Notes & stories
The Journal
tales from the jewelry box
How to Store Jewelry So It Lasts Another Hundred Years
Sixty years old and unscratched, which is storage doing its job. Vintage Amethyst Bezel Set X Link Bracelet, 1963 The single rule that prevents most...
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How to Clean Antique Jewelry Safely (and What Never to Clean)
A century of shine, kept with nothing stronger than soap. Antique Watch Chain Necklace, 14K gold, 47.8 grams The safe method for most antique gold...
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What Is a Locket? Small Doors, Big Feelings
The classic shape of the keeping-place: a puffy heart locket in silver. Vintage Silver Puffy Heart Locket Pendant A locket is a pendant with a...
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Birthstones by Month: The Complete Guide
February's stone at full volume. Big Amethyst Cocktail Ring, 18K gold, 1950s Birthstones assign each month a gem, a tradition with roots in antiquity that...
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What Is Rose Gold? The Blushing Alloy Explained
The soft blush of copper-rich gold. Rose Gold Bismarck Bracelet, 18K gold, 1960 Rose gold is real gold alloyed with a higher share of copper,...
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White Gold vs Yellow Gold: What Is the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
White gold doing what it does best: carrying diamonds. Danish Diamond Bracelet, 1.20 ct, 18K white gold, 26 grams White gold and yellow gold are...
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What Is Edwardian Jewelry? The Lightest Era of Them All
Edwardian lightness in link form. Edwardian Fancy Link Bracelet, 14K gold, 1910s Edwardian jewelry is the jewelry of roughly 1901 to 1915, made in the...
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What Is Victorian Jewelry? A Guide to the Era
High Victorian and hallmarked to prove it: a citrine in 20K gold, 1862. Antique Victorian Citrine Ring, 20K gold, 1862 Victorian jewelry is jewelry made...
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Why Does Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green (and How Do You Stop It)?
Sterling silver is 7.5% copper, which is why even fine antique silver can leave a faint green trace on a warm day. Harmless, and part...
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What Is a Cameo? How to Tell if Yours Is Real and Valuable
A carved profile in an 18K gold frame, Swedish. Antique Cameo Pendant, 18K gold, Sweden A cameo is a miniature sculpture: a design carved in...
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What Is a Signet Ring and How Do You Wear One?
Edwardian red agate, Swedish, 1908. Antique Signet Ring, red agate, 18K gold, 1908 A signet ring is a ring with a flat face, in metal...
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What Is Mourning Jewelry? Jet, Hair Work and Victorian Remembrance
An enamel mourning charm on a gold watch chain, dated 1937. Antique Watch Chain with Mourning Charm, 18K gold Mourning jewelry is jewelry made and...
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