The History of Birthstones

 The History of birthstones is believed to have gone back to the book of Exodus with the Breastplate of Aaron. It was a garment with twelve gemstones sewn into it that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The gemstones were set in three rows of three gemstones. At that time the gemstones were “sardius, topaz and carbuncle; emerald, sapphire and diamond; ligure, agate and amethyst; beryl, onyx and jasper.

The connection between the Breastplate of Aaron and the twelve stones of the zodiac were written about by Favius Josephus (1st century A.D) and St. Jerome (5th century A.D.). It was believed that wearing the gemstone of your zodiac would bring good luck to the wearer and that the stone had special powers.

Scholars from the 18th century in Poland came up with the modern ideas of a birthstone for each month. The most well-known list of monthly birthstones came into being in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States.

Since 1912, the monthly birthstones have remained the same until 2002 when tanzanite was added as the birthstone for December. December also has three birthstones designated for this month.

The current list of monthly gemstones is as follows:

• 

  January Garnet (dark red)

• 

  February Amethyst (purple)

• 

  March Aquamarine (pastel blue)

• 

  April Diamond

• 

  May Emerald (green)

• 

  June Pearl or Alexandrite (the color changing stone)

• 

  July Ruby (red)

• 

  August Peridot (light green)

• 

  September Sapphire (blue)

• 

  October Opal or pink tourmaline

• 

  November Citrine (yellow orange), yellow topaz

• 

  December Blue zircon, blue topaz, turquoise or tanzanite (bluish purple)

January Garnet (dark red)

February Amethyst (purple)

March Aquamarine (pastel blue)

April Diamond

May Emerald (green)

June Pearl or Alexandrite (the color changing stone)

July Ruby (red)

August Peridot (light green)

September Sapphire (blue)

October Opal or pink tourmaline

November Citrine (yellow orange), yellow topaz

December Blue zircon, blue topaz, turquoise or tanzanite (bluish purple)

Source: https://gesner.com/blogs/gem-indentification/the-history-of-birthstones

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/

Antique engagement rings: https://gesner.com/collections/antique-vintage-engagement-rings

Antique wedding rings: https://gesner.com/collections/antique-vintage-wedding-rings-bands

GESNER ESTATE JEWELRY

 

 Address:

252 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609

Phone:

8132821008

Website:

https://gesner.com/

 Description:

GESNER ESTATE JEWELRY provides the finest jewelry at the lowest price possible. We specialize in Antique & Vintage gold and platinum jewelry from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1930's; however, our inventory of newer pieces in gold and platinum are also unsurpassed. We maintain an inventory of several thousand unique items. Every piece is in wonderful condition and uncommon in design. We do not sell reproduction jewelry or lab-created gems unless it has been very clearly stated in the item's description.

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Info to Know before you Buy – Art Deco Engagement Rings

 About Gesner Estate Jewelry:

Gesner Estate Jewelry provides the finest jewelry at the lowest price possible. We specialize in antique & vintage gold and platinum jewelry from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1930's; however, our inventory of newer pieces in gold and platinum are also unsurpassed. We maintain an inventory of several thousand unique items. Every piece is in wonderful condition and uncommon in design. We do not sell reproduction jewelry or lab-created gems unless it has been very clearly stated in the item's description.

We are a family owned firm that has been in business since 1972. We are among the leaders in antique and estate jewelry. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally about ourselves and what we do. Please feel free to call us anytime at (727) 586-6000 or email us at gesner@gesner.com

We offer certified appraisal services from our G.I.A. graduate. Graydon Gesner has his Graduate Gemology Degree, Accredited Jewelry Professional Degree, and the G.I.A. Pearl Grading Lab Degree. These studies were accomplished at the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), located at the Carlsbad, California campus which is the world's foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. He was an on campus student and excelled in all phases of his studies. Out of 11 G.I.A. campus locations worldwide, Carlsbad, California is the G.I.A. World Headquarters that brings students from all over the world. Please call the Tampa store at (813) 282-1008, or email Graydon at graydongems@gmail.com to schedule your appointment to have your jewelry professionally appraised. Graydon's website can be seen atwww.gesnerappraisalservices.com.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1939)

“Art Deco” as a term was coined in 1960 by art historian Bevis Hillier to describe the movement known as Style Moderne. The distinctive style of the 1920’s and 30’s borrowed heavily from other Modernism movements of the time and was established as a distinct style by members of the French artist collective known as La Société des artistes décorateurs, following the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels held in Paris. Though birthed in France, Art Deco was almost entirely an American phenomenon, fueled by the decadence of “The Roaring Twenties.” The movement affected the decorative arts most profoundly, the commercial fields of architecture, graphic arts, industrial design, and jewelry design. The style is easily recognizable by the use of clean lines, trapezoidal shapes, stepped edges, and arched corners. Unlike the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, Art Deco emphasized linearity and geometric form.

