One of the most famous pieces of antique jewelry around is the onyx and diamond panther bracelet that was once owned by Wallis Simpson, whose love affair with King Edward VIII led to his abdication in 1936. It sold for $12.4 million at auction in London.
Do you know why wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand? This is because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.
Although the molecular makeup of synthetic gemstone crystals themselves are identical to the gems they replicate, there are certain characteristics that distinguish the two. This includes internal patterns known as curved striae.
Fun Fact: All topaz must be tested for radiation levels. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a highly radioactive stone may "be injurious to the wearer." If you buy topaz outside the U.S. be sure to have it tested!
Eye-catching hair accessories that captivate with plenty of colorful and sparkling gemstones are a hot jewelry trend. To put a little sparkle in your next coiffure, try barrettes and hair bands made with dazzling citrine, aquamarine and peridot gemstones.
There are several types of cuts for diamonds, such as the round, the princess, the pear, the cushion, the heart, the asscher, the oval, the emerald, the marquise, and the radiant. Three-quarters of the diamonds sold are round-cut, because they reflect light the best and thus are the most brilliant by comparison.
The jewelry embellished with gemstones like amber, topaz, kunzite, shell cameos, or amethyst, must be protected from the direct sunlight as it can lead to darkening, damage or fading.
You may already know diamonds are measured by carat weight. Care to guess the weight in grams of a single carat? If you guessed that a carat is equal to 0.2 grams, you're right.
Are there certain colors you absolutely love even though clothing in those colors doesn’t look right on you? Remember, you can always get your fill of the color by wearing jewelry in the shade. Let’s talk about what pieces we have in your favorite color.
According to etiquette specialist Amy Vanderbilt, the insignia of a class ring should face the wearer while still in school as a reminder of the goal of graduation. Once studies are completed, the ring should be turned outward as a mark of pride.
The largest diamond ever discovered was the Cullinan diamond, weighing in at an astounding 3106 carats, or 1.33 pounds. Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, the owner of the mine and the leaders of South Africa gave the diamond to King Edward.
While updating your jewelry collection with designs to match current fashion patterns, it is also a good idea to occasionally purchase several classic designs to complement more conservative dress when needed.
The Edwardian age in jewelry popularized ornate dog collar necklaces made with gemstones and pearls. Lavaliere necklaces—one chain with a single pendant and one dangling element—were also very popular during this period, as were bangle bracelets, the use of lion motifs, and plated and costume jewelry.
The ancient Chinese loved silver much more than gold, using the metal to craft beautiful pieces studded with blue kingfisher feathers and various blue gemstones. But their main obsession was with jade, which they loved for its alleged human qualities: hardness, durability and beauty.
By the 12th century, artistans were producing imitation jewels because so many people wanted jewels that miners, artisans, and trademen couldn't keep up with demand. Many were designed to be used for plays, children's accessories, and funerals, but looked so real they often fooled the buyer.
Some of the most notable fashion styles today are a direct result of early jewelry fashions and trends. Romanticism, which helped evolve Art Deco, is but one example. It’s fascinating how trends have evolved over the years.
One of the best ways to keep the color of your jewelry consistent is to remove it when you enter a swimming pool or spa. This is because the chlorinated water can react with your jewelry’s metal and cause color changes.
Milgraining is a technique in jewelry making that employs placing a small border of platinum beads around the edges of a piece of jewelry. It appeared during the Edwardian era and adds an elegant, soft look to the piece.
Fun fact: The most expensive piece of jewelry ever designed specifically for a movie was the necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in the musical Moulin Rouge. It had a combined total of 134 carats and was worth $1 million dollars!
The first Rose Bowl was played on New Year's Day, 1902, and featured Michigan versus Stanford. The 11-0 victory was so lopsided that the Tournament of Roses substituted other events such as chariot and ostrich races before the football game was permanently reintroduced in 1916.
Do not store your jewelry in areas of your home that have high humidity as it reacts with the metals. Also, your jewelry should be the first thing you take off at the end of the day. These two tips can extend the life of it.
From the 14th century, Italian parents have often given their infants coral crosses to protect them. In modern Hispanic and South Asian communities, baby girls often have their ears pierced at birth.
Leather wrap collegiate bracelets are perfect for day-to-day wear. Most feature a central logo bead attached to fine leather cording woven into a flexible braid or anchored to a single strand of smoothly finished leather lacing.
Diamonds found in early Victorian jewelry most often came from India, although the Victorians later turned to South Africa and Brazil for their diamonds. When diamonds were not in abundance or perhaps to keep traders guessing, Victorians sometimes substituted marcasite (also called pyrite) for diamonds, which was especially popular in the 1700s.
