Category: Jewelry History

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Diamond Jewelry: Positively Impacting Today’s Society

The existence of the diamond has positively impacted our society, along with others for ages. Diamond jewelry began as a luxury for many wealthy and other well to do individuals; however, in recent times the diamond has become more common in jewelry for all individuals.

The most popular form of diamond jewelry is that of an engagement ring. With millions of couples getting engaged or married each year, many diamond engagement or wedding rings will be purchased. There are many individuals who are unsure where an item came from or how it is made. Since diamonds do not magically appear in jewelry, workers are needed for this careful process.

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Jewelry: The Jewish Tradition

The Hamesh hand or Hamsa hand is a popular motif in Jewish jewelry. Arab cultures often refer to it as the Hand of Fatima, which represents the Hand of G-d. The Hamsa serves as an ancient talismanic way of averting the evil eye and providing a “protecting hand” or “Hand of God”. The Hamsa appears often in stylized form, as a hand with three fingers raised, and sometimes with two thumbs arranged symmetrically. The symbol is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars, and other places to ward the evil eye.

The Hamsa origin is believed to predate Islam. The symbol was previously used in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. In Israel and in Jewish culture it is most commonly known as “Hamsa”, without any Islamic heritage connotations. Some sources link the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah or to the five pillars of Islam.

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Amsterdam Diamonds

Amsterdam is a major historical location for the diamond industry. Walking down the streets you will see a lot of jewelry stores as well as many diamond businesses with prominent security systems and signs reading “guided diamond tours”.

If you go on these tours you’ll see some breathtaking diamonds, as well a chance to see these stones being cut and polished. And if you have some cash to spare, purchase one for $4000 to $400,000.

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What Jewelers MUST know about Moissanite

Around 1900, French scientist Henri Moissan (mwah-SAHN) identified a new mineral from a meteorite that fell about 50,000 years ago in what is now the desert of northern Arizona. That mineral was later named moissanite in his honor. (The American pronunciation is MOYSS-uh-nite.)

Although the natural form of moissanite is extremely rare, the man-made version – known as silicon carbide – has become one of the world’s most important abrasives. Most silicon carbide consists of tiny particles, but in the 1980s researchers found ways to grow large crystals for high-performance electronics equipment. While those early crystals were green, further refinements in the 1990s produced near-colorless material. This had the beauty and durability to qualify it as a remarkable new laboratory-created gem. Since then, moissanite jewelry (moissanite rings, moissanite stud earrings and moissanite engagement rings) has become a popular category in many jewelry and department stores.

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Omega Watches – An Intriguing Look At The History Behind These Luxurious Watches

Engineered to the nth degree, the Omega watch brand is a staple on many a well-to-do man’s dresser; tucked safely away inside its luxurious velvet box, ensuring that this extremely fine timepiece will be free from dust and scratches when not eloquently strapped to its owner’s wrist.

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Antique Celtic Wedding Bands

The intricate knots, whorls and endless patterns of Celtic jewelry have been coveted by jewelry lovers for thousands of years. The Celts were fine craftsman who worked with silver and gold, and their detailed jewelry designs spread far and wide during their reign in Europe through trade.

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All You Ever Wanted To Know About Earrings But Were Afraid to Ask

The oldest earrings ever found by archaeologists were discovered in royal graves in Iraq and date back to around 2500 BC. Gold, silver and bronze hoop earrings have also been found dating back to 2000 BC in Crete.

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How to Understand Sterling Silver British Hallmarks

The British hallmarking standard on silver is very high, just from looking at the hallmark you can decipher what date the item was made, who the maker was and in which town it was hallmarked. This enables us to date pieces going right back to the 16th century.

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From Tahitian to South Sea and Beyond: Common Pearl Types

There are three main types of cultured saltwater pearls: akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea. Pearls can be cultured in fresh water as well. Each type has distinct characteristics, and each is very beautiful in its own way. Like with most things, individual tastes determine pearl preferences.

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How To Find Stunning Art Deco Jewelry

You can find a long history for Art Deco Jewelry. This style of jewelry can be dated back to the mid 1920s. This type of art was inspired by the “Exposition Internationales des Arts Decoratifs and Industriels Modernes”.

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The Amazement of Tiffany and Co.

This article tells the reader about Tiffany & Co. and the products they offer. There aren’t many brand names that rank higher in the world of luxury and status than Tiffany & Co.

