Design & Historical Context |
Vintage jewelry refers to jewelry that was produced a certain number of years ago, typically at least 20 years or more. It is often characterized by its unique style, craftsmanship, and use of materials that are no longer in production or are hard to find.
Vintage jewelry can be made from a wide variety of materials, including gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds, as well as less precious materials such as costume jewelry or Bakelite. It can be influenced by a variety of styles and movements, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Retro.
One of the key features of vintage jewelry is its uniqueness and individuality. Unlike modern jewelry, which is often mass-produced, vintage jewelry is often one-of-a-kind or part of a limited production run. This makes it highly collectible and sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
Vintage jewelry is often associated with a sense of history and nostalgia, and it can be a way to connect with the past and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of earlier periods. It is highly collectible and can be found at vintage stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces.
|
Materials & Craftsmanship |
Brilliant-cut diamond
The round brilliant cut is a type of diamond cut that was developed in the early 1900s and is now the most popular and widely used diamond cut. It is characterized by a circular girdle and 58 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance. Unlike the old European cut, the round brilliant cut does not have a culet (the bottom edge of the diamond).
The round brilliant cut was designed to maximize the fire and brilliance of a diamond, and it has become the standard cut for diamonds. It is known for its bright, sparkling appearance and is often used in engagement rings and other high-end jewelry. The round brilliant cut became prevalent during the Art Deco and Retro periods and is still widely used today.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are typically more expensive than diamonds with other cuts because they require more labor and material to produce. However, they are considered the highest quality and most desirable type of diamond cut, and they are a popular choice for those who want the highest level of sparkle and brilliance in their jewelry.
Platinum
Platinum is a white metallic element that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to tarnish and corrosion. It belongs to a group of elements called the platinum group metals, which also includes osmium, iridium, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium.
Platinum is often found in nature as an alloy, which is a mixture of two or more elements. It can be mixed with other platinum group metals or with other elements such as copper, nickel, or cobalt. It wasn't until 1804 that all of the elements in the platinum group were isolated and named, with the exception of osmium, which was not isolated until 1841.
Platinum is a highly prized metal that is often used in the manufacture of fine jewelry. It is malleable, meaning that it can be easily molded and shaped, and it is ductile, meaning that it can be drawn into thin wires or sheets. It is also very strong, which makes it suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
Platinum is named after the Spanish word "platina," which means "little silver." It is thought to have been named this because of its white metallic luster, which is similar to that of silver. Platinum was first discovered by the Spanish conquistadors in South America, near the Pinto River in present-day Columbia.
|