Antique Jewelry

The most popular stone in the Art Nouveau Period was the Alexandrite, Celluloid, Demantoid Garnets, Pearls, Moonstones, and Peridot. Alexandrite was the newest stone being used.  This stone comes from Siberia and is a lovely dark green which is transparent.  Under artificial light, Alexandrites turn to a pigeon blood red. Celluloid was a new material which was made into combs, bracelets, necklaces and brooches.  Since this material was less expensive,...

It was not uncommon for Victorian women to use locks of hair from a child held in a special compartment of a locket, brooch or ring.  This sentimental feeling brought about an increasing interest in hair jewelry. According to Godey’s Lady Book, in 1850 hairwork became a drawing-room occupation.  “By acquiring a knowledge of this art, ladies will be themselves enabled to manufacture the hair of beloved friends and relatives...

When Victoria came into power, cameos were already very popular.  In 1805, a school was started in Rome called “a Prix de Rome” founded by Pope Leo XII to learn the craft of cameo engraving. Although stone was used for the earliest cameos, shell cameos were later used to reduce its cost.  Cameos were designed in rings, brooches, earrings and bracelets.  Surprisingly, men also wore cameos as watch fobs, rings...

Iran formally known as Persia remains the most significant source of turquoise for over 2000 years. Turquoise was used to decorate mosques, turbans and brides and today is used to make beautiful turquoise rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The Aztecs used inlaid turquoise with gold, quartz, malachite, jade, coral and shells in ceremonial mosaic objects and masks. Egyptians used turquoise as far back as Tutankhamun’s Tomb decorating the burial mask...