Design & Historical Context |
The term "antique" refers to something that is more than 100 years old, and this includes jewelry that was created and used over several decades or eras. Antique jewelry can include pieces from a variety of different time periods, such as the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods.
Each of these periods is characterized by its own unique style and artistic movements, and antique jewelry from these periods is often highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Georgian jewelry, for example, is known for its intricate detailing and use of precious materials such as gold and diamonds, and is often influenced by the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles.
Victorian jewelry, on the other hand, is known for its intricate detailing and use of precious materials such as gold and diamonds, and is often influenced by the Romantic and Gothic styles. Edwardian jewelry is characterized by its delicate and intricate detailing, and is often influenced by the Art Nouveau, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the Belle Époque.
Antique jewelry is often highly collectible and is valued for its unique style, craftsmanship, and historical significance. It can be found at antique shops, vintage stores, and online marketplaces.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Glass
Glass is a transparent, amorphous (non-crystalline) solid material that is made from silica (silicon dioxide) and other additives. It has a wide range of practical, technological, and decorative uses, including window panes, tableware, and optoelectronics.
There are many different types of glass, but the most common and familiar type is soda-lime glass, which is made from approximately 75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium oxide (Na2O), calcium oxide (CaO), and minor additives. Soda-lime glass is used to make ordinary glazing and container glass, and it is known for its clarity and durability.
Pure silica can be used to make a very clear and durable quartz glass, but it is more difficult to work with due to its high melting temperature. Other types of glass, such as borosilicate glass and tempered glass, are made with different additives and manufacturing processes to improve their properties for specific applications.
Glass has a long history of use, dating back to ancient civilizations. It is a versatile and widely used material that has played a significant role in the development of modern society.
Pearl
Pearls are small, round, and lustrous objects that are produced by certain types of mollusks, which are invertebrate animals that belong to the phylum Mollusca. Mollusks include a wide range of species, including oysters, clams, mussels, snails, and octopuses, among others.
While all mollusks have the ability to produce pearls, only a few varieties are able to create gem-quality pearls that are suitable for use in jewelry. These include the oysters that produce akoya pearls, the freshwater mussels that produce freshwater pearls, and the South Sea and Tahitian pearls, which are produced by large saltwater oysters.
Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the mollusk and becomes trapped inside its shell. In response to the irritant, the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre, which coats the irritant and eventually forms a pearl.
The quality of a pearl is determined by a number of factors, including its size, shape, color, and luster. High-quality pearls are prized for their beauty and are used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
20k
20k gold, marked as '833', indicates that it contains 83.3% pure gold, with the remaining 16.7% made up of other metals like silver, copper, or zinc. This composition gives it a distinct color and physical properties.
The specific use of 20k gold can be traced back to various cultures and periods, where it was prized for its high gold content while still being more durable than pure gold.
In many cultures, higher karat gold like 20k is often associated with luxury, status, and wealth. It has been used in traditional jewelry, religious artifacts, and as a form of currency or investment.
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