Estate and Antique Jewelry

How to Wear Antique and Estate Brooches

2011-10-11T11:41:00.001-05:00

Interested in creating your own personal fashion statement? Antique and estate brooches are a great ideafor accessorizing your new jewelry wardrobe. Brooches are an intriguing jewelryaccessory that has been overlooked for years. For simple elegance, an ensemble draws attention when an estate jewelrybrooch or vintage pin is worn. Wearing a brooch will quickly give you a distinctive look. Allow yourselfbe a fashion trend starter.

Antique and estate brooches come in all sizes, shapes, designs, gemstonesand materials. Brooches and pins maybe adapted to any style you wish. They may be found in gold, silver or othermetals. They may be embellished with emeralds,rubies, diamonds, pearls, coral, lapis lazuli, enamel, crystals or rhinestones.
Some of the more interesting brooches are those that are made in the shapeof insects and animals. A realistic appearing antiqueenamel diamond black and gold enamel wasp brooch adorned with dazzling diamondwings, the gold legged crab with a fiery diamond shell or the 1930s Art Deco black onyx fly with whimsicaldiamond wings and dark green emerald eyes will create a distinct look.

Floral and fauna designs are feminine and gorgeous. A colorful Emis Berosestate brooch carved from lapis lazuli will be a focal point for youroutfit. Carved shell cameos often create a romantic touch.
Have you ever considered placing a brooch somewhere other than on the frontleft side of a blouse or jacket? Smallbrooches look fascinating when worn on a blouse collar or centered below theneckline. A Houston, Texas celebrity wears her signature broochon the backside of her blazer or dress. Thisformer model never steps out without one of her distinctive brooches. She and the vintage brooch are always noticed! This fashionista never fails to receive acompliment or a question asking about the history and placement of her estatebrooch.

A brooch can be worn alone or as part of a collection. A stylish cluster ofpetite, mismatched vintage brooches and pins will become the hot topic ofconversation. An interesting array of brooches can be used to tell a story ordeliver a message for your special charity.

Bar brooches when worn alone may not work for today. However, staggering two or three old barbrooches creates an interesting design.

Have you lost the mate to your treasured heirloom earrings? A great way to keep the sentiment close toyour heart is by converting your remaining earring into a wearablebrooch.

In early movies, from the 1920s to the 1940s, brooches were a part of everyspecial occasion. Jewelry designers to Hollywood filmsunderstood the statement a brooch could deliver. Elaborate dance scenes wouldfrequently show the leading lady wearing an fancy brooch that accented herbeauty.
In old movies, censors would require a more modest appearance. A brooch or pin was often used to obscure thedaring décolletage of the designer’s gown. Of course, the opposite of theintent of the censors could also be used. A properly placed brooch can bepositioned to draw attention to make a stunning statement.

Fine brooches may also be a good investment in jewelry. As there are manybeautiful vintage brooches that are not currently in as much demand as theyonce were, you may be able to add stunning pieces of art to your collection ata real value.

This is your opportunity to be on the cutting edge of a change in fashion. Allow yourself to distinguish yourself fromthe other ladies in your circle. Accentuateyour personal look and create a special message with unique antique, estate andvintage brooches and pins.

Consider a brooch for your next fashion style. The rewards may be excitingand oh so enjoyable.

Wearing an Antique, Estate or Vintage Brooch
Ten Two Three EstateJewelry
By: Chris Cosby
Copyright© 2011
All Rights Reserved.

Early 1900s Wedding Diamond Cuts

2009-12-06T21:05:00.003-06:00

The cut of diamonds used in antique bridal jewelry is one of many factors used to determine the approximate age of an antique bridal set, engagement ring or ladies estate wedding ring. The cut should never be used exclusively to date jewelry. Like today, many jewelers would use available old diamonds or diamonds from other jewelry to create new items or to replace lost or damaged diamonds.

