Archive for April, 2009
Care of your vintage siver charm bracelet
Posted by: | CommentsFrom my postbag:
How do I clean my vintage silver charm bracelet?
My reply:
Many people prefer to leave their charm bracelets to acquire a vintage silver patina and do not clean them unless they are exceptionally dirty.
Should you decide that yours needs a clean here are a few things to think about:
- Is it plain silver or do some of the charms have other materials in them?
Have you looked inside all the charms? Some like a passport or bible may have paper pages inside which could get damaged in the cleaning process. The same applies to ” Mad money” Others may be set with tiny stones which would come loose if they become wet . Painted charm may loose their colour and ones where the detail is behind glass will discolour . Enamel travel shields should also be treated very gently. If you are determined to clean your bracelet these charms must be removed first. Just snip through the O ring with a pair of pliers and twist the ends apart. Save the O ring and you can re-add your charm later
Cleaning your plain silver charm bracelet
Once all the charms with non silver detail have been removed you can now clean you bracelet as if it was plain silver. Personally I use an ultra sonic machine with just a tiny drop of non-citrus washing up liquid in the water. You can use a silver cleaner which you buy from the supermarket – follow their instructions and wash the bracelet under the tap afterwards.
I do not recommend silver dipping unless it is as a last resort – your bracelet will just be too shiny and will look new rather than vintage.
Dry your bracelet with a lint free cloth. You may like to take this opportunity to check that all the O rings are secure.
Now any removed charms can be re-attached to your bracelet
Please follow a general rule when considering cleaning your charm bracelet – gently does it.
Care of Wedgwood Jasper jewellery
Posted by: | CommentsCare of Wedgwood Jasper jewellery
From my Postbag:
I have Wedgwood jewelry from the 1970s. How do I clean it and maintain it? I am not having much luck finding the info on the web.
My Answer:
With this Wedgwood jasper jewellery we have two different materials to consider – the jasper and the metal it is mounted in. We also need to take a look at how it is mounted to decide how we can clean it.
Firstly – can you see the back of the jasper? If so it has an open mount. If the back is covered by metal then it is a closed mount.
Wedgwood Jewellery
Care of Wedgwood Jewellery with an open mount
Is the metal gold, silver or costume jewellery? Take a close look and you will find it written on it if it is gold or silver – perhaps some hallmarks or perhaps the word ” silver”. If neither of these appear for safety’s sake please assume it is costume jewellery and use only soap and water.
If the mount is silver or gold then your Wedgwood jasper jewellery is safe to clean in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner with just water and a touch of washing up liquid ( not citrus scented). If you do not have an ultrasonic cleaner you can use a soft toothbrush instead.
If the gold or silver is very dirty you can clean that with a little jewellery cleaner appropriate to the metal but use a cotton wool bud and avoid getting the cleaner on the jasper.
Now a quick rinse in clean water and dab dry with a lint free cloth and your Wedgwood Jewellery should be ready to wear.
Care of Wedgwood jasper Jewellery with closed mount
We need to take special care of Wedgwood jasper jewellery with a closed mount as if this gets wet the water may get between the jasper and the metal. This could lead to the metal rusting ( not silver or gold mount) or the jasper coming unstuck from the mount. With these pieces you need to clean the jasper carefully with water and a little washing up liquid without getting it wet. You can dip an old toothbrush into the water and then partially dry the tooth brush and clean it with that. Dab the jewellery dry with a little lint free cloth.
Similarly you will need to clean the gold or silver separately – perhaps using a cotton wool bud and some jewellery cleaner appropriate to the metal
5 vintage cameos – works of art set as Jewellery
Posted by: | CommentsToday I’m taking a look at the variety of cameos available to be worn as Jewellery. The cameo is a picture which stands above the background it is set on – a miniature work of art. Here are just five cameos available from antiquesavenue:
1. The classical Victorian Cameo brooch
The classical Victorian cameo brooch depicts a the profile of a Roman lady. These were hand carved in Italy and brought back from the Grand tour. Sometimes the picture is of the lady who was on the grand tour who had the cameo carved in her own likeness . These cameos are made from shell . When you are buying a cameo like this do hold it up to a strong light so that you can check it for cracks.
cameo brooch
This cameo has the advantage of being carved from marble which was stone white. Marble was not as easy to carve as shell and so usually is not quite so intricate but still very interesting. Again this cameo brooch would have been made in Italy.
