With the arrival of April and springtime comes the annual quest for some perfect Mothers Day Ideas. Every year you rack your brain. Trying to come up with just the right gift for each special lady on your list. Whether it’s your mother, or mother-in-law, your grandma or any other lady which has made an […]
While we think of diamonds today as a symbol of love, or as the birthstone of April. Diamonds have a mysterious past, steeped in legends, folklore, and even curses. The most famous in the world is the Hope Diamond. With the discovery of diamonds believed to have been between 800 and 1000 BC in India. […]
On October 29th, 1929 the Great Depression struck, it changed the world, as well as its view of 1930s Costume Jewelry. Mere days before fashionable dresses cost $24 or more. Yet a short time later stores would have trouble selling them for $4. From clothing to jewelry every sector of the fashion industry began to struggle. […]
Said to have fallen from the treasure chest of a mermaid. In the folklore of Greek and Roman myths, Aquamarine became the sacred jewel of Neptune. Believing the jewel had powers to claim stormy waters as well as protect seafarers from peril. While early Romans referred to the stone as the sailor’s gem. With first documented use in […]
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate February 14th with Cards, Roses, Chocolate or Valentine’s Day Jewelry? Or how it all began? Like so many other holidays we enjoy today, Valentine’s Day has its roots in pagan beliefs as well. Possibly dating back to before the Roman Empire. The feast of Lupercalia was a celebration which […]
Worn by Kings and the Clergy throughout history, Amethyst was once more value than a diamond. Representing the privilege of royalty since the stone age. The earliest use of this gem dates back to ancient Greece. Where the violet-purple crystal received its name derived from the Greek word “amethystos” or not drunken. One legend credits […]
Thought to have its beginnings around 800 AD, Mexican Silversmithing has a rich history. Brought to the region through trade with the South American City States located in today’s Columbia and Ecuador. While softer metals such as gold and copper were more prevalent in the ancient civilizations. Silver ceremonial jewelry representing the moon became especially relevant throughout Mesoamerica. Such […]
Most agree that the term “Costume Jewelry” was first coined in the Roaring 20s, but there seem to be two different schools on just who used it first. Some say Coco Chanel made the term famous, which may be true. She is definitely responsible for the acceptance of costume jewelry in the fashion world. Yet […]
One of the most popular styles of collectible Jewelry today is the Christmas Jewelry Collection, and of course, the Christmas Tree pin is the favorite. As popular as Christmas jewelry is, it is sometimes amazing that the designs are for the most part 20th century creations. That is until you realize that most of our […]
While the popularity of Vintage Southwestern Jewelry is sweeping the nation. It is only fair to remember the artist and the merchants that brought us to where we are today. Names such as Atsidi Sani (believed to be the first Navajo Silversmith). J L Hubbell (A Trading Post owner who hired Mexican Silversmiths to teach the […]