Gemstones and Pearl Jewelry
Baroque Pearl
This illustrated glossary-style article defines the baroque pearl, tracing its history.
Garland Style: Quintessential Belle Epoque/Edwardian Jewelry
Around the turn of the 20th century, the most à la mode jewelry was white – white stones, white metal setting – and designed in the garland style. The garland style, very typical of Edwardian Era/Belle Epoque jewelery, features diamonds and pearls in lacy, graceful settings. This illustrated article identifies the garland style in antique jewelery.
Garnet Jewelry Price Guide
Wondering how much old garnet jewelry is worth? Take a look at this illustrated guide for values and more information on antique Bohemian garnet jewelry.
Old Mine Cut
There’s a gold mine of information about old mine cut gems in this glossary-style article. Learn to recognize the old mine cut – the latest thing in jewelry in the 1750s, making gems sparkle like never before.
New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show July 2011
Some of the jewelry offered at the Fifth Annual New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show held in July 2011.
Rose Cut
Back in the 1600s, the rose cut was the latest way to make a gemstone or diamond shine. This glossary-style article describes the rose cut, an antique way of faceting gems to improve their glitter.
Tiffany Setting
What is a Tiffany setting? The Tiffany setting looks so modern, it's hard to believe it is 125 years old. This glossary-style article defines the Tiffany setting and shows several examples of it.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Set in Style
A review of the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum's exhibit "Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels." This article on "Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels" describes the exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt, which displays a century's worth of jewelry designed by the prestigious firm.
Amber - Frozen Moments in Time
Text only article on the formation and inclusions in amber along with other interesting facts.
Birthstones
A complete listing of birthstones with the associated lore for each month.
Birthstone Facts and Folklore
A guide to birthstones outlining both facts and folklore relating to the gems.
Famous Gems in the Smithsonian
View some of nature's finery with gems and jewelry included in this popular museum collection. Includes the Hope Diamond, Bismark Sapphire and Napoleon Diamond Necklace.
Gemstone Lore
This fun listing of gemstones provides information on birthstones, zodiac signs, anniversaries in relation to gemstones and also includes folklore associated with each type of stone.
Jade Color Chart
If you think green when you think Jade, think again. This beautiful stone comes in a number of colors.
Pearl Wisdom
Learn to tell the difference between natural and cultured pearls with this Antiques Roadshow tip of the trade.
The Rainbow of Gems
An excellent resource for identifying and learning more about a wide variety of natural and manmade gemstones.
Sotheby's Fine Jewels Auction
On July 13, 2011 Sotheby’s London held its summer Fine Jewels auction. One of the most interesting items in the century-spanning collection was an anemones brooch designed by René Lalique. Yet the brooch wasn’t the top-seller of the auction. Read on for the highlights.