Eras

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.

Victorian Jewelry: The Romantic Years

Queen Victoria Ascends the Throne, Queen Victoria Marries Prince Albert, Industrial Revolution Grows, Rising Middle Class, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens defined the Romantic Years.

Designers, Makers & Retailers

Mauboussin: Masters of the Jewel

When it comes to jewelry, the French makers are known to be among the very best and one of those very best is Mauboussin.

Who Is Jean Baptiste Tavernier?

When you are doing any kind of research or reading about jewelry history, a few names always show up.

J.E. Caldwell: A Great American Jeweler

Lauded as one of the stellar creators of Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry in the United States, J.

Angela Cummings: Jewels With A Graphic Edge

Known for her metalwork and for designing jewelry punctuated with bursts of colored gemstones, Angela Cummings first made a name for herself designing for Tiffany & Co.

Fred Leighton on the Red Carpet

There’s fashion month and then there’s the red carpet, a parade of fabulously talented people wearing jaw dropping couture topped off with dazzling jew

Cartier: Le Voyage Recommencé

Throughout its history Cartier has been a leader in jewelry fabrication, creating a design vocabulary that sets it apart from all other jewelers.

Diamonds

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

King Edward VII’s Birthday and the Cullinan Diamond

It started out as just another day at work that ended with one of the most exciting diamond discoveries ever made: The Cullinan Diamond.

Hope Diamond: Is It Really Cursed?

The Hope Diamond is recognized for its fancy color, exceptional size and the legendary tales associated with it, most of which tell the misfortunes of those who owned the gem.

The Quiet Life of the Dresden Green Diamond

One of the rarest diamonds in the world is probably one you’ve never even heard of: The Dresden Gree

Pearls & Colored 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

Birthstones: Modern Jewels from Ancient Times

One of the most beloved jewelry traditions is the birthstone, a gem that is associated with the month in which you were born.

Phenomenal Gemstones: A Precious Light Show

Looking at a gemstone and its inner life is always intriguing, but some gems have distinctive optical effects that are particularly fascinating such as stars or color changes.

Moonstone: Gem of the Goddesses

Etheric and magical moonstone captures our imagination with its shifting light and connection to the moon.

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

Mythical Creatures Bejeweled

Chimeras, dragons and unicorns…oh my! Fantastical stories about the magical powers of these mythical beasts always entertain, making them a favorite motif in jewelry design through the centurie

The Legendary Ganna Walska and Her Jewels

Ambitious, audacious and attractive, Ganna Walska had an eye for fabulous jewels and the money to indulge her passion.

Wood Jewelry: The New Precious

Whenever we think of jewelry our thoughts immediately go to glittering gemstones and precious metals.

Snake Tales

The best snakes are always jeweled, their sinewy forms wrapped sensually around a finger, wrist or neck.

The Imitators: Paste, Gilt and Pinchbeck

Antique and vintage jewelry is filled with richly colored gemstones, diamonds and precious metals adorning the aristocracy and wealthy of bygone eras.

The Symbolism of Rings

A beautiful way to adorn oneself, rings have been filled with symbolism throughout history and even today.

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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