When was glass costume jewelry first mass-produced? During the 1920s. One famous designer that had a hand in the popularity of costume jewelry during this age was Coco Chanel, who designed sleek dresses that could be accessorized with beautiful pieces of glass costume jewelry.
There are several differences between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry (also known as costume jewelry). Fine jewelry tends to be more expensive and appreciate over time, while fashion jewelry follows trends and tends to be more affordable. It's a good idea for retailers to carry a selection of both so they can appeal to different demographics.
Ounce for ounce, platinum is twice as heavy as gold. While platinum has a very high melting point, it’s easy to shape, difficult to scratch, and strong and durable. Platinum is classified as hypoallergenic, so it’s perfect for those with metal sensitivities.
Cool orange and green gemstones are hot right now in jewelry trends. A few affordable, and gorgeous, gemstones which put on a beautiful display of these high fashion colors include the light to dark orangey citrine and cool green peridot.
Our exhibits are constantly changing and evolving, so don’t be a stranger. Check with us regularly to find out what we have created and where the latest exhibition will be held.
Early Victorian jewelry is some of the most valuable of all antique jewelry today. Part of the reason for this is because Victorian jewelers were partial to all types of exquisitely beautiful gems like amethyst and topaz. Turquoise was also found in jewelry of this era, as were diamonds, garnets, and citrines.
Gold wedding bands only became available for more than royalty and the upper classes after the discovery of several gold mines worldwide in the 1800s.
Unfortunately, many brides allow themselves to stress out over the acceptable type of jewelry to wear for the wedding. While some brides may want pearls or diamonds, remember that you’re free to wear any jewelry you like on your big day.
Granulation is a process in which small particles of a precious metal are applied to a surface. The first granulation techniques developed in Ancient Sumer 5,000 years ago and were perfected by the Etruscan civilization in the first millennium BC.
Do you know that in many cultures jewelry is worn to keep the evil things away? The popular Egyptian ankh is one such jewelry piece, also known as the “Key of Life”.
Did you know that Harvard University is the oldest college in the United States? In fact, Harvard is identified with many firsts, not the least of which is Harvard Stadium, which was the first reinforced concrete structure in the world.
Sapphires and rubies belong to the same mineral family, which is called corundum. Rubies represent red corundum and sapphires include all other corundum colors, which range from blue to colorless, green, pink, purple, white and yellow.
Did you know that plastic fashion jewelry is becoming increasingly popular? One popular plastic for fashion jewelry is Lucite, which is available in many different colors.
Do you know where the word jewelry comes from? Well, it originates from the word jewel, from the old French joule. Joule, in turn, comes from the latin word jocale, which means ‘plaything’.
The Sunrise Ruby, recently sold for 30 million dollars at Sotheby's, is a 25.6-carat stone of Burmese origin described as a pigeon blood red. The ruby is named after a poem by the thirteenth century Sufi mystic Rumi.
Did you know China is the largest producer of freshwater pearls? In fact, it alone covers more than 95% of the total freshwater pearls traded in the markets across the world.
Gold is considered as one of the most popular jewelry raw materials because of its beauty, shine, longevity, and softness. In fact, 75% of American brides receive an engagement ring made out of gold and diamonds.
After World War II, the NCAA faced the duel crisis of a boom in unregulated post-season games as well as the advent of live television. A headquarters was established in Kansas City, Missouri under the new leadership of executive director Walter Byers.
A research study has found that Europe, United States, and the Republic of China are the top three markets for the world’s luxury jewelry.
Art Nouveau jewelry refers to a style that blossomed between 1890 and 1914. It was characterized by a number of signature trademarks including; burnished yellow gold, soft enamel colors and undulating, curvy shapes and remains a popular style even today.
To make silver durable enough for use in jewelry, pure silver is often alloyed with small quantities of copper. The copper is added to the silver to strengthen it and the resulting product is .925 sterling silver.
When was machine-made jewelry first available? During the late Victorian years. However, machine-made jewelry was considered to be inferior to handmade pieces, and did not become really popular with societies until almost 30 years later.
