Antique Jewelry

Cartier is known for its fine jewelry and watch manufacturing. It was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier. It was later operated by his son, Alfred Cartier, and in 1874 by Alfred’s sons Louis, Pierre and Jacques.The first wrist watch was designed in 1907. It was a flat watch with a unique square bezel containing a Jaeger movement. The watch was called the Santos and is still...

Tiffany was founded on September 18, 1837 with a partner John B. Young. The name of the company at that time was Tiffany & Young. In 1841, partner J.L. Ellis joined the firm with the company name changing once again to Tiffany, Young and Ellis. Tiffany became the sole owner in 1850 and Tiffany & Company, Inc. came into being in 1868. Charles Tiffany was born on February 15, 1812....

All gold is yellow gold. The mixture of other alloys turns yellow gold to white, rose or green gold. Gold Alloys Pure gold, 24 karat, is too soft to use for jewelry. It is for that reason that other alloys are mixed with it to make it stronger. White Gold Alloys Nickel or palladium is the alloy used when mixed with gold that turns the yellow gold to white gold....

The Unger Bros. out of Newark, New Jersey promoted themselves as jewelry manufacturers, silversmiths and glass cutters. The immigrant Unger family came to New Jersey from Germany. Herman, the oldest son began the manufacturing of silver items in 1878. All five sons joined the firm, but William, George and Frederick died in 1879. Herman and Eugene, the surviving sons, became officers in the firm, Herman as a silversmith and Eugene...