Antique jewelry can be very beautiful and unique. However, it can also be a bit intimidating for someone just starting. Luckily, there are several resources out there that will help you get started. Here are some of them.
Engraved Shoulders
Considering the number of rings on display at the local jeweler, one could argue that it’s no surprise that engraved shoulders are a dime a dozen, and it’s not hard to see why. In addition to a ring of diamonds, one is also tasked with selecting the sexiest dress for a wedding or a date night at a fine dining establishment. This task can be daunting, especially for someone with a modest budget and a busy lifestyle. With that in mind, a little foresight and forethought can go a long way. So what’s the most important thing to consider? A ring should be as classy as the woman in question.
Luckily, the Victorians were not stingy when it came to diamonds. Among the common species were diamond engagement rings, ornate gents’ rings, and bespoke ladies’ rings. However, this was only sometimes the case. Despite the best efforts of the ring sexers, many of the faithful still needed a hand. For this reason, it’s often a good idea to seek out the experts; a little guidance from the pros can go a long way.
Engraved Fineness Marks
If you are looking for antique jewelry, you must understand its markings. These markings, also known as hallmarks, will help you determine the purity of the metal used and its authenticity.
Jewelry markings are engraved or stamped on a piece of jewelry. They are usually the result of the assay office, an institution that tests the purity of the metals used in jewelry. The marks may be visible or hidden.
Jewelry makers are required to stamp their names and initials on their creations. This allows customers to verify the maker’s name and the fineness of the metal. Sometimes, the marks can reveal the date of manufacture and the materials used.
Four primary kinds of hallmarks can be found on a piece of jewelry. These include the fineness mark, the maker’s mark, the assay office mark, and the symbol. Some of these are more complicated than others.
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s marks are the names of the manufacturer, craftsman, or firm that made an antique piece of jewelry. They are used to identify the maker and verify its authenticity.
Jewelry maker marks are often tiny etchings or symbols on a copper plate. They can be found on gold and silver pieces and provide a clue to the origin and epoch of the piece.
Depending on the country, a maker’s mark may have different shapes, sizes, and content. Some makers’ marks are registered with the assay office. Other countries do not require registration. However, it is important to know what to look for.
Hallmarks are not only useful to date and identify an item, but they also indicate the purity of the metal that is used in the piece. Many hallmarks also contain information on the company that made the piece.
A maker’s mark is usually a small, pictorial mark with a lozenge outline. It may include the name of the maker and their initials. If the maker’s mark is registered, it becomes a trademark, which can be easily traced.
When looking for a maker’s mark on an antique piece of jewelry, it is important to check with an experienced buyer. This person can help you determine if the piece is genuine and if the maker’s mark has been worn or stamped off.
One of the best resources for learning about jewelry maker’s marks is Antique Jewelry University. Their database lists maker’s marks from various periods and regions.
Gemstones
Gemstones in antique jewelry are often used as decorative elements with symbolism attached. Some gemstones are cut specifically for jewelry, and others are carved to create inlays. They are also known for their rarity and beauty.
One of the most important characteristics of gemstones is that they are translucent. They are usually faceted to reflect light. In some cases, they may exhibit double refraction and luminescence.
They are often classified into two categories based on their colors, transparency, and hardness. These include precious stones, like diamonds, and semi-precious gems like opals.
Sapphires, garnets, and emeralds are typically considered precious gemstones. Ruby, onyx, and aquamarine are considered semi-precious.
Another term for semi-precious stones is hardstone. Hardstone refers to gemstones that have been carved or engraved. This was a popular luxury art form in ancient times.
The earliest known style of stone setting is the bezel. A thin metal strip around a gemstone is set with prongs to hold it in place. Other styles of setting include the princess cut and the French Cut.
Colored glass is another common way to imitate gemstones. The colored glass will have the shape of a brilliant round diamond. Its color is also determined by the number of impurities it contains.
Synthetic stones are made chemically identical to their natural counterparts but are often artificially created.
Some more popular gemstones for antique jewelry are amethyst, ruby, and citrine. The deep purple amethyst is considered the finest. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and ranges in hues from light to saturated purple.
