Notes & stories
The Journal
tales from the jewelry box
What Is an Albert Chain? How to Wear an Antique Watch Chain Today
A watch chain's second life on a wrist. Antique Watch Chain Bracelet, 18K gold An Albert chain is a pocket watch chain with a T-bar...
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What Is a Tennis Bracelet (and Why Is It Called That)?
The line bracelet in its rarest color: natural rubies in 18K gold. Natural Ruby Tennis Bracelet, 18K solid gold A tennis bracelet is a flexible...
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What Is a Claddagh Ring? Hands, Heart and Crown Explained
The Claddagh's direct ancestor: clasped fede hands in 18K gold. Fede Hand Pendant, 18K gold, with 18K chain A Claddagh ring shows two hands holding...
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Types of Chain Necklaces Explained: Curb, Anchor, Bismarck and More
Two classics side by side: curb and bismarck links in silver. Vintage Silver Bracelets, Curb and Bismarck Chains have names, and knowing them turns "a...
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What Is an Eternity Ring and When Is It Given?
Diamonds carrying the message all the way round, 1920s. Antique Ring with Eternity Diamonds, 18K white gold, 1920s An eternity ring is a band set...
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How Much Is My Gold Worth? The Honest Math
36.6 grams of 14K: the label already contains most of the math. Geneva Link Necklace, 14K gold, 36.6 grams The floor value of any gold...
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Which Hand Does a Wedding Ring Go On? Traditions Around the World
A hundred years of marriage in one band: engraved, 18K, 1918. Edwardian Engraved Wedding Band, 18K gold, 1918 It depends on where you stand when...
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What Is a Cocktail Ring? Big Stones and Better Stories
Statement first, questions later: a Rose de France amethyst in 18K gold. Rose de France Amethyst Cocktail Ring, 18K gold, mid 1900s A cocktail ring...
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What Is a Charm Bracelet? A Life Told in Gold
A wrist full of stories, Italian, 1960. Italian Vintage Charm Bracelet, 14K gold, 1960 A charm bracelet is a chain built to carry small pendants,...
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Are Opals Bad Luck? The Truth Behind the Superstition
Unlucky? The Deco jewellers who made this disagreed. Antique Art Deco Ring with Opal and Diamonds, 18K white gold No. Opals are not bad luck,...
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How to Wear a Brooch: The Comeback Guide
A ribbon bow that works on a lapel or a chain. Ribbon Bow Pendant/Brooch, 18K gold, 1940s The brooch is officially back, and the honest...
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What Is Filigree Jewelry? Lace Made of Gold
Cannetille work around an aquamarine: wire coiled into lace. Antique Cannetille Aquamarine Necklace, 18K gold, Sweden 1921 Filigree is jewelry built from wire: threads of...
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