It can often be hard to establish the age and origin of many jewelry items. Many pieces of jewelry contain marks that may give clues about these matters.

Hallmarks

For those of you that appreciate old antique and vintage things have you ever held a coin, checked out the date and said wow this coin is XX years old? Your mind will drift to how many hands it's passed through during it's decades and what it's been used to purchase necessities, frivolous items etc.

My mind wanders in a similar way when I hold a piece of antique jewelry, particularly cameos. I wonder if it was a commissioned piece. Was a gift for a special occasion? How many hands generations, family members has it been passed down too. Cameos aren't just your classic profile- Although trust me I have many wonderful examples of beautiful lady profiles in my collection. One that is even a special commissioned portrait!

Vintage and antique jewelry can be hard to date accurately. Certain styles have been produced, perhaps with some minor variation, over long periods of time. We are aware of manufacturers that use metal dies in ring production that actually date back to the 19th Century. However, a careful examination may reveal some hints.

What is it made from?

The Victorian period was all about love and romance. When Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert, the jewelry of the times mirrored their romance and most jewelry of the time has a very strong romantic appeal to it. Two types of rings from this period reflect this romantic feel very well: The Dearest Ring, and the Regard Ring.

My main interest is and always will be estate vintage jewelry. Most of my offerings in my shop are from well known designers who are familiar to most collectors of vintage and antique jewelry. I just love it when I come across something in an estate which I have to research because it is from a designer who is not one with whom I am familiar. It helps me to learn and keeps my interest in the collecting area.

You may encounter white gold jewelry described as Antique, or sometimes even dated to the late 19th century. Some dealers may use the term Antique indiscriminately, but it should only be used to describe an item that is at least 100 years old. While it is often difficult to establish a specific date for many jewelry items, the use of white gold gives some clear dating information.

It’s difficult to recall the exact time and place when I became enamored with antique cufflinks but since that day, these fascinating and decorative accessories have become one of my favorite collectibles of adornment.

 Valentine’s Day conjures up images of gifts emblazoned with hearts and flowers, gifts in the passionate colors of pink and red and shades of purple. Ruby Lane has a great selection of jewelry for your Valentine, and you can find hearts and flowers crafted in gold and silver, set with gemstones in these great Valentine’s Day colors!

 Dark red Garnets are the gems that we have come to associate with the January Birthstone. We are comfortable with these traditional colors, just like we would be comfortable around the glow of the embers in a fireplace on these January days. But Garnet can be so much more!

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