Archive for March, 2012

Many vintage jewelry collectors around the globe have a particular preference for white, yellow or rose gold, making it easier for them to choose from a large selection of pieces. If you fall into this category, you might be surprised to learn that all gold items are basically valued the same, regardless of color. Here are some of the differences between various colors of gold.

According to KJRH.com, white and rose gold items are typically blended with alloys to influence the hue. White gold is usually paired with either nickel or palladium to exhibit a shade that's slightly more metallic. When nickel is used in the process, these pieces are usually more durable. Palladium is used primarily for necklaces or cocktail rings that are designed with gemstone setting or centerpieces.

Rose gold, on the other hand, is often mixed with copper to provide a reddish tint. Some designers choose to implement less copper to keep the gold as authentic as possible, whereas others accentuate the red colors with higher copper content.

When trying to choose between white, yellow and rose gold items, remember that your decision is merely a stylistic preference, with little to no effect on the actual value or sentiment.

Beach weddings are often more festive yet just as sentimental as church ceremonies, and this is the time of year when we can come to expect these events to take place. If you've recently been invited to a wedding on the shore, you might want to consider purchasing vintage jewelry items that can support the theme.

If you're thinking along the lines of translucent items like opal cocktail rings or dangling earrings with diamond centerpieces, you're getting warmer, but these items are still more suitable for an indoor occasion. On the beach, you should adorn yourself with colored gemstones like turquoise or sapphire to boast oceanic hues. However, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to wear a few subtle warm-colored pieces to complement the sand. Freshwater pearl jewelry collections will likely be your best possible choice, especially since they can easily blend into the natural setting.

No matter what style you go for, remember to think outside of the box before planning which jewelry pieces to wear during a beach wedding.

Cocktail rings are often one of the best ways to exhibit unique color schemes and support whatever dress style you're going for. When shopping for pieces that can reveal your seasonal enthusiasm, you should first take settings into consideration. White gold is perhaps one of the most versatile choices on the market because it can accommodate practically any outfit.

Some gemstones that typically pair well with white gold include sapphire, topaz, emerald and even the warmer hues one can expect from rubies, amethyst, pink sapphire and chalcedony. You can just as easily choose to forgo color and glam your jewelry pieces up with European cut diamonds or other translucent stones like opal and crystals.

No matter what centerpiece you choose, a snazzy cocktail ring can easily show the world how lively you are when the weather cooperates.

When it comes to antique jewelry items, many designers and collectors take a cue from Hollywood celebs, as they are often the ones who determine annual trends. Now that the warm and tranquil weather of spring is easing into the fold, festivals and exhibits will be occurring across the globe.

According to Diamond News, you can learn a lot about current vintage jewelry trends by staying informed about the First Annual Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, which will be hosted by U.S. Antique Jewelry Shows at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers from April 20 to April 22. Here you can expect to sample a wide variety of pieces from both regional and national dealers and manufacturers.

"We are very excited to bring this unique and diverse merchandise to the residents and jewelry community of Chicago," Andrea Canady, show director, told the news source. "We are not only featuring pieces from all eras of jewelry history, but attendees will also have the chance to get up close and personal with jewels from the stars."

Designers and collectors from all over the world typically look forward to the spring, as this is a time when most festivals and major showcases come into the fold. If you're looking for ways to find unique vintage jewelry pieces, you might want to stay informed about major showcases such as the 19th Annual Charity Antiques, Jewelry and Art Show and Sale in Easton, Maryland.

According to StarDem.com, the event will take place at the Waterfowl Festival Building this weekend, and it is sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Talbot County (MHATC). Six local, regional and national jewelry dealers are participating in the show, while many designers and manufacturers are returning from previous years. This year's theme revolves around pieces that are always in style, blending old concepts with contemporary ones. Whether you're looking for crystal chandelier earrings or diamond brooches, exhibits such as these will likely give you an idea of what to look for.

When shopping for antique jewelry items, you should always make it a point to do as much research as possible to ensure authenticity.

Claire Danes, the charming actress who rose to prominence with roles like Angela Chase in My So-Called Life and love interest Kate Brewster in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, has taken tremendous strides to diversify her successful career and play unique characters. It should come as no surprise that she has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to exquisite fashion accessories and fine jewelry items.

Claire made a ravishing appearance at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' presentation of Showtime series Homeland in North Hollywood, California, on March 21. She wore an eye-catching white and black leopard print shirt and a dress with similar patterns, as well as a pair of silver high heels and a snazzy thin red belt to jazz things up a bit. She topped off this contemporary ensemble with a vintage jewelry collection that included white gold dangling earrings infused with opal and a matching bracelet.

Ladies who wish to make waves at top-notch formal events might want to keep antique jewelry options in mind, especially when paired with leopard print or similar variations – a style that flourished during the 1960s and 70s.

Many designers and collectors around the world are extremely enthusiastic when it comes to estate jewelry pieces, especially since some are so unique that they can't be imitated. If you're interested in prowling the internet for antique jewelry items, you might want to stay informed about local auctions and festivals occurring throughout the country, as this can give you a better idea of what to buy!

According to Huffington Post, Christie's auction house is planning to auction estate jewelry pieces that belong to philanthropist Lily Safra, who has 70 collectibles to offer. If you recognize this celebrity’s name, it's because her late husband, Edmond J. Safra, was the founder of Republic National Bank of New York. Taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 14, spectators can expect to find a wide variety of both contemporary and vintage pieces that are collectively worth about $20 million, which will all go toward charity.

Although you may not be able to personally attend this auction, it can be incredibly helpful to know what's out there. This can allow you to get a firm grasp on price comparisons and help you become more familiar with quality pieces.