Emerald The name Emerald is derived from the ancient Greek word smaragdos which translates to "green gem" or "green stone". This word smaragdos itself is likely to have derived from the Persian word zamarat meaning "heart of stone" or it could have derived from the Sanskrit word marakata meaning "the green of growing things". The Greek word smaragdos [...]
Amethyst The name Amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word "Amethystos" which is a combination of the Greek prefix"a-" meaning "not" and the word "Methysko" meaning "intoxicate". So the name literally translates to "not intoxicate" or "not drunk". This name came from the long-held belief the ancient Greeks had, that this gemstone could [...]
Cleaning and Care of Antique Jewellery Antique jewellery is a beautiful and timeless investment, but it is important to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for generations to come. Gold Jewellery Gold jewellery is relatively easy to take care of. To clean gold jewellery, simply allow it to soak in [...]
Diamonds Explained: The Antique & Vintage Buyer's Guide The most common types of antique diamonds which you will find on the market today are Old European cuts, Old Mine cuts, Briolettes, and Rose cuts. Old Asscher cuts are available, but they are rare. When looking at antique diamonds, they are assessed using the same [...]
Ring Size Guide Firstly make sure that your finger is at normal temperature, before measuring it. If your finger is cold then it will shrink or if your finger is hot it will expand, giving you an incorrect measurement. To measure accurately you will need a ruler or measuring tape, a pen and a [...]
Mid-Century Jewellery The term Mid-Century Jewellery generally covers the design style of the 1950s. It received its name in 1984 from a book called "Mid-Century Modern : furniture of the 1950s". Suburban California in the 1950s pretty accurately sums up architectural and interior design of the time. Low flat roofs with lots of large [...]
Retro Jewellery Retro jewellery also called cocktail jewellery generally covers the period from the late 1930s to the 1940s. It was a period of jewellery history which was greatly influenced by world war II. Leading to large, bold and colourful statement pieces becoming popular. The war as can be imagined sent Europe into disarray. [...]
Art Deco Jewellery The Art Deco Jewellery period started in 1920 and continued until 1935. It received its name from the International Exposition Of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, held in Paris in 1925. The Art Deco jewellery period is regarded as one of the most important in the history of jewellery design. The [...]
Edwardian Jewellery The Edwardian Jewellery period started in 1901 with the reign of King Edward VII and lasted for four years after his death until 1914. This era corresponds to the Art Nouveau era and the Belle Epoque era of continental Europe. It is also the last jewellery period to be named after an [...]
Art Nouveau Jewellery Art Nouveau meaning "new art" was a movement which started in Europe in 1890 and lasted until about 1915. Which coexisted with the Victorian era and the Edwardian era. The movement received its name from Siegfried Bing. Who opened an art gallery in 1895 called Maison de lÀrt Nouveau, which translates [...]