Design & Historical Context |
The Edwardian period, which began in 1901 with the death of Queen Victoria and the ascension of her son King Edward, was a time of opulence and extravagance. This was reflected in the jewelry of the time, which often featured expensive gems such as diamonds, emeralds, and rubies in intricate and ornate designs. The jewelry of the Edwardian period was characterized by its delicate and feminine aesthetic, with a focus on intricate details and intricate metalwork. Many of the pieces from this period were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, which favored natural and organic forms, as well as the Rococo style, which was characterized by elaborate and ornate decorative elements. Overall, the Edwardian period was a time of great creativity and innovation in the world of jewelry, and many of the pieces produced during this time are still highly prized and collected today.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Sapphire
Sapphire is a mineral made from aluminum oxide that is known for its beautiful colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, purple, and orange.
The most popular variety of sapphire is blue sapphire, which has a medium to deep blue color and strong saturation. Blue sapphire is typically the most popular and most affordable of the three major precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, and sapphire) and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Fancy sapphires, which are available in a variety of different colors, are often more rare and expensive than blue sapphires and are prized for their unique and beautiful colors.
Sapphire is a very hard and durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 9 out of 10, which makes it resistant to scratches and other types of damage. It is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine and meditation practices.
Rose-cut diamond
The rose cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1500s and remained common during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is characterized by a flat bottom with a dome-shaped crown that rises to a single apex, giving the diamond a shape that resembles a rose bud. Rose cut diamonds can have anywhere from 3 to 24 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Unlike modern diamond cuts, such as the round brilliant or princess cut, the rose cut has a lower crown and a less brilliant appearance. It is a more primitive diamond cut that was used before the development of more advanced cutting techniques. However, it is still a popular choice for collectors of antique jewelry and for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage cuts.
Rose 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, rose 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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