Design & Historical Context |
During the 1910s to 1950s, the design of jewelry remained creative and stylish despite being impacted by economic and military events. Jewelry fashions during this time were influenced by various parts of the world, including the Near and Far East, and featured both exotic and geometric patterns that reflected the emergence of the machine age. New York became an important center for fashion along with Paris, and European jewelry companies had the opportunity to sell to and purchase from the Indian subcontinent. Art Deco jewelry, characterized by the use of numerous gemstones, was popular during this time, and the use of gold in jewelry increased in popularity due to its lower cost compared to platinum. Jewelry design also attracted artists and designers from various fields, giving hints about the direction that the industry would take in the future.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
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.
Old-mine-cut diamond
The old mine cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1700s and was most prevalent during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is similar to today's cushion cut and is characterized by a squarish girdle with gently rounded corners, a high crown, a small table, and a large, flat culet.
Old mine cut diamonds are known for their antique charm and character, and they are often used in vintage-style jewelry. They have a softer, more romantic look than modern diamond cuts, which tend to have more precise geometry and a higher level of brilliance.
Old mine cut diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds with more modern cuts because they require less labor and material to produce. They are often used as accent stones in jewelry designs or as the main gemstone in vintage-style pieces. Despite their lower price, old mine cut diamonds can still be beautiful and valuable, and they are a popular choice for those who appreciate the unique charm and character of antique jewelry.
18k
18k gold is a type of gold alloy that is commonly used in jewelry making. It is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, silver, or palladium. The addition of other metals helps to increase the durability and strength of the gold, making it more suitable for use in jewelry. 18k gold is softer and more prone to scratching than higher karat golds, such as 22k or 24k, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry because of its warm, yellow color and good resistance to tarnishing. It is also less expensive than higher karat golds due to the smaller amount of gold used in the alloy. 18k gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry items.
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