During the Edwardian Jewelry Period of the early 1900s, old mine-cut diamonds would be the most popular diamond used as the center stone. This diamond cut originated in Brazil. Mine-cuts are recognized by their square girdle, high crown with 32 facets and 24 facets on the pavilion. This old diamond cut would have a cushion-shaped stone with a small table, high top facet or area called the crown, and an open or large flat facet at the bottom of the diamond called the cutlet. Even the finest of hand-cut old-mine cut diamonds are not symmetrical. Old mine-cut diamonds would eventually evolve into today’s brilliant-cut diamonds.

During most of the Art Deco Jewelry Period, the old European-cut diamond would be used frequently in bridal jewelry. The old European cut would evolve from the old-mine cut. The old European-cut is very similar to the old-mine cut diamond, with the major change of a rounded, circular girdle. Around 1891, diamond cutters would begin to use bruting tools to get rounded, circular girdles. The old-European stone was used during most of the Art Deco Jewelry Period. The old-European cut of the early 1900s would be asymmetrical due to the hand-cut nature. After1920, the brilliant-cut diamond would begin being used. The old European-cut would be known as the transitional diamond, used between the old mine-cut diamond and today’s brilliant-cut diamonds.

In the late 1890s through the 1940s, single cut diamonds would be used to embellish the center or larger diamond cuts. Smaller diamonds would be cut into single or rounded single cut diamonds. They would be recognized by their simpler cut of eight cuts on top.

They would originally be cut by hand and would not have a symmetrical appearance.

Today’s brilliant-cut diamond may be recognized with its circular girdle and fifty-eight facets.

Ten Two Three is an online jewelry store specializing in antique and estate bridal jewelry.

For assistance: Info@tentwothree.com

Information About Antique Wedding Ring Filigree

2009-11-29T08:13:00.005-06:00

Information about Filigree

Ladies antique filigree wedding rings from the Edwardian Jewelry Period and the Art Deco Jewelry Period of the early 1900s are increasing in demand.

The term used for filigree is started with the Italian word filigrana, which is originally from the Latin word filum, meaning a thread of wire and granum meaning a grain or bead.

Filigree is formed by twisting and bending wire into fine unique designs. These fine designs were used as openwork (without a backing) or they were applied to a metal surface. The metal wire used for antique bridal ring sets were primarily gold or platinum, though metal work was used in silver or bronze. The wires used were plain, twisted, untwisted or plaited.

Through the findings of antique jewelry, the creation and use of filigree may be tracked back to early metal work from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Etruria, Greece and Byzantium. Early practices of wirework jewelry and decorative items were created using small pieces of metal and then hand setting these metal pieces for design granules.

There are four basic structural ways to create filigree.

The first type of filigree is openwork, where the design does not have a backing and is generally constructed using a heavier wire. Wires are soldered together at points to hold the design together. Edwardian wedding rings are often created with openwork filigree. This type of filigree was used to create a light, lacy design that matched the lacy clothing of the early 1900s.

The second type of filigree is ground-supported. This type of filigree as used in bridal jewelry has a metal backing and has decorative metal wires that are soldered to the metal surface.

The third type of filigree combines openwork and ground-supported types, so that the completed types of openwork wires are attached to solid metal. Attachment types could be non-soldering methods, such as split rivets, rivets, bezels, or claws.

The fourth type of filigree work is used when a material is added as fill between the wires. Often the filler used would be enamel. This type of filigree is not often seen in wedding jewelry.

In early 1900 bridal rings, most design styles were linear. This is because wire is the main material. Frequently found are small wires twisted and patterned into areas built within the borders of larger areas. The larger areas will allow the wedding ring to be more durable, while the smaller areas will be used for more decorative purposes. In traditional filigree, the wires will never overlap, however, the wires may come close to or border other wires. For openwork filigree, structural frames are always used and are important for the strength of the ring. Whereas, in ground supported filigree the structural frames are for design and are not functional. The wire strand may be used to give a design pattern or even be an area filler.

The making of the wire design is a simple process and does not require complex utensils. Tweezers, pliers and hands are used to shape and bend wires. Cold chisels or wire cutters are used for cutting.

