Late Georgian Jewelry

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...

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...

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...

Cultured pearls are grown in saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels and are organic in nature. Freshwater pearl necklaces have been found as far back as 200 B.C. in archaeological burial mounds in the state of Ohio.  Unbelievable, but true. Pearls contain layers of nacre which is secreted from mollusks around an irritant.  Natural pearls are very uncommon and considered most valuable as compared to farm grown pearls which are most...