Today, wedding rings are almost universally accepted and expected as signs of marriage and unity. Also as a sign of promise, the circle of a ring is never ending and metaphorically the symbol makes sense. But who started it? Some believe that in Egypt, natural plant materials were worn as decorative rings. However, it is … Read more
Watch Wednesday: Watches to Watch Out for in 2015
Watch Wednesday- Vanity Fair’s Daisy Shaw shares some watches from S.I.H.H in Geneva and Baselworld. Keep an eye out for these beauties! 1. Best Looking Hermès, Slim d’Hermès 2. Best Bet Rolex, Day-Date 3. Best New Shape Cartier, Clé de Cartier 4. Best Secret Watch Harry Winston, the Jeweler’s Secret 5. Best Sport Watch Tudor, North Flag 6. Best … Read more
Happy May Birthday! – Emeralds
Emeralds are part of the beryl family of minerals (along with Aquamarines) and get their color from chromium or vanadium. Most emeralds today are mined in Columbia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. Emeralds are usually very included and a clear emerald may be worth much more than a diamond of the same size. They are usually … Read more
Harper’s Bazaar’s Best Jewelry Trends for Spring 2015
Here is Spring 2015’s Top Jewelry Trends to look out for according to Harper’s Bazaar : “Askew Crew” Single earrings or mismatched earrings. Wearing two different earrings or asymmetrical earrings is a trend this spring. “Top Brass” Brass and bright yellow gold are popular for jewelry and accessories as seen by Lanvin, and Valentino. “Choke Hold” Bold … Read more
Black Opal Wins JCK Jewelers’ Choice Award
About Style shares JCK’s Jeweler’s Choice Awards pick for 2015. Omni Prive has taken the 2015 Grand Prize for a black opal ring. 4.33 carat Lightning Ridge Black opal is the stunning center of this piece and although all the entries are judged as retail items, this “Best Ring Design over $10,000” doesn’t come cheap. Adorned with two tsavorite … Read more
Vintage Jewelry Terms
Everyone loves vintage jewelry, but when it comes to describing pieces, it’s difficult without knowing the right terms. We covered the different eras of Antique, Vintage, and Estate jewelry in this blog. Now we can look into different features of vintage jewelry as described by jewelry.about.com : Camphor glass usually dates to the 1920’s and we see it … Read more
Hawaii Estate and Jewelry Buyers partners with Make A Wish
Make A Wish Hawaii : The Hawaii Jewelers Association(HJA ) has partnered with Make-A-Wish Hawaii after selecting the local nonprofit as their charity of choice, involving the association’s statewide members with the Make-A-Wish mission. The HJA, under the new leadership of co-executive directors Sophia Makaimoku-Young and Bernard Nunies, is an affiliate of Jewelers for Children , an international organization dedicated to uniting charitable giving efforts of the … Read more
What is the Difference Between Antique, Vintage, and Estate Jewelry?
About.com explores Jewelry and answers the question: What is the difference between Antique, Vintage, and Estate jewelry? How can all “pre-owned” jewelry be estate but not all vintage? About Style sums it up like this: beginning of time – 1920’s : Antique beginning of time – 1980’s : Vintage beginning of time – 2010ish: Estate … Read more
The Value of Tradition in Ni’ihau Shell Leis
There are eight major islands in the Hawaiian Island chain: Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Oahu, Molokai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau. Each island offers a unique feature or quality, which helps it to stand out and distinguish itself amongst the rest. But one of the most interesting is the island of Niihau – a private … Read more
The Hallmark of a Great Piece of Jewelry
Whether you want to buy or sell a piece of jewelry, the first step in figuring out its value is to identify what it is, when and where it was made, and by whom. A maker’s mark can help but if jewelry has hallmarks, this process is almost foolproof. There is a common misunderstanding … Read more
Bonham’s Hong Kong Auction Sells Bright Future for Fine Jewelry
Don’t be jaded by the idea that fine jewelry may decline in value. These days the selling value of collectable and exclusive gems and jewels are actually above presale estimates. Bonhams, the world-famous auctioneers of fine art and antiques, recently concluded its fine jewelry and jadeite auction in Hong Kong. Numerous lots sold for above … Read more
Estate and Vintage Jewelry: Jewelry Design Eras Throughout History
About.com shares some information on the most common design periods for jewelry. When buying vintage jewelry, it may be interesting to know the story behind the piece. Knowing a little bit about jewelry design periods can help you find the perfect vintage piece for your collection. The Georgian era (1714-1837) encompasses the reigns of Kings … Read more
