Collecting Jewelry

Lapis lazuli on display at Natural History Museum, Washington, D.C. (Wikimedia)   Lapis lazuli has long been prized for its uniquely vibrant blue color. The GIA describes the highest quality lapis as "slightly greenish blue to violetish blue" with a medium-to-dark tone and rich saturation. As with all stones, lapis owes its gorgeous ...

Crazed Ethiopian Welo Opal   Crazing is a unique form of damage that can happen to an opal under certain unfavorable conditions. It is fairly unique in gemstones, happening generally to only opals and amber. It also happens to porcelain glaze and pottery glaze. You may recognize it in pottery as a crackled finish which can make a piece look ...

  By following a few simple guidelines, you can easily authenticate vintage Tiffany jewelry before you buy. Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has adhered to the highest standards in gemstone selection, craftsmanship, and branding. To authenticate vintage Tiffany jewelry, look first for certifications. Then inspect the Tiffany blue box ...

Tiffany jewelry has defined the standards for jewelry making for almost 200 years. No other jewelry brand has captured the imagination of Americans in quite the same way. Among the many ways that Tiffany stands out, I most appreciate their use of unusual gemstones, as well as their statement collections and the singular designers who created ...

1-Carat Diamond Solitaire   Carat weight refers to the mass of any given diamond or gemstone. It belongs to the industry quality factors called the 4Css. Jewelers use the 4Cs to compare one stone to another in order to determine value. In this article, you will learn the basics of carat weight, as well as a brief history of the ...

  Previously, you read about how Color and Clarity affect the price of blue sapphires. In this article, you will learn how Cut and Carat Weight, the final two of the 4Cs, affect the valuation of blue sapphires.   Cut After Color and Clarity, the Cut of a blue sapphire plays the next crucial role in determining a particular ...

  Blue sapphires command retail prices ranging anywhere from $50 and $1,200 per carat. Jeweler set their prices according to several factors. As with all gemstones besides diamonds, color remains the most important factor. In addition, blue sapphires are graded on clarity, cut, and carat weight. In this article, you'll read about how ...

Jewelry appraisals serve a specific purpose for those who collect jewelry. In this article, you will learn all about that purpose, as well as the essential elements that comprise an appraisal.   About Jewelry Appraisals Appraisals differ from grading reports and diamond certificates. For one thing, jewelers or independent appraisers ...

This gorgeous Edwardian pearl and diamond ring fits perfectly within the framework of the NeoParisian jewelry in vogue for Winter 2020. Photo ©2020 EraGem Jewelry.   NeoParisian jewelry took center stage on the fashion runways this past season. To keep up with winter 2020 trends, experts recommend stocking up on vintage jewelry ...

Tried and true brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. remain the standard for vintage jewelry investment pieces. Exquisite craftsmanship, superior materials, and the solid history of these brands serve as just a few keys to maintaining their value over time. Photo ©2020 EraGem Jewelry.   Experts agree that ...