Artisans of Art Deco used symmetrical arrangements and repeated designs, often incorporating pyramids and stepped ziggurats. The movement was influenced by primitive motifs from ancient Aztec and Egyptian culture and tribal Africa. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 sparked a new craze for Egyptian design, reinterpreting earlier Egyptian revival pieces from the late 19th century following the opening of the Suez Canal. Artifacts discovered in the tomb were reproduced in jewelry form, notably glazed ceramic pieces depicting scarabs, amulets, and the face mask of King Tut. Large jewelry firms, such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, imitated the Egyptian style with great success. Increased travel abroad and the visits of maharajahs to European cities fueled the interest in exotic motifs.

Jewelry of the period reflected the “architectural” and “industrial” influences. New Technology was referenced and employed in the making of jewelry. The movement sought to combine the relentless proliferation of mass production with the style and sensitivity of art and design. In 1927 Cartier introduced its “Mystery Clocks” which hid the mechanical movements of the gears and the hands of the clock appeared to float on top of the face. Gemstones were cut in geometric shapes, and paired with contrasting colors to form a bold statement. Light colored gemstones were set with dark materials such as black onyx and Bakelite, a type of early plastic. “White jewelry”, similar to the platinum and diamond designs of Edwardian jewelry, debuted at the 1929 Exhibition at the Palais Galliera in Paris and was hugely popular throughout the 1930’s. Metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver were used for their white appearance and set with diamonds.

Like the dramatic change in female clothing and hairstyles, jewelry pieces also changed in form and function. The elaborate matching sets and tiaras of  Victorian times were out of style. Women wore long pendants, bold cocktail rings, multiple bangle bracelets, elaborately decorated accessories such as cigarette cases, and the double-clip brooch which could be worn together or taken apart and worn on lapels or belts.

The crash of 1929 greatly affected the progress of Art Deco. Jewelers innovatively incorporated less expensive materials such as Bakelite and coral or turquoise to create affordable jewelry for the mass market. As the Depression worsened and World War II broke out, Art Deco came to an end. An attempt was made to revive the style following the end of the war, but it never succeeded in producing the excitement or innovation Art Deco had inspired in the earlier decades. The Art Deco style has experienced multiple revivals in the past few decades and high quality pieces of jewelry from the original period remain highly prized as collectables.

Early Art Deco diamond engagement rings and jewelry were decorative and fancy in style with filigree which was often accented with synthetic sapphires or natural emeralds.  Price was not a consideration when creating jewelry.  Cocktail rings were in vogue.  This was a time of high fashion and elegant style.  Cocktail parties were the rage and everyone was trying to gracefully out do the other.

 

At the end of World War I, the Art Deco Period came into full force.  Women had entered the work force and were standing more and more on their own two feet becoming more self-reliant and passionate.  With this new social order of prosperous people who thrived during the war, the Art Deco Period also known as the Roaring Twenties was off to a hearty start.

Coco Channel was known for her faux pearls and other jewelry during that time and, in fact, materials like plastic and paste were very popular when producing such vintage jewelry.

Egyptian Revival jewelry such as necklaces, for example, became more common after the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1923. Jewelry of the style boasted examples of serpents, pharaohs and sphinxes in simple flat designs.

 

The Japanese also had influence on Art Deco Jewelry and fashion.  Carvings of jade and coral were carved in bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  Oriental garden scenes were very popular.

By 1930, the ornamental vintage engagement rings and jewelry gave way to a more geometric shape and style. Jewelry and architecture became modernized and plain. Simple brooches depicting streamlined automobiles, cruise ships and planes were in style and were created in gold and rare gemstones. Costume jewelry used these streamlined themes as well.

Designers such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Harry Winston were well known then just as they are today.

Art Deco engagement rings, brooches, pendants and bracelet designs followed the history of the time, such as the depression and World War II.  There is such a variety of jewelry produced during this historical time that you should find something special to your liking.

This Article is originally posted here : https://www.gesner.com/blog/art-deco-jewelry-1920-1939/ & https://www.gesner.com/blog/art-deco-period-1920-1935/

Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings

Antique Wedding Bands: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

Estate Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/estate-jewelry/engagement-rings

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/

 

 

BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUE/VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

 

You have found your soul mate and it is time to pop the big question. So the next big question is, “Where do I begin?”

There are many things to consider, from style to budget, and your own personal taste. The perfect engagement ring is the one that best suits your personality which is what makes antique and vintage rings a great option.

