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 |
Old-mine-cut diamond
The old mine cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1700s and was most prevalent during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is similar to today's cushion cut and is characterized by a squarish girdle with gently rounded corners, a high crown, a small table, and a large, flat culet.
Old mine cut diamonds are known for their antique charm and character, and they are often used in vintage-style jewelry. They have a softer, more romantic look than modern diamond cuts, which tend to have more precise geometry and a higher level of brilliance.
Old mine cut diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds with more modern cuts because they require less labor and material to produce. They are often used as accent stones in jewelry designs or as the main gemstone in vintage-style pieces. Despite their lower price, old mine cut diamonds can still be beautiful and valuable, and they are a popular choice for those who appreciate the unique charm and character of antique jewelry.
Ruby
Ruby is a beautiful pink to blood-red colored gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). The red color of ruby is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium, which gives the stone its characteristic hue. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," which means "red."
Ruby is one of the four precious stones, along with the sapphire, the emerald, and the diamond. It is highly prized for its beauty and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
Ruby is a very hard and durable gemstone, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale (out of 10). It is resistant to scratches and other types of damage, which makes it a popular choice for use in jewelry.
In addition to its use in jewelry, ruby is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. It is thought to have calming and balancing effects, and is sometimes used in meditation practices.
14k
14k gold is a popular choice for use in jewelry because it is durable, yet still relatively affordable compared to higher karat golds like 18k or 24k. It is made up of 58.5% pure gold and is mixed with other metals to make it harder and more durable. 14k gold is available in a range of colors, including yellow, white, and rose, and is commonly used in a variety of jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. One of the advantages of 14k gold is that it is more resistant to wear and tear than pure gold, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. However, it is still softer than other alloys such as stainless steel or platinum, so it may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best. Overall, 14k gold is a popular choice for those who want the look and feel of gold, but at a more affordable price point.
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