All About Jewelry & Its Definition

 When selecting the vintage engagement ring and wedding bands for yourself and your fiancée, it is important to know a little something about jewelry terminology.

Settings

Bezel Setting

The diamond sits on a plate of platinum or gold and is surrounded by a wall of metal that is perpendicular to the plate.

Prong Setting

Prong setting is different from bezel setting in that equal parts of the bezel are removed leaving prongs to cover the edge of the diamond. The Tiffany solitaire setting is prong set.

Bead Setting

Bead setting is different from prong setting in that small beads of platinum or gold are pushed over the edge to secure the diamond. Pave setting is bead setting over an expanded area of diamonds.

Channel Setting

This is a procedure where diamonds are set side by side along a groove and are secured by hammering the sides of the channel wall over the edge of the diamonds.

Invisible Setting

Diamonds are set in such a way that no metal is showing. No prongs, beads, channels or bezels are used. Grooves in the diamond girdle are set into a metal framework below the surface giving the illusion of diamonds suspended without any metal around the diamond.

Parts of the Engagement Ring

Head

The head of the ring is the top of the ring, the prongs and setting that hold the diamond.

Shoulder

The shoulder is the top part of the band of the ring next to the head.

Shank

The shank is the lower part of the band of the ring.

Types of Metal

Platinum

Platinum is a metal that comes out of the ground pure and white. It is soft but tough and pliable. It is resistant to knocks and will last for generations.

Gold

Gold is mixed with other metals (alloys) to make it strong enough for jewelry. For instance, 14 karat gold is 14 part gold and 10 part alloys. White gold is yellow gold mixed with certain alloys such as zinc or nickel to make it white. It must be rhodium plated (a type of platinum plating) to cover any hint of yellow. Pure gold is 24 karat and is too soft for jewelry.

Ring Re-sizing

Ring resizing is done when a ring becomes too large or too tight. A ring is too large when it keeps falling off. It is too tight after weight gain, during pregnancy or after eating too much salt. When the ring is consistently too tight, it should be resized to make it more comfortable. Ring resizing does not hurt the ring.

Re-tipping

Retipping is a procedure where prongs have been broken and need to be replaced or retipped with the original metal for the safety of the diamond.

Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is the first ring given to the woman at the time of the proposal. It is typically a diamond engagement ring but the stone could be a colored gemstone as well.

Wedding Band

A wedding band is a band that is given at the time of the wedding. It can be made of platinum, gold or other durable metal.

Eternity Band

An eternity band is a wedding band that contains diamonds or colored gemstones that go all the way around the ring.

Anniversary Band

An anniversary band is a band with diamonds or gemstones that are contained on the top of the ring going half-way around. It can be used as a wedding band or can be given as a gift for an anniversary.

Carat

Carat has to do with the weight of the diamond. One hundred points equal one carat. For instance, a three quarter carat diamond is written .75ct.

Karat

Karat has to do with the measure of the purity of gold, fourteen karat (14kt) or eighteen karat (18kt).

Why Purchase Estate and Vintage Jewelry?

The lure of timeless beauty and sophistication enhance the unique design and rare craftsmanship of a previously owned piece of estate jewelry or vintage jewelry.

When buying Estate and vintage jewelry, you are cutting out the middlemen by not buying from manufacturers where gold and platinum is at a premium. When you find a trusted jeweler that specializes in this kind of jewelry, you have found a treasure. Value comes in many ways. Your jeweler buys from attorneys that handle estates, from auctions, from contacts close and far, and from individuals that come to the store to sell what they don’t need or want anymore.

It’s easy to find jewelry that is priced well and is unique. Once again, your estate jeweler has set up his/her store to carry the unique and one-of-kind. You can find things from as early as the Georgian Period, (1714-1830) to current times. 

Estate jewelry means previously owned jewelry and you have a lot to pick from. From Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco Periods to current times, each offers its unique design. The Georgian Period is known for its design of nature including flowers, birds, feathers and ribbon. It was also know for “en tremblant” where the item is mounted on a spring to make it look like, for example, a butterfly that trembles.

The Victorian Period is known for its flowers and animal themes which were delicate, as well as heavier jewelry made with colorful gemstones like peridot, amethyst, turquoise and garnet to name a few. The Art Nouveau Period is also known for its flowers, scrolls and shapes of women.

The Edwardian Period is known for its use of platinum with bows, scalloped edges and filigree that looked like lace. Art Deco Period is known for its filigree, especially in diamond engagement rings. Synthetic sapphires and emeralds were also used in all kinds of rings especially diamond engagement rings. When you see more modern jewelry, you will notice that it will have a heavier look with more geometric shapes and not quite as much detail. If you purchase designer rings you may get more detail but it won’t be as delicate and light as vintage jewelry.

You’ll find jewelry that is fairly priced, unique and contains finer craftsmanship when you buy estate and vintage jewelry. Nothing beats the flowing designs, for instance, of the Art Nouveau Period. If you are looking for value, uniqueness and craftsmanship, you need look no further. Estate and Vintage jewelry sale for you.