 

Each ring has an unrepeatable design and comes with a story of love. People feel drawn to heirloom jewelry for its characteristic craftsmanship that machine-produced jewelry can never achieve. Additionally, vintage and antique engagement rings are typically a more affordable option.

 

Why Are Antique or Vintage Engagement Rings Special?

 

1. It Has a Story to Tell: Purchasing antique or vintage jewelry is like owning a piece of someone’s past. Perhaps the piece is passed down from generation to generation carrying stories of each of its owners. Antiques are pieces of history that survived the test of time and maintained integrity while the world around them changed. The nostalgia evoked by possessing an antique piece of jewelry is an incomparable sentiment for many.

 

2. Great Quality, Design & Nostalgia: Wearing a ring hand-made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques rarely seen in modern jewelry is meaningful and special. Each antique piece reflects the attention to detail and subtle sparkle achieved only by artisans passionate about their chosen profession of creating distinct jewelry one piece at a time. Who wouldn’t like to adorn the special day with an engagement ring that is authentic and the only one of its kind?

 

How to Choose an Antique or Vintage Engagement Ring?

Investing in antique or vintage jewelry is a massive decision. Don’t shy away from asking questions to ensure what you are purchasing is an authentic heirloom piece well-preserved for decades or centuries and not a reproduced design.

1. Check for the background of the piece. Ask questions to know the era it belongs to. Knowing the history of the ring can be exciting and assuring.

2. Ensure that the supplier is a reliable source and not someone trying to pass you a slightly worn-out piece for antique or vintage. To determine the credibility of the antique jewelry store, you can check the entire collection the shop is offering. A proven way is to check the supplier’s reputation by going through customer reviews and testimonials – it speaks volumes about the service and quality of the products offered by the store. If the majority of the reviews are positive, then it is safe to say that the supplier is reliable.

3. One of the most important things to note while buying antique or vintage jewelry is to check its authenticity. You can closely inspect the jewelry’s condition to know if it has gone through any repair or alterations. If you plan to buy online, you can ask for high-resolution photos of the jewelry. Better still, you can call the supplier and ask for certifications or hallmarks to confirm the authenticity and quality of the piece.

4. A crucial factor to consider when buying an antique or vintage ring is its cost. Antique or vintage jewelry is generally slightly less expensive than its modern counterpart. If you come across a price too good to be true, you should probably check twice before committing. Some stores offer excellent layaway plans to make your purchase easy. You can check with the supplier for the terms and conditions related to such plans and also check for return policies so you can make the purchase while knowing all the ins and outs.

The Different Types of Antique or Vintage Jewelry –

 

The owner of an heirloom ring should be aware of the history associated with the piece to know the full worth of the jewelry.

While both vintage and antique mean belonging to earlier times or dating from the past, the difference lies in their period of origin. Something is classified as antique only when it is more than 75 years old, while an item is vintage when it is at least more than 40 years old.

Additionally, there is Estate Jewelry which in the formal sense is a piece of jewelry previously owned, regardless of the time period.

The Age and Style of the Jewelry are defined by the Era it belonged to –

Mid and Late Victorian Period: 1850 – 1900 – During the reign of Queen Victoria, the discovery of large and plentiful mines paved the way for precious metals and gemstones to create heavy, fashionable jewelry.

Edwardian Period: 1900 – 1915 – This period marked the return of elegantly styled jewelry when engagement rings were often adorned with diamonds. Pearl and platinum were also increasingly used to create pieces that are strong and durable yet demonstrated delicate designs.

Art Nouveau: 1890 – 1915 – This period witnessed defining art movements that celebrated designs in striking contrast to the Edwardian style. Gemstones like opals and moonstones found prominence in jewelry, and durable design gave way to new and dainty styles.

Art Deco: 1920 – 1935 – One of the most prominent styles of this period was characterized by sharp angles and geometrical shapes. Art Deco engagement rings have always been a favorite among admirers of Antique and Vintage jewelry for their bold color, angular looks, and shiny, enameled pieces.

 

Retro Period: 1935 – 1949 – This period marked bold and powerful designs, with gold taking center stage. It brought notable changes in jewelry designs like large, semi-precious gems in oversized pieces which became a common style. Jewelry of this era was often seen to have a Hollywood influence.

 

Best Place to Buy Engagement Rings

The best Antique and Vintage Engagement Ring store is the one that offers you jewelry with rich history and exceptional quality like Gesner Estate Jewelry. One of the leaders in Antique and Estate jewelry, Gesner has an impressive collection of more than a thousand unique items.

 

Home to the most exquisite Engagement Rings, this family-owned business specializes in jewelry from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1940’s. In addition, Gesner Estate Jewelry offers Appraisