Notes & stories
The Journal
tales from the jewelry box
What Is Art Deco Jewelry? How to Recognize the 1920s Style
Geometry you can wear. Art Deco Bangle, 18K gold Art Deco jewelry is the style of roughly 1920 to 1935: geometric, symmetrical, architectural, built in...
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Antique vs Vintage vs Estate Jewelry: What Is the Difference?
Antique by every definition: French Art Deco, about a century old. French Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Bracelet, 18K gold The three words get used as...
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What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry? Sterling Silver Explained
French sterling, signed Arthus Bertrand. Sterling Silver Horse Bracelet, 1940s 925 means the metal is 92.5% pure silver, which is the sterling standard. The remaining...
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How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home (US, UK and European Sizes)
Two Art Deco bands, both size 5. Antique rings come in the sizes they come in. Antique Art Deco Bands, 23K gold, 1927 and 1933...
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How to Tell if Pearls Are Real: The Tooth Test and What Comes After
Pearls, amethyst and gold: the real thing has depth. Pearl Choker with Amethyst and 18K Gold The famous test works: rub a pearl gently against...
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How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real: Home Tests That Actually Work
Two carats of old cut diamonds, England, 1910s. Antique Threestone Old Cut Diamond Ring The honest answer up front: home tests can tell you "probably...
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What Does a Snake Ring Mean? Serpent Symbolism in Antique Jewelry
A serpent from the 1800s, diamonds set in the head. Antique Serpent Ring, Old Cut Diamonds, 18K gold, 1800s A snake ring means eternal love...
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Antique Diamonds vs Lab Grown: Which Should You Buy?
Stones cut by hand more than a century ago. Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle, 18K gold, circa 1900 Let me say the honest part...
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What Should You Do With Inherited Jewelry?
The kind of piece that carries a family in it. Antique Heart Locket, 14K gold, Sweden, 1910s First, the two things not to do: do...
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14K vs 18K Gold: What Is the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Danish 14K gold: a little paler, a lot tougher. Jumbo Geneva Link Necklace, 14K gold, 1960s The short answer: 14K gold is 58.5% pure gold...
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Can Antique Rings Be Resized? What Is Safe and What Is Not
The resize cut is made at the bottom of the gold shank, far from the stones. Antique Swedish Ring, Old Cut Diamonds and Sapphire, 18K...
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What Is a Rose Cut Diamond?
The soft, domed glow that no modern cut has. Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Earrings, 1800s A rose cut diamond is flat on the bottom and...
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