I have been studying up on the different birthstones and their substitutes. I find this information very interesting. Therefore, I am going to launch a "series" on the different birthstones by month.
Below is a list of the traditional birthstone vs. the "modern" birthstone, and if available, their substitutes:
January: Garnet or Rose Quartz
February: Amethyst or Onyx
March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
April: Diamond or Rock Crystal (Quartz)
May: Emerald or Chrysoprase
June: Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl
July: Ruby or Carnelion
August: Perodot or Sardonyx
September: Sapphire or Lapis
October: Opal or Tourmaline
November: Topaz or Citrine
December: Tanzanite or Turquoise
Birthstones can be a very personal choice for a lot of people, therefore those that don't like their birthstone will tend to make some sort of "excuse" to claim another one.
My birthstone is Garnet (January). I have mixed emotions about it and am very picky when it comes to selecting a garnet piece. Sometimes I think the garnet is pretty, but a lot of the time I find it to be just "blah".
My favorite birthstone is the Sapphire. (September)
Until next time,
Dawn
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Jewelry Style Characteristics1700's to 1900's
There are simply hundres of different styles of jewelry. Here are just a few:
Georgian 1714-1837 - very glamourous, imaginative, delicate style that uses lots and lots of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and gold.
Early Victorian 1837-1860 - a romantic, sentimental style that has a nostalgic air to it. Many pieces from this era celebrated a loved one in the form of a locket.
Mid Victorian 1860-1885 A very assertive & bold looking jewelry with lots of black stones.
Late Victorian / Edwardian 1885-1905 A much more dainty and lighter design than that of the mid Victorian era. Made use of stars, crescents, bird motifs , (one of my favorites!), and Japanese motifs. More variety of stones used during this era, such as garnets, opals, and sapphires.
Art Nouveau 1895-1910 A very sensuous and emotionally beautiful form of jewelry. No sharp angles / lots of flowing lines and female forms.
Arts and Crafts 1880-1920 Very strong lines with an emphasis on handwork.
Art Deco 1920-1930 Very angular, geometric lines. You see a lot of abstracts during this era.
Art Retro 1935 - 1945 Huge, extravagant pieces with exaggerated use of genuine and synthetic colored gems.
It is very difficult for me to choose a favorite from all of these, but if I had to it would most likely be the Late Victorian / Edwardian era. The designs were very dainty, and I guess deep down, I am just a "girly" girl.
Georgian 1714-1837 - very glamourous, imaginative, delicate style that uses lots and lots of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and gold.
Early Victorian 1837-1860 - a romantic, sentimental style that has a nostalgic air to it. Many pieces from this era celebrated a loved one in the form of a locket.
Mid Victorian 1860-1885 A very assertive & bold looking jewelry with lots of black stones.
Late Victorian / Edwardian 1885-1905 A much more dainty and lighter design than that of the mid Victorian era. Made use of stars, crescents, bird motifs , (one of my favorites!), and Japanese motifs. More variety of stones used during this era, such as garnets, opals, and sapphires.
Art Nouveau 1895-1910 A very sensuous and emotionally beautiful form of jewelry. No sharp angles / lots of flowing lines and female forms.
Arts and Crafts 1880-1920 Very strong lines with an emphasis on handwork.
Art Deco 1920-1930 Very angular, geometric lines. You see a lot of abstracts during this era.
Art Retro 1935 - 1945 Huge, extravagant pieces with exaggerated use of genuine and synthetic colored gems.
It is very difficult for me to choose a favorite from all of these, but if I had to it would most likely be the Late Victorian / Edwardian era. The designs were very dainty, and I guess deep down, I am just a "girly" girl.
Monday, April 7, 2008
How do you clean your costume jewelry?
Costume jewelry has some different rules when it comes to cleaning (versus "real" jewelry).
Stay away from cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, vinegar, or any other acidics.
Avoid soap and water, because the soap will leave a dull "film" on the jewelry.
Your best bet is to use the softest toothbrush you can find to dust your pieces off.
A soft cloth also works! If you wear a piece quite a bit, clean it once a week. For pieces that you wear seldom, clean it before you put it back into your jewelry box. It will be ready for the next time you wear it.
Stay away from cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, vinegar, or any other acidics.
Avoid soap and water, because the soap will leave a dull "film" on the jewelry.
Your best bet is to use the softest toothbrush you can find to dust your pieces off.
A soft cloth also works! If you wear a piece quite a bit, clean it once a week. For pieces that you wear seldom, clean it before you put it back into your jewelry box. It will be ready for the next time you wear it.
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