Very rare and very sought after. Cameo habilles are dressed with their own tiny Jewels. This ring has a cameo habille set into one set – the lady is wearing a diamond. Some cameos are carved so that they depict jewellery being worn ut this is not the same . To be a true cameo habille the piece must have added jewellery
4. A pinchbeck cameo
This Classical gent is Asclepius – son of Apollo and God of Medicine. In addition to being well carved he is set into a pinchbeck frame. Pinchbeck is a highly sought after gold substitute which had not been available since the Victorian era.
wedgwood cameo
5. A Wedgwood Cameo
Wedgwood cameos are made from jasper and available is a whole range of colours. This ring is white on black. AntiuqesAvenue also has white on blue and white on green cameos. These cameos are not carved but the white areas are moulded and applied to the coloured background in a process known as sprigging. Cameos are available in other colours and colour combinations but these are quite rare. Wedgwood mounted their cameos in gold, silver and sometimes base metal so do check before you buy. If you can see the reverse please take a look and see if the Wedgwood name is present as other makers also produced this type of cameo.
Diamond Engagement Rings – A History
Posted by: | CommentsWhy do lovers give diamond rings when they get engaged? How have these changed over the centuries?
Nothing is more endearing than a diamond engagement ring. For centuries, diamond engagement rings have been given by lovers to secure a lady’s hand in marriage and announce a couple’s undying love to the world. No other piece of jewelry so clearly communicates such a specific message.
So where did the tradition of this special piece of jewelry begin and why does it still continue to be such a standard symbol of engagement? Diamonds have always been revered as precious stones due to their beauty and rarity. They were first discovered sometime around 800 B.C., and many cultures believed they had magical properties.
Why diamonds on an engagement ring? Most likely, it’s because diamonds are not only pretty, rare, and a sizable investment for most people, but also because of the diamond’s symbolism. The word ‘diamond’ is believed to be derived from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means unconquerable – just like the extreme strength and hardness properties of diamonds. A bond of marriage is hoped to be unconquerable, so it’s a fitting stone choice.
There’s even symbolism behind why we use a ring to show engagement. A ring has always had a symbolic purpose when it comes to sealing a marriage, mainly because of its circular, unending link to eternity.
The first recorded diamond engagement ring was in the 1400’s. It was reserved for the wealthy and well-connected royalty. The earliest recipient of a diamond engagement ring is believed to be Mary of Burgundy who was engaged to Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in the year 1477.
Early diamond engagement rings looked much different than the refined cuts and jewelry settings of today. Early engagement rings were often left uncut in their natural crystal form. Sometimes they were set in patterns that included rosettes, important letters or symbolic shapes such as the fleur-de-lis. The ring band itself often had messages of endearment inscribed on the band.
Depending on the country of origin, early 16th and 17th century diamond engagement rings had local flair and unique regional design. For example, in Italy, a popular style consisted of a band that was shaped as two hands clasped together holding a diamond cut heart.
The supply of diamonds dramatically increased in the 1700’s with the discovery of Brazilian diamond stores. This period of time produced many elegant and romantically styled diamond engagement rings. Styles from this period included heart diamonds crowned with accents, diamonds set with bows and flower sprays.