Finger rings from the early 1900s are created with openwork designs. These rings may use either bezel or prong settings to hold gemstones for embellishment. Edwardian rings would often feature filigree in shaped to form hearts, flowers, blossoms or even stars. Rings would also be embellished with engraved designs.

During the Art Deco Jewelry Period of the 1920s and 1930s openwork filigree wedding and engagement rings would use diamonds or synthetic sapphires mounted with an open backing. Art Deco Wedding rings would focus on geometric and abstract designs and patterns. Often the center stone would be mounted in a square, hexagonal or octagonal design. Art Deco Rings would also use engraving or stamped designs.

Ten Two Three specializes in Antique Old Diamond Filigree Wedding Rings. Ten Two Three ships within the United States, Canada, the United Kingdon and Australia. For questions please contact: Info@TenTwoThree.com

Flawless Relationships? Antique Wedding Rings?

2009-11-21T18:52:00.003-06:00

It’s not the perfection of a gemstone that makes the gem interesting. It’s the flaws, the imperfections, the impurities that give a gemstone character. Without the flaws, a gemstone is just a color. Or, in the case of a diamond, its lack of color. In the case of an antique filigree hand cut diamond diamond ring, it is the beauty of a diamond that is not symmetric and gold filigree that is knife cut by hand which shows slight irregularities.

The ideal in a diamond is the flawless, colorless stone. A flawless stone is one that is free of impurities. At least free of impurities that can be seen under limited magnification. A stone that has no discernible color of its own. A perfectly white stone. A stone that simply refracts and reflects light.

But when you look through a flawless, colorless diamond, you see nothing. It’s not identifiable. You could never recognize it by any identifiable object contained in the gem. It would be just like looking through air. It would just be a clear, transparent object.

So, what makes a clear, flawless, colorless gemstone interesting? In diamonds, there is just one thing that makes such a stone of interest and of value.

The value comes from the fact that such a stone is rare.

A perfect diamond is not as rare as finding a perfect person. Perfect people don’t exist. But what if one did? Wouldn’t that person be incredibly boring? What would a perfect person do that would make them identifiable or memorable? It is our imperfections that make us interesting. It is our flaws that give us character. It is our impurities that make us fun.

What first attracts people to the one they love is that first, breathtaking moment when you see that person as perfect. When the air around them seems to radiate and glow. When the person before you so captivates you that you can hardly breathe. When you want that moment to never ever end. A moment that 50 years from now, you can recall as if it just happened all over again. The moment you found your soul mate. The person who, for you, is perfection.

But, while that first burst of emotion, that first taste of love, will only grow through your life together, it is not your mate’s perfection that will endear them to you. It is their imperfections that make them so very enjoyable. So identifiable. So real. It’s the goofy little habits and oddities of your mate that will make you smile and warm your heart. It is the fun times, made more fun by not so much the parts that were perfect but the unplanned, unexpected imperfections of the moment that make the best memories.

So when you are shopping for that perfect antique diamond wedding ring to celebrate the perfect moment when you propose to the one you love, just remember that a small imperfection in the gem, or in the carefully planned proposal, that may give the moment the character that truly makes the moment memorable.

Ten Two Three offers online ladies antique, estate and vintage bridal wedding jewelry.

How to Recognize Edwardian Wedding Rings

2009-11-11T00:10:00.003-06:00

EDWARDIAN WEDDING RING CHARACTERISTICS

Edwardian wedding rings are recognized by their rich, luxurious design and extravagant materials used. During his rule, King Edward VII would lead the fashion trends for the upper classes in the United Kingdom. King Edward VII would rule from 1901 to 1910.

Upper classes would wear rings on several fingers. Rings would be worn by the rich, leisure class. Wedding and engagement rings during this period would have an expensive look, though their appearance would be more understated that previous or past jewelry trends. Very few Edwardian Wedding Rings exist today because later generations would use the materials to construct other jewelry or wear them while cleaning house, doing sports activities or other physical tasks.

Key Attributes
Edwardian wedding rings are delicate in nature, generally light weight, very feminine and most frequently feature diamonds. Designs during this period were crafted to match the embroidered, white, lacy clothing that women were wearing. This resulted in honeycomb patterns, scallop shapes or a fine symmetrical platinum ribbon of diamonds. White diamond and white metal rings were created to match the white lace of this period. Designs were often nature driven motifs such as flowers, vines, clovers or shamrocks. The decorative French 1800s influence would be seen in light flowing ribbon designs, garlands, bows and flower bouquets. Hearts were crafted to reflect sentiment in Edwardian engagement rings. Edwardian Diamond Filigree wedding rings would be extremely popular. Metal filigree would be knife cut or hand pleated, fine cut openwork or twisted metal wire designs, often resulting in designs that were not exactly matched. - Unlike current computer designed rings. Bezel settings and fine millegrain would be used to enhance the beauty of the old wedding diamonds. Millegrain would be created by using a fine metal band to hold the diamond in place and enhancing the mounting with small beads or “grains” of metal. Amongst the wealthy, larger old-mine cut diamonds would be seen with smaller accent diamonds, diamond cluster rings and elliptical shaped rings would be popular.

Signed Rings
Only top wedding jewelry designers would have their trademarks on rings. French and English rings would usually have metal content marks, though many of these have worn away by now. In the US, most wedding jewelry would not be stamped because the metal hallmark law did not pass until 1906.

Diamond Cut
Diamond cutting equipment would advance greatly during this period. However, very few diamonds cut during 1890 to 1910. However, even the highest quality diamonds would not have symmetrical facets.

The Old Mine Cut would be a popular diamond cut. This diamond is recognized by having a high crown, a square girdle with rounded corners, a smaller table and a large cutlet. By 1910, many diamonds would become more rounded and a smaller cutlet portion., introducing the European Cut.

Pear and baguette diamond cuts would begin to appear. Smaller diamonds would be cut into single cut diamonds.

Diamonds were intentionally cut to offer the most light reflection under candlelight.

Metal Used
The enhancement of heating equipment would make platinum easier to use. Platinum would be used to create a light, lacy appearance to the mounting. Platinum was desirable as it flattered the appearance of diamonds and did not soil clothing as silver would have done. White gold would be attempted to be created as early as 1880, but would not be a viable metal for jewelry until approximately 1917. Yellow gold would be used with silver topping. The silver would make the diamonds appear whiter, however, it would be used to not touch skin or clothes.

Edwardian Wedding Rings designs would continue to be used after this period. During 1910 to 1925, there might be a visible combination of design and material with Art Deco Wedding Rings.

Ten Two Three Estate Jewelry ships to Dallas, Texas, New York New York, Glasgow Scotland, Osaka Japan, Lyons France, Perth Australia and San Francisco California

Make Your Bride to be Happy Choose the Wedding Ring She Wants

2009-10-28T11:32:00.017-05:00

IT ONLY MATTERS THAT SHE IS HAPPY

Old mine cut, European cut, brilliant cut, color, clarity, ladies antique filigree bridal sets. Details - it’s all a mystery!

What carat gold would she prefer? Does she like white gold? Is yellow gold better? Would she really prefer platinum? What is the difference between 14 carat gold and 18 carat gold?

So many people spend so much time trying to learn all about diamonds so that they can give the perfect ring to their perfect girl when marriage is proposed.

What is a filigree anyway? Does it have anything to do with blood lines?

And trillions. Isn’t that just more money than I could afford?

Green wedding rings? Are they really green?

Why do they use baguettes? Are you supposed to hide the ring in the bread?

So many questions and so little time to choose. You want to get engaged. You want to spend your time with the most wonderful person in the world. You are supposed to be out on dates, going to dinner, having a picnic, taking in a movie. Not trying to become an expert in something you know nothing about.

Yet all the research and study, the doubts, the fear that you will make a mistake and buy the wrong ring mean so little in the end. There is, after all, only one “right” ring for your lady love.

