. A simple ring with engraved details–even initials or dates–can provide personality and sentiment that bring the piece of jewelry to an entirely different level.

If you’re interested in a hand-engraved piece of jewelry, we’re happy to provide our exemplary skills to your personal heirloom!

Style 102984 info, click here

Every holidays has its fair share of jewelry (though nothing quite beats Christmas when it comes to blingy kitch). We personally love Spring and the related jewelry it brings.

With Easter this weekend, we wanted to highlight some of our personal favorite Easter basket jewelry (in case you missed our bunny-inspired jewelry yesterday!).

Fabergé Flower Pot Basket Brooch

A Beautiful Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal and Diamond “Flower Basket” Brooch

An enamel, diamond and gem-set brooch designed as a basket of polychrome enamel flowers, highlighted by calibré-cut, buff-top onyx and rubies, accentuated throughout by old European, old mine, and baguette-cut diamonds; mounted in platinum and eighteen karat gold.

Mazer Fruit Salad Basket of Flowers Brooch.

As third generation jewelers, we understand firsthand the powerful history of jewelry. While we’ve been designing custom jewelry for a 100 years, obviously jewelry has been created for a little bit longer than that (like thousands of years!).

Take ancient Greek jewelry. According to Thaleia Elikonias:

Jewelry played a large role in ancient Greece. Pieces of jewelry were given at births or marriages and often accompanied their owners into the afterlife, as well (many early jewelry pieces have been discovered in the excavation of graves). Jewelry was used in early Greek religion as amulets, or as offerings to the gods–a practice continued into Christianity with votive offerings.

Prepare to be amazed at the beauty and intricacy of these fine ancient pieces in the video below:

It’s critical that you get your jewelry choice right when dressing for an upscale event. (It is all about the outfit, after all.) One misplaced of jewelry can set your entire out outfit out of balance. Conversely, one correctly placed statement necklace can add an extra layer to an already magnificent look.

According to the video:

“Proper jewelry to wear with an evening dress or cocktail dress includes something that is simple with no embellishment.”

Take a listen to designer and fashion expert Don O’Neill, known for his elegant and sophisticated eveningwear.

Stone #1 is a 7.5mm Hearts and Arrow Forever One DEF color Charles & Colvard moissanite, stone #2 is a Forever One DEF color Charles and colvard standard round cut moissanite

Charles & Colvard’s new Forever One Hearts and Arrows cut, moissanite cut to diamond proportions. We think it’s absolutely gorgeous! This video shot outside in indirect lighting.

Unedited studio video. You can see the arrows for a split second when the stone is directly facing the camera.

Why own a two-tone piece of jewelry? 

Well first, it’s eye-catching. The combination of white and yellow gold (as shown in the videos below) can really showcase the shape and design of your ring. It’s the subtlety of the two shades working together that help distinguish separate parts of the ring.

Two tone jewelry also never goes out of style. (In this case, yellow gold is a classic favorite while white gold is currently trending but eternally captivating.)

Lastly, two tone metals remind us that the old rule that “metals should never mix” is simply not true. Instead, the power of each metal is enhanced by one  another, not diminished.

What’s your two-tone jewelry dream? Share it with us and we’ll create a wearable reality just for you!