While many labeled Rhode Island as the Jewelry Capital of the World during the industries heyday. Manufacturers still dot the tiny state today. In Providence, Rhode Island the area is simply referred to as “The District”. A patch of real estate, roughly 19 acres in downtown. Which became home to some of the biggest names in […]
Written about in the text of many religions, mysterious Sapphire folktales and legends date to 1000 BC. While the sapphire comes in many colors, ancient beliefs mostly center upon the deep blue gemstones. Also known as Kashmir or Cornflower. Such as the rough Sapphire photographed by Gèry Parent above, Throughout history, these beautiful jewels have inspired fascination […]
While looking back at the styles and trends of vintage men’s jewelry in the 1900’s. It is easy to understand some of the more popular cliches. Such as the line in ZZ Top’s famous song “‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man”. The men’s fashion of yesterday was far more sophisticated. Whereas today’s […]
The photo above, taken by Carole Raddato is a section of “The Great Cameo of France”. Carved in the first century AD from Sardonyx. One of the three August Birthstones. The others being Peridot and Spinel. Yet the original birthstone of August is Sardonyx. While the Spinel only became an accepted birthstone in 2016. In fact, […]
On September 2nd, 1945 World War II officially came to a halt. While the world sighed an expression of relief, after being in turmoil for the past fifteen years. A sentiment quickly embraced by fashion trends of the 1940s Costume Jewelry industry. While the 1930’s had brought the depression and the acceptance of costume jewelry. The early 1940’s brought the war […]
Once thought to have come from fire, having a glow like no other gem. In fact, there have been fables that say it is impossible to hide the Mysterious Ruby. Stating that Ruby would always revile itself by shining through any cloth cover. One such legend dates back to the 16th century, claiming a merchant had […]
With the passing of Memorial Day and the 4th of July just around the corner, the history of Patriotic Costume Jewelry comes to mind. With the World just recovering from the Great Depression, and the invasion of Poland in 1939 the stage is set for the 1940’s. Each of the prior three decades had seen changes and turmoil […]
While many claim the June Birthstones to be Pearls and Alexandrite the American Gem Society also includes Moonstone. Yet this hasn’t always been true. Most experts agree that the idea of birthstones has their beginnings as far back as Moses. With the gemstones decorating Aaron’s Breastplate as described in the Bible as well as “Antiquities of the […]
So you spent the month of April coming up with the perfect gift for Mom and now it’s time to think of the best Fathers Day gift too. Sure you could get another pair of socks or another tie, yeah I know, Dads are hard to buy for. They pretty much have everything they need. And if […]
While the first known records of Emerald mining are from the third century BC in Egypt. There is, however, some evidence of Emeralds dating as far back as 3500 BC. With many fascinating myths and mysterious stories about the gem. Indian folklore tells of a battle between the Spirits of the Air and the Sea over […]