More diamonds became available to the general consumer in the latter part of the 19th century thanks to the wealth that resulted from the Industrial Revolution as well as the discovery of a plethora of diamonds in Africa. The increase in the ability to buy diamonds, plus the increase in the overall market supply made more people able to buy diamond engagement rings. It was during this time that the tradition of an engagement ring prior to being married became popular. The Victorian age was a perfect time to introduce such a tradition, too – this romantic period of sentimental themes flourished with diamond jewelry. The Victorian era is known for large cluster settings with diamond bands. Symbolism was popular as well, with Queen Victoria herself donning a snake engagement ring with coils representing eternal love. It was in 1886, the middle of the Victorian era, that Tiffany & Co. premiered its still-classic six-prong diamond solitaire engagement ring.
Most of the classic engagement rings, antique diamond engagement rings, and estate jewelry engagement rings found today are from the early 1900’s. During this period of time, filigrees made with white gold and platinum were the most common. Many women today look for classically style diamond engagement rings that have a style of yesteryear – Art Deco-inspired rings with geometric shaped bands and accent gems, or the Edwardian look of simple lacey details and engraving are exceedingly popular now, but give a hint of sophistication and class that stands out from today’s modern designs.
Yellow gold diamond engagement rings were common during the 1930’s and 40’s. These heirloom style rings often had delicate engravings in the bands and were accented by diamond solitaires or other gem accents in different colors like ruby, sapphire or emerald. Delicate flowers, leaves, and ivy often accented cut diamonds and added to the enhancement of the custom wedding band. The settings during the period become more sophisticated, often using the setting to best showcase a particular diamond cut.
Over the years, the diamond setting and cut, as well as the overall ring design has changed depending on the style of the women wearing it. After all, it’s a piece of jewelry a women hopes to wear for her entire life so it should match her personality. The styles can range from antique, to classic, to modern and contemporary. Among all of the possibilities in diamond engagement ring designs, there is at least one perfect engagement ring that will match every woman’s taste and style.
How about a genuine vintage ring for your engagement? AntiquesAvenue offers a selection along with vintage jewellery for your wedding day.
5 Antique Brooches – Jewellery from the past
Posted by: | CommentsBrooches have been worn since the ancient times however most of the antique brooches we see today are from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Here is a little look at 5 special antique brooches typical of those from the past which are still available today
1. Antique Georgian mourning brooch.
This little brooch is in the form of a glass covered locket containing a little plait of hair. It is made of what is known as “Gold Filled” which is a heavy gold plate over a base metal. the frame is surrounded by seed pearls. In Victorian times pearls were the symbol for tears so I believe this is a mourning brooch rather than one given by a sweetheart
Antiuqe Georgian Brooch
2. Victorian Hand painted porcelain Brooch
Hand painting on porcelain plaques was carried out in art studios all over Europe and these were popular set as brooches. You can often find them with children or birds on. I rather like this flower on as it is more unusual:
Victorian flower brooch
Jet is a form of fossilised coal, the best jet comes from Whitby in North East England where it was carved and polished to use in black jewellery. Here is a lovely lady cameo brooch made from Whitby Jet
Antique Jet Brooch
4. Victorian Pinchbeck agate brooch
This Antique Victorian brooch illustrates two popular materials from the Victorian ear at the same time. Pinchbeck was a gold coloured metal used to imitate gold. It is set with a polished agate cabochon which followed Queen Victorian enthusiasm for all things Scottish.
Victorian pinchbeck agate brooch
5. Edwardian Bug brooch with moonstones
The Edwardians loved Moonstones and brooches with animal themes. Here is one incorporating both. Note the Typical Edwardian bar brooch with a centrally places insect rather than the whole brooch being insect shaped.
Edwardian Moonstone Bug Brooch
Antique Victorian Jewellery Symbolism and hidden meaning
Posted by: | CommentsLooking at Antique Victorian Jewellery we often see something from quite a different perspective from that of its original owner. We see a pretty little piece , quaint, decorative , interesting or valuable. A hundred and fifty years ago the original owner may have seen these things the jewellery may have had a deeper meaning. Messages were contained in jewellery, sometimes these messages were hidden and other times they were messages that the wearer wanted to convey to the world. How did the Victorians put meaning in their Jewellery ? They used symbols which were commonly understood at the time but which are largely forgotten now. It is interesting to take a look at pieces and to uncover their deeper meanings today.
