Design & Historical Context |
The jewelry industry was significantly impacted by the onset of World War II in the 1940s. Precious metals, particularly platinum, became scarce and in some cases were even banned from being sold. Palladium was used as a substitute for platinum in the war effort. In order to make the most of the limited supply of gold, a low karat gold alloy with a higher percentage of copper was used. This resulted in gold with a subtle, reddish hue, but through the use of different alloys, gold was able to appear in a range of colors within a single piece. Gold was also manipulated in various ways, such as being woven, braided, and coiled. Techniques like resilla, cannetille, and lacy filigree patterns reappeared in jewelry. Different textures were also used within a single design, with matte finishes being placed next to bright finishes to accentuate the design. Gold became the primary metal used in jewelry during the 1940s and 1950s.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Carnelian
Carnelian is a type of semiprecious gemstone that is a variety of chalcedony, which is itself a form of quartz. It is known for its reddish-orange color, which can range from pale to deep red. The name "carnelian" comes from the Latin word "carnis," which means "flesh," due to the gemstone's reddish color.
Carnelian has been used as a gemstone since ancient times. It was popular in ancient Egypt and was often used to create jewelry and other decorative items. In the ancient world, carnelian was believed to have various properties, including the ability to increase energy and vitality, improve communication skills, and protect against negativity.
Today, carnelian is still used in jewelry-making and is often used to create beads, pendants, and other decorative items. It is also believed to have certain healing properties and is often used in crystal healing practices.
18k
18k gold is a type of gold alloy that is commonly used in jewelry making. It is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, silver, or palladium. The addition of other metals helps to increase the durability and strength of the gold, making it more suitable for use in jewelry. 18k gold is softer and more prone to scratching than higher karat golds, such as 22k or 24k, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry because of its warm, yellow color and good resistance to tarnishing. It is also less expensive than higher karat golds due to the smaller amount of gold used in the alloy. 18k gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry items.
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