Design & Historical Context |
The jewelry industry was significantly impacted by the onset of World War II in the 1940s. Precious metals, particularly platinum, became scarce and in some cases were even banned from being sold. Palladium was used as a substitute for platinum in the war effort. In order to make the most of the limited supply of gold, a low karat gold alloy with a higher percentage of copper was used. This resulted in gold with a subtle, reddish hue, but through the use of different alloys, gold was able to appear in a range of colors within a single piece. Gold was also manipulated in various ways, such as being woven, braided, and coiled. Techniques like resilla, cannetille, and lacy filigree patterns reappeared in jewelry. Different textures were also used within a single design, with matte finishes being placed next to bright finishes to accentuate the design. Gold became the primary metal used in jewelry during the 1940s and 1950s.
|
Materials & Craftsmanship |
Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz that is yellow to golden in color and is colored by trace elements of iron. It is named after the French word "citron," which means "lemon." The color of citrine closely resembles the color of yellow topaz, which is more expensive, and as a result, citrine is sometimes marketed under various misnomers such as "Madeira topaz," "Bahia topaz," and "topaz quartz."
Today, citrine is often actually amethyst that has been heated to a temperature of approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit (around 450 to 480 degrees Celsius). This process creates a stable golden to yellow color that can be restored to its original color upon irradiation.
Citrine is the second most coveted variety of quartz after amethyst. It is prized for its beautiful yellow to golden color and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. It is thought to have calming and balancing effects, and is sometimes used in meditation practices.
14k
14k gold is a popular choice for use in jewelry because it is durable, yet still relatively affordable compared to higher karat golds like 18k or 24k. It is made up of 58.5% pure gold and is mixed with other metals to make it harder and more durable. 14k gold is available in a range of colors, including yellow, white, and rose, and is commonly used in a variety of jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. One of the advantages of 14k gold is that it is more resistant to wear and tear than pure gold, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. However, it is still softer than other alloys such as stainless steel or platinum, so it may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best. Overall, 14k gold is a popular choice for those who want the look and feel of gold, but at a more affordable price point.
|