The “right” ring is the ring she wants.

Whatever ring you choose, she will love. Or she will attempt to love it. She will at least attempt to love it because it is the gift from you that is your ultimate expression of love for her.

But she will be wearing the wedding ring everyday for the rest of her life. She will be most appreciative of your thoughtfulness in picking out the ring of her dreams. Not the ring you think she should like. Or might like. Most girls have a decided preference for a particular style of ring.

So, find a way to figure out what she really likes in a ring. Find out whether the color and clarity of the diamond is more important to her than the size of the gem. Or if size no matter how poor the quality of the stone is all that matters. Does she prefer a modern setting or an antique? Or does she really prefer colored stones such as a sapphire over a diamond. Does she want an environmentally friendly ring?

Pay attention when she is looking through online estate jewelry photographs, send these photographs to her friends or pay attention to what she wants in bridal magazines. If there is a conversation about jewelry, which if the relationship is serious there will be, ask her what she likes about rings. She will tell you.

Then, when that magic moment comes and you propose, you will have chosen the perfect wedding ring.

Ten Two Three Estate Jewelry distributes our antique bridal sets through our online store worldwide to Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Seattle Washington, Portland Oregon, Montreal Canada, Toronto Canada, Melbourne Australia and Glasgow Scotland.

Reuse, Recycle or Refine – Which is the Greenest Jewelry?

2009-10-14T23:38:00.005-05:00

Is recyled, reused or refined jewelry the most eco-friendly jewelry?

Reused jewelry is without question the most environmentally friendly jewelry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency always recommends buying used as a consumer tip for all “green purchasing”. When you purchase pre-owned, vintage, estate or wholly recycled jewelry the greater negative environmental impact from mineral extraction and casting has already been done to our environment.

The second most environmentally-friendly jewelry available would be refined or recycled gold or platinum. However, refining and recycling may cause a negative earth impact by melting metals or by using acid to remove gemstones from their mountings.

Antique, estate or vintage jewelry may often be found in fantastic condition or gently worn condition. You may even find "green rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings" that have never been worn.

Planning a wedding? Start your new life together with green bridal jewelry. Antique, Art Deco, Edwardian or vintage contemporary wedding jewelry are an important aspect of green weddings and may encourage others to become more environmentally concerned.

Buying recycled jewelry does not mean that you have to compromise on beauty, quality or style. Often you will locate products that are currently being sold in high street jewelry stores.

Green, eco-friendly jewelry is not only good for the environment it can also be more cost effective. Comparison shopping between online estate jewelry to new products and you will find great values.

For an even greener experience, try online shopping. Online green estate jewelry shopping will use up to 40% less fossil fuel, plus online shopping will save you time.

Green or recycled jewelry may be found online by searching for Antique, Estate, Used, Pre-Owned, Heirloom or Vintage Jewelry. Antique jewelry refers to items that are over 100 years old.

If you have questions about our estate jewelry we offer, do not hesitate to contact us at Info@TenTwoThree.com.

We are happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right eco-friendly jewelry.

We have shipped Green Eco-Friendly Jewelry to Miami Florida, San Francisco California, Philadelphia PA, London England, Sydney Australia, New York NY,

What are attributes of Art Deco Wedding Rings?

2009-10-14T23:07:00.011-05:00

Antique Filigree Wedding Rings are sought today because of their quality of materials, exceptional craftsmanship and their intrinsic beauty. Questions often arise as to what are the attributes Art Deco Bridal Jewelry and how it is recognized.

The Art Deco Jewelry Period is considered to have occurred during the 1920s and 1930s. The term, Art Deco, was derived from the Parisian Exhibition of 1925, called the Exposition des Art Décoratifs et Industrials. It was during this exhibition that many renowned jewelry designers displayed their latest jewelry creations. These new jewelry selections showed a shift in design from the white, lightweight and lacy styles of the Edwardian Bridal Jewelry Period to designs influenced by current events of that era. Designers were inspired by Cubism, Modernism, The Russian Ballet and the discovery of King Tut’s Tomb.