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Bracelets Past, Present and Future

Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today.
Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet.

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The Evil Eye – History

Explains the evil eye myth so popular in the Mediterranean area, along with a couple points that make it of interest beyond just the historical/ethnic aspect.

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The Famous Fabergé Eggs

The Fabergé Eggs are today more than ever a symbol of rarity, luxury and tradition. The jewelry beaded precious metal eggs were created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his assistants. 69 eggs were created between 1885 and 1917…

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Metaphysical Estate Jewelry of Celebrities

Back to ancient times bewitching jewelry has been used by both men and women to adorn their body. From gemstones to crystals talismans and amulets adorned the body.

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Green Amber Jewelry – What is Green Amber?

Green amber is a form of natural Baltic amber that has a very dark, rich green color. Amber of any color is formed from fossilized resin produced by pine trees, and most amber is between forty and sixty million years old.

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The Meaning of Pearls

Just like all the other gemstones, pearls carry a meaning. Historically, the glowing white orbs have been associated with the moon. With the high luster and deep color of pearls, it is no wonder why these natural gemstones have been held in such high regard for thousands of years.

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History of Canadian Diamonds

It is said the sparkle from canadian diamond rings mimics the eerie and enchanting radiance of the Northern Lights. This is a bit of a romantic notion as it is actually the cut of the diamond, not its national identity that makes it twinkle like a Northern star. Still Canadian diamonds are among the whitest in the world. Thanks to stringent government regulations in the Northwest Territories they are also extremely high quality.

What are Talismans

The word “Talisman,” derived from the Greek verb “teleo,” means, primarily, to accomplish, or bring into effect. The Talisman is an object marked with magic signs and is believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection.

History Of Rubies

Rubies have long been thought to have healing properties in treating both the blood and matters of the heart. When you say the word ruby you immediately visualize the colorful images of this stone, as well as an emotional response of passion, romance, and power. Yes that’s the power and the beauty of a ruby!

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Jewelry References

  • Jewelry Information Center (JIC) Jewelry Information Center (JIC) is the public relations arm of the fine jewelry and watch industries. Founded as a non-profit trade association in 1946 in New York City, JIC is funded by its members (nearly 1,000 manufacturers, designers, and retailers o Jewelry Information Center (JIC) is the public relations arm of the fine jewelry and watch industries. Founded as a non-profit trade association in 1946 in New York City, JIC is funded by its members (nearly 1,000 manufacturers, designers, and retailers o
  • Fashion Conversations
  • AGS Laboratories AGS Laboratories is the world’s premier diamond grading laboratory for diamond cut, the first diamond laboratory to offer a diamond cut grade based on proven science and the first laboratory to offer cut grading for fancy shapes including princess, emeral AGS Laboratories is the world’s premier diamond grading laboratory for diamond cut, the first diamond laboratory to offer a diamond cut grade based on proven science and the first laboratory to offer cut grading for fancy shapes including princess, emeral
  • Cultured Pearl Association of America The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States.  Our intention is to “cultivate” awareness, interest, The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States. Our intention is to “cultivate” awareness, interest,
  • American Gem Labs (AGL) American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) is an international gemstone testing facility specializing in comprehensive colored gemstone analysis. AGL provides identification reports, detailed enhancement reports, country-of-origin or provenance reports, as w American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) is an international gemstone testing facility specializing in comprehensive colored gemstone analysis. AGL provides identification reports, detailed enhancement reports, country-of-origin or provenance reports, as w
  • The World Jewellery Confederation CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewelery trade organizations. CIBJO’s purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation in the jewelery industry, and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewelery trade organizations. CIBJO’s purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation in the jewelery industry, and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide.
  • AGTA Gem Industry Guide The AGTA is recognized within the jewelry trade as the authoritative source on natural colored gemstones: “The voice of the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries.” The AGTA is recognized within the jewelry trade as the authoritative source on natural colored gemstones: “The voice of the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries.”
  • Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning.  GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Laboratory and GIA Instrument Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Laboratory and GIA Instrument
  • Platinum Guild International The Platinum Guild International is the official website for platinum jewelry; offering advice and information, design inspiration, and where to find a recommended platinum retailer in your area. The site is brought to you by Platinum Guild International, The Platinum Guild International is the official website for platinum jewelry; offering advice and information, design inspiration, and where to find a recommended platinum retailer in your area. The site is brought to you by Platinum Guild International,
  • The Silver Institute The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association that draws its membership from across the breadth of the silver industry. This includes leading silver mining houses, refiners, bullion suppliers, manufacturers of silver products and wholesale The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association that draws its membership from across the breadth of the silver industry. This includes leading silver mining houses, refiners, bullion suppliers, manufacturers of silver products and wholesale
  • World Gold Council Founded in 1987, the World Gold Council is an organization formed and funded by the world’s leading gold mining companies with the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of Gold. Founded in 1987, the World Gold Council is an organization formed and funded by the world’s leading gold mining companies with the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of Gold.

