Estate Jewelry

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...

The seven factors that determine the value of your pearl earrings, brooches, bracelets and strands of pearls are: "Size Shape Color Luster Surface Quality Nacre Quality Orient" as described by the Gemological Institute of America. Pearl Size Pearls are measured in millimeter (mm) size and equals one measure of value. Rarity is a major factor in value as well. For instance, the standard size of an akoya pearls is 6...

Arts and Crafts Movement was an interesting time in which jewelry making, mainly in silver with uncut and cabochon cut stones, was performed from start to finish by one craftsman. Brightly colored enameling was often used. Brooches were popular in that movement. The jewelers during that time were traditionalist.  They did not follow the industrial revolution that occurred in the Victorian Period where jewelry was first stamped out and then...

Platinum is one of the rarest metals on earth.   This precious metal comes out of the ground pure white. Some of the most delicately made vintage engagement rings and jewelry is made in platinum. Eighty percent of platinum production comes from Africa. During times of economic stability, platinum is twice as expensive as gold.  Economic uncertainty brings the price of platinum down sometimes lower than gold. The biggest benefit of...