Filigree Wedding Rings would be a prevalent style during the Art Deco years, however, the designs would be reinvented. 1920s wedding mountings would become more geometric in design and more abstract. Diamonds would be mounted in square, hexagonal or octagonal mountings. Beaded millegrain metalwork would continue to be used. Bridal rings would be have more formalized and stylized floral designs. Their filigree flower petals would show stiff curves and more angular leaves. Floral bouquet wedding rings, a cluster of smaller diamonds that appear to be a ribbon of flowers would be sought. Designers would often engrave flowers such as the orange blossom on the metal. Designs would have more spiral motifs and a greater use of sinuous curves. Rings might use the bows designs that from the Edwardian Jewelry Periods, but the deco bows would be more substantial. Often two metal colors would be used to in order to create a more linear, geometric design.

Platinum, or newly introduced white gold, would replace the use of yellow gold. In the late 1920s, the first matching bridal set would be marketed.

By the late 1920s, men’s wedding bands would be fashionable again. Many of the men's wedding bands would match the bride’s wedding set.

Gradually designs would shift towards simplicity. By the 1930s curves were more austere or would be converted into angles. Art Deco wedding rings would become bolder, heavier and place less significance on gemstones.

During this period diamonds cuts would transition from the squarish Old-Mine Cut to the rounded Old-European Cut. Diamond cutting equipment would be greatly improved, allowing for new diamond cut creations with far greater symmetry. Baguettes, emerald-cuts, trillions, trapeze-cut and calibre cuts would be used to embellish the center stone. The use of colored stones would be used for bridal jewelry. Synthetic gemstones began to replace natural gemstones when it became impossible to get sapphires and rubies out of India and Burma due to the start of World War II.

If you have any questions about any of our antique wedding rings we offer, do not hesitate to email us at Info@tentwothree.com. We are happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right wedding ring. Vintage Bridal Sets are available in a variety of designs to provide enjoyment for a lifetime.

We have distributed Antique Filigree Wedding Rings to London England, Tokyo Japan, Vancouver Canada, Toronto Canada, San Francisco California, Paris France, New York NY,

WHY SELECT ANTIQUE JEWELRY AND OLD DIAMOND ESTATE JEWELRY

2009-10-07T17:02:00.001-05:00

There are many reasons to purchase and collect antique jewellery.

For the last several years, the mining of diamonds, gold and colored gemstones is often done by essentially slave labor. Rebel groups often use rough diamonds, precious stones and metals as a means of obtaining funds for arms and sustenance. As depicted in the 2006 movie “Blood Diamonds”, the people who work the mines are often, and in some cases, slaves. Captured in raids on their villages, people are taken to the mines are worked in captivity. If they refuse to work or are slow in the endeavors, their limbs are cut off, their family members are abused or tortured or they are murdered.

Slavery does not just exist in the minds and conscience of Americans; it actually exists in many parts of the world today.

How can you help end this modern day slavery and the abuse of other human beings?

Buy antique or old estate jewelry to help prevent these abusive practices and interference with legitimate governments.

Whatever bad policies and practices that were in place at the time the antique jewelry stones were mined, and there were abuses in the past, your purchase of an antique jewelry piece does not provide financial support for past practices and does not support the current practices. By purchasing antique jewelry, you are taking away the money that supports the current systems of abuse and slavery.

Don’t buy conflict or “blood” diamonds. Don’t buy colored gemstones from countries where conflicts exist or where miners are slaves. Even in countries that claim to pay miners, the pay is often pennies a day and the living conditions for the miners and their families are abhorrent.

It is almost impossible to determine the country of origin of a diamond. Once the diamond has been polished, it is impossible to determine its origin. However, according to International Law, diamonds are required to carry certificates of authenticity from the legitimate government of the country of origin of the diamond. That certificate is required to travel with contemporary diamonds.