Jewelry Titans

  • Tiffany & Company The year was 1837. Charles Lewis Tiffany and his schoolmate John Young traveled from New England to New York City with an idea and a dream that were to become Tiffany & Co. While the first day of business brought a mere four dollars and 98 cents, the The year was 1837. Charles Lewis Tiffany and his schoolmate John Young traveled from New England to New York City with an idea and a dream that were to become Tiffany & Co. While the first day of business brought a mere four dollars and 98 cents, the
  • Harry Winston Harry Winston always possessed a gift; he had an eye for the best gemstones and a nose for what the customer wanted. Winston is still known for exquisite jewelry. His name is still linked to some of the most beautiful jewels and settings in the world. Harry Winston always possessed a gift; he had an eye for the best gemstones and a nose for what the customer wanted. Winston is still known for exquisite jewelry. His name is still linked to some of the most beautiful jewels and settings in the world.
  • Cartier Louis Francois Cartier the son of a powder horn maker, founded Cartier in 1847; the year his workshop master Adolphe Picard died. Cartier would take over Maitre Picard’s Jewelry shop located at 31 Rue Montorgueil, Paris. Louis Francois Cartier the son of a powder horn maker, founded Cartier in 1847; the year his workshop master Adolphe Picard died. Cartier would take over Maitre Picard’s Jewelry shop located at 31 Rue Montorgueil, Paris.

WhereToGetEngaged

  • Ivanka Trump cancels keynote appearance at WJA
    The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) "Women in the Know" conference slated for Friday will still be packed with information and expert advice for attendees, but those hoping for a glimpse of a famous face may be a bit disappointed. […]
  • 'Harmony Silver' starts retail orbit on Earth Day
    Sterling silver jewelry manufacturer NES Group is revving up for the launch of a recycled sterling silver jewelry collection just in time for Earth Day 2010 on April 22.   […]
  • Cartier Tank watch fetches $135K at Patrizzi
    Watch auctioneer Patrizzi and Co set a record for the sale of an art deco Louis Cartier Tank watch, bringing in $135,000 for the 1929 model at an auction this week, where Rolex watches were also hot among collectors. […]
  • Why procrastinating shoppers can mean big sales
    Managers, principals and executives are not training their staffs to take advantage of the golden opportunity they have in last-minute shoppers. […]
  • Swarovski 'crystal forest' takes root in NYC
    Swarovski is continuing to put its crystal footprint all over New York City, with the brand currently preparing to open two Swarovski stores in Manhattan. […]
  • Canada to open first diamond bourse in late March
    The Diamond Bourse of Canada, a first for the country, will be fully operational by the end of the month in Toronto, bourse officials announced earlier this week. […]
  • Sharpen your retail survivor instincts for 2010
    The U.S. recession may be officially over, but are jewelers prepared to face a consumer base that may still be experiencing the aftershocks? National Jeweler asked members of America's Best Jewelers (ABJ) and the ABJ Network to join a retailer roundtable and discuss plans for 2010. […]
  • IDI, Rapaport host diamond events at BaselWorld
    Expect a strong diamond industry presence at BaselWorld this year that includes the unveiling of a new responsibility-focused ad campaign from the Israeli Diamond Institute (IDI) Group of Companies and Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport's presentation on diamond opportunities and his fair trade conference.  […]
  • Georgia jeweler closes shop, liquidates
    After 57 years in business, Andrews Jewelers of Lavonia, Ga., has closed shop, ending its operations with a final sale that the jeweler's liquidation company says exceeded projections by 59 percent. […]
  • Gems TV closing, eyes deal for Jewelry Television
    Gems TV Holding Limited announced Monday that it is ceasing its U.S. operations and has submitted a proposal to acquire an interest in Multimedia Commerce Group Inc. (MMCG), the company that operates on-air rival Jewelry Television. […]

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