Amongst other things the Victorians gave meaning to flowers, gemstones, animals and objects such as an anchor. To read a piece of jewellery and uncover its meaning you need to look at all of the elements used as they were often used in combinations
meanings in stones and flowers
In previous posts I have discussed two of the symbols which are commonly found and understood today : Faith, Hope and Charity and Mizpah. Here are a few more:
Snakes: Mean “Eternity”. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria an engagement ring in the form of a snake. As always in the Victorian era, anything that Queen Victoria did became high fashion.
Anchor and Chain: Faith in salvation
Butterfly : Resurrection. This is taken from the three parts of a butterflies life with the butterfly being the resurrection from the chrysalis.
Clasped hands: Friendship
Heart: as today means love or devotion. Flaming heart means passion, Crowned Heart means Love Triumphant
Dog: Fidelity, Fly: Humility, Wishbone: Wish or hope
Arrows or Cupid = Love
Diamond and Ruby pin
Meanings of flowers:
Bluebells: Constancy
Mistletoe: A kiss
Lilac: the start of love
Ivy: Evergreen love or marriage
Forget-me-nots: Remembrance
Fern: fascination
Daisy:Innocence
Wiki has a comprehensive list of the meanings of flowers.
Gemstones were also given specific meanings. For example:
Ruby : Passion
Amethyst: Devotion
Emerald: Hope
Diamond: Constancy
Ruby: Passion
Pearls:Tears
Coral: Protection against evil
As I mentioned earlier, more than one of these symbols can be combines into a piece of jewellery. Here are a couple of examples:
A heart shaped pendant set with Amethysts might mean love and devotion. An antique brooch with forget me nots set with pearls would be a mourning brooch.
So, next timeyou take a look at a piece of Victorian antique jewellery why not try and find out what the original owner was trying to say? Do you know any more Victorian meanings for flowers and gemstones? Please do leave me a message here and I can update the post.
AntiquesAvenue Blog – back tomorrow
Posted by: | CommentsJust a quick update since I havnt managed to write here for a week. Hopefully I have now resolved a technical issue and sorted out my time management and will be back to updating this blog regularly starting tomorrow.
Aprils Birthstone – The Diamond
Posted by: | CommentsAprils Birthstone – The Diamond
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky April = they have the diamond as their birthstone, that is clear white diamonds, brilliant and sparkling. The diamond itself very hard in fact the hardest mineral on earth and does not wear out easily hence the diamond is also the symbol of ever lasting love ( that’s why it is given in engagement rings). Diamonds are controlled and graded – they are measures by what is know as the 4 c’s – Colour, cut, clarity and carat ( weight).
Diamond amethyst ring
What if you want to give a piece of birthstone jewellery but can afford a diamond? Well perhaps you can afford a diamond. Not all of these stones are large and very expensive. From Victorian times right through to today jewellery has been made with just tiny diamonds set into it. These diamonds shine as tiny points of light in the jewellery and several clustered together make a real impact. Even one tiny diamond well cut and set can give a real shine to a piece such as a brooch or ring.
Take a look at these pieces of vintage jewellery from antiquesavenue on this page - all are set with real diamonds and are quite affordable ( £50 or under)
Vintage diamond earrings
Care of diamonds- Diamonds are tough. If they are just set into precious metal ( gold or platinum or silver) with no other materials or stones you can safely clean them in a proprietary jewellery cleaner or I like to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Having said that they are tough perhaps the metal they are set into is a little softer. If you have a piece of jewellery with a large and valuable diamond set into it then please do get it checked by a jewellery every year if it is worn regularly. The setting can become loose and the diamond may fall out, regular checking will help to ensure your jewellery is safe.
Diamond Necklace