Notes & stories
The School of Fine Jewelry
lessons in antique & vintage jewelry
Monogram Jewelry: Wearing Initials, Yours or Otherwise
Discover why a stranger's monogram might be the best feature of an antique piece, and how to read, buy and commission letters that carry real...
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What Is Filigree Jewelry? Lace Made of Gold
Discover how goldsmiths coax gold and silver wire into lace, why cannetille spirals belonged to the early 1800s, and how to tell handmade filigree from...
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What Is Edwardian Jewelry? The Lightest Era of Them All
Discover why Edwardian jewelry is the lightest and laciest ever made, how she differs from her Victorian mother and Art Deco daughter, and how you...
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What Is Victorian Jewelry? A Guide to the Era
Come learn what makes a Victorian piece truly Victorian, from her three distinct eras to the secret meanings hidden in snakes, hearts, and hair lockets.
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What Is Mourning Jewelry? Jet, Hair Work and Victorian Remembrance
Curious why the Victorians wore hair, jet and black enamel to grieve? I walk you through the materials, the meaning and how to spot the...
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What Is Art Deco Jewelry? How to Recognize the 1920s Style
Learn what makes a piece truly Art Deco, from her platinum settings and old European cuts to the hand finished back that gives her away,...
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Antique vs Vintage vs Estate Jewelry: What Is the Difference?
Ever wondered what truly separates antique, vintage, and estate jewelry? I'll show you the real definitions, the legal age lines, and how to spot honest...
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The History Of The First Diamond Cuts
Come along on a journey through diamond history, from the raw point cuts of the 1300s to the romantic candlelit sparkle of the rose cut.
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