Eras

Etruscan Revival Jewelry: Sophisticated Style

Jewelry designers are inspired to create by what happens in the world around them and during the 1800s archeological finds were a huge influence.

Art Deco Jewelry: An Evolution of Style

When we talk about Art Deco jewelry, we are referencing jewelry that was made between 1920 and 1940.

Antique French Jewelry: 1800-1950

Every so often a book comes out that really explains jewelry history and the materials used in its fabrication, that is what “Antique French Jewelry: 1800-1950”, recently published by Flammarion, d

1980s Jewelry: Big and Bold

Reaganomics, New Conservatism, Wall Street, Yuppies, Preppies, Cable TV, MTV, Rap, Punk Rock, New Wave, New Age, Iran-Contra, Logomania, Princess Diana and anything big all defined the 1980s.

Victorian Jewelry: The Aesthetic Years

Electricity, Arts & Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, Suffragette Movement, Gibson Girls, Art Workers Guild, Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society, Sarah Bernhardt all defined the Aesthetic Years.

Victorian Jewelry: The Grand Years

Prince Albert dies, diamonds are discovered in South Africa, silver discovered in Nevada, archeological excavations, women enter the workforce in droves, suffragette movement begins, Suez Canal opens, opal discovered in Australia and Japonism were some of the events that defined the Grand Years.

Designers, Makers & Retailers

The Bold Jewelry of Paloma Picasso

Paloma Picasso forged a path in jewelry design on her own terms.

From the Hands of Jean Després

Jean Després was a French studio jeweler during the 20th century

The World of David Morris: The London Jeweler

Extraordinary gemstones, impeccable crafting and creative design, are all hallmarks of David Morris jewelry.

Chaumet: Tiaras, Josephine and Napoleon

With over 2,000 tiaras crafted since its inception in 1780, Chaumet has built a reputation on this powerful headpiece.

Solange: Jewelry for Chromantics

Every so often a jewelry designer comes along who perfectly captures the zeitgeist of our times and whose jewelry is destined to become a future collectible.

4 Gemstones Introduced by Tiffany & Co.

Best known for its dazzling diamonds, Tiffany & Co.

Diamonds

Diamonds of Golconda

In her book “Diamonds of Golconda”, published by SKIRA, author Capucine Juncker explores the history and lore around the gems that came from the legendary mi

The Legendary Koh-I-Noor Diamond

Tracing the history of the legendary Koh-I-Noor diamond from its origins to its journey to England and its place in the British Crown Jewels.

The Intriguing Tale of the Black Orlov Diamond

Diamonds that are famous enough to be named often come with fascinating back stories.

The Legend of Golconda Diamonds

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of India, some of the world’s most famous diamonds were foun

Harry Winston and the Tale of the Jonker Diamond

It was March 1, 1896 when the baby who would become the diamond whisperer Harry Winston, was born.

The Mysterious Life of the Princie Diamond

Every once in a while a diamond comes along that has it all — fabulous color, spectacular size, provenance and in some cases a little myster

Pearls & Colored Gemstones

Turquoise: Between Heaven and Earth

Turquoise is one of the most beloved and oldest of all gems, find out more about its history and lore.

An American Gem: Montana Sapphire

The accidental discovery of sapphire in Montana during the 1860s gold rush led to a new mining industry in the Treasure State.

What’s Your Anniversary Gemstone?

A guide to gifting anniversary gemstones.

Colombia’s Treasure: Emeralds

Deep in the heart of the mountainous semitropical region of Colombia you’ll find the mines that produce what are considered to be some of the world’s finest emeralds, highly valued for their color, clarity and qual

Saltwater or Freshwater Pearls: What’s Your Type?

Pearls are one of the most intriguing of all gems.

The Legendary Beauty of Burma Rubies

Nestled deep in the mountainous region of the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, you’ll find the legendary mines that produced some of the world’s finest rub

Bridal

Engaged With Color

Everyone has a favorite color and most likely that color is favored because it either makes you feel good, or it’s a color that looks good on you when you wear i

What’s Your Diamond Shape?

Choosing an engagement ring celebrates a milestone in your relationship and from a sentimental point of view, it is perhaps the most important piece of jewelry you will ever own in your lifetime.

6 Reasons to Buy A Vintage Engagement Ring

There’s a lot to take into consideration when choosing an engagement ring, after all it’s a piece of jewelry that you’ll be wearing daily for many years to

The Engaging History of the Engagement Ring

Rose Cut diamond, 14-karat gold and silver, circa 1900, courtesy of French Collection One of the most highly anticipated rituals around marriage is getting engaged and with that announcement comes a little something sparkly…usually a diamond rin

The Charm of Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings

For those who love reading Jane Austen and sipping tea from a china cup, a vintage engagement ring may be the right choice.

Behind the Scenes

The Mighty Bead: Jewelry, Money and Prayer

Beads have a long history of being used for jewelry, money and prayer.

Mourning Jewelry: Remembering The Ones We Love

Wearing mourning jewelry to remember loved ones is a time honored tradition that reached its peak in Victorian England.

Your Guide to Jewelry Setting Styles

Ten setting styles used in jewelry design.

George Frederick Kunz: Tiffany & Co.’s First Gemologist

Find out how George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany & Co.

Egyptomania: A Fascination with all Things Egyptian

Motifs inspired by ancient Egypt were a popular theme in jewelry during the Victorian era and early 20th century.

Hearts, Jewelry and Valentine’s Day

A brief history of how Valentine’s Day became a day to celebrate lov

IAJA Expertise

Meet the Expert: Angela Hedges

From a small town to the bright lights of the Big City, a passion for theater and a college job in Indiana launched a career in jewelry that led Angela Hedges to New York City and her dream job: Director of Archives & Estate Jewelry for Harry Winston.

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