Yet, according to a 2004 survey, less than 11% of the diamond retailers in the United States had a policy concerning conflict diamonds. Less than 3% of the diamond retailers discussed conflict diamonds or presented the certificates of origin of the stone. If you are buying a new diamond, insist on seeing the certificate of origin before buying and make sure that you are given the certificate with your purchase.

Choosing old estate diamond jewelry or antique jewelry instead of contemporary jewelry can and will help reduce the “Blood Diamond” abuse.

Fred
Estate Jewelry Historian Ten Two Three

ESTATE JEWELRY VS IRRADIATED GEMSTONES

2007-12-12T14:30:00.000-06:00

Frequently we are asked “what are irradiated gemstones?” and “should I be concerned about wearing irradiated gemstones?". "Is it better to wear antique jewelry or older estate jewelry gemstones that have not been irradiated?"

Gemstones are irradiated to enhance and deepen the color of the stone and to make it more valuable. Gemstones can be irradiated by neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor, electron bombardment in an accelerator of by exposure to gamma rays in a cobalt irradiator. Gemstones have been irradiated since 1977.

Irradiation causes realignment of the inclusions in the gemstone which changes the way the stone channels light. How the inclusions or impurities will be realigned by irradiation is unknown. Some gemstones take on poorer colors or loose definition from the realignment of the impurities. As a result, the gemstones that are most often treated with irradiation are the cheaper stones. A large number of stones can be treated at one time even though only a few of these stones will show an improvement in color. The increase in the value of the poor quality stone from the treatment justifies the expense of the treatment of large numbers of stones. Topaz is the most commonly treated stone as subjecting topaz to irradiation often produces the more valuable blue colored topaz.

Treating a gemstone is not necessarily bad. For example, Tanzanite is heat treated to turn the stone the high prized blue/purple color. Without heat treatment, Tanzanite is a not too attractive brown color.

It is difficult to tell if a stone has been treated by irradiation. It is said that some highly skilled jewelers can determine that a stone has been irradiated. What these jewelers cannot tell is how the gemstone was treated. There have been some concerns over irradiation treatments and the possible exposure of the wearer to radiation. Generally, the longer the gemstone is exposed to radiation and the higher the intensity of the radiation treatment, the deeper and more attractive the resulting color of the stone. This also increases the possibility of the impurities and trace elements in the stone becoming radioactive. The treatment most likely to cause activation of radioactivity is treatment in a nuclear reactor although treatment in an accelerator can make gemstones radioactive. Gemstones are not made radioactive by treatment in a cobalt irradiator.

Testing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has estimated that the exposure of a person wearing a blue topaz stone at the highest levels of radioactivity would be exposed to an annual dose of 1/200th of the radiation exposure generate by a chest X-ray. There is no reason to be concern that wearing a gemstone treated by irradiation will cause cancer or will be a health risk. There are no advisories concerning irradiated gemstones from the NRC.

Many consumers with concerns regarding irradiated gemstones have altered their jewelry buying patterns and now instead of buying “the new, the exceptionally clear, the bright colored irradiated gemstones” are choosing antique and older estate (pre-1977) jewelry pieces. These consumers say that estate jewelry is more desirable in respect to their environmental and health concerns. This group of new consumers are finding renewed beauty in old-mine cut diamonds, emeralds with visible inclusions and corundum (sapphires and rubies) that are not 100% transparent.

Learning to Appreciate Antique and Diamond Jewelry

2007-11-20T13:13:00.001-06:00

Years ago, I was a diamond freak. Any diamond, any shape, any size. If it sparkled, I was sold. Ten carat gold, fourteen carat gold, white gold, yellow gold, who cares? I was sold by the sparkle. Dazzle me and I am all yours.

But I have learned about estate jewelry. As with most things of value there is real value and there is passing value. As I have learned about the real value of jewelry, as I have been taught about jewels and the art of jewelry making, I have been drawn more and more to antique and estate jewelry.

Don’t misunderstand; I still love the sparkle and the shine. But I have learned to tell the difference between the Mona Lisa in the art of jewelry design and the large sofa print sold at the starving artist sale.

There is no greater pleasure than finding a quality old piece of jewelry. An antique ring or old pair of earrings made before machinery made mass produced pieces. Finding a rare piece of estate jewelry that is, and always will be, unique. There may be other pieces that are similar but no piece will be exactly the same. Those are the pieces of jewelry, of art, that will stand the test of time. Such treasures are rare but they are well worth waiting for.

The only way to become a connoisseur is to sample. Buy a piece of antique jewelry. Wear it, admire it and see what others say.

Then, enjoy. Continue to look for the older, the rarer pieces. The gemstones and designs that are indicative of another era. The pieces of jewelry that will not match what everyone else in the room is wearing. That unique piece of jewelry that will never be offered at a department store or mall jewelry store. Look closely at the craftsmanship of the rare piece of jewelry that you now own. You are wearing art.

That is what makes Estate and Antique Jewelry collectible. A unique piece of art, a piece of history, for you to wear and enjoy and for you to pass on.

Ten Two Three Estate Jewelry ships jewelry to Australia, Canada, England and the United States.

Sentiment Behind Your Wedding Ring - a husband's viewpoint

2007-01-09T18:02:00.002-06:00

My sister’s oldest son is to be married in August. When his grandmother passed away she left my nephew her antique old-mine cut diamond from her filigree engagement ring for his future bride. Unfortunately, to his dismay, the diamond appeared to break when he went to his mall jeweler to have the diamond placed in a new setting. His mother quickly offered the diamond from her engagement ring, as she had always wanted a larger,higher grade diamond. This caused my brother-in-law to have a fit.

I agreed with my brother-in-law. This is a gift of love that should be kept!

Neither my wife nor my sister understood why the men would object, strenuously, I might add, to my sister giving her engagement rings old-mine cut diamond away.

And women think men are not sentimental! We are! They think that the gifts of jewelry are not important to us. However, men are not allowed to openly express their sentiments or deep feelings. Other men ridicule a man’s deep passions. Women tell other women of their man’s deep passions and sensitivity. Men are embarrassed by such disclosures. Whether its genetics or training, it doesn’t matter. Men cannot bear to be ridiculed about things that are extremely near and dear to them. So we bury those passions, deep inside. Where no one can see.

But we do express them. In acts, that may be simple. In giving up watching a football game to go and visit our mother in law. In praising a meal that is truly terrible. By complimenting a dress we hate. By attending piano recitals. And through gifts.

No other gift will reveal the depth of feelings. As financial conditions change, the engagement ring may not be the most expensive gift ever given, but, to the husband it will always be the most valuable.

It is not the issue of money that makes it valuable, but the expression of the heart.

It is one of the very few times a man can express his deepest feelings openly, without fear of ridicule. The expense of the engagement ring may not matter to the woman. It matters to the man. Men will spend as much as they can possibly justify to express the depth of their love, of their commitment, of how they treasure you.

All men glow inside when their intended first puts the ring on their finger. If the love is true, the glow returns everyday. Unmentioned, unnoticed and undeniably there.

All other purchases of jewelry evoke the same emotions in men. Any man can buy his wife an article of jewelry without chastisement from his friends. Falling at his wife’s feet and crying out the depth of his feelings would only expose the man, at least in his mind, to contempt and ridicule. An emerald, great or small, allows the expression of love and adoration without exposure to ridicule.

So, when your man gives you an article of estate jewelry, be it gorgeous estate diamond earrings, a big unique vintage ring,a dainty antique ring or a vintage emerald ring, he is telling you that you are his treasure. It is your ultimate assurance of his continuing love and affection.

Enjoy it. Delight in it. You cannot judge him by the gift he can afford. Finances will always vary. Judge only that this is his ability to express his true love for you.

And back to my nephew, his future bride now wears a new engagement diamond. One to treasure forever.

Fred
Ten Two Three Estate, Antique and Contemporary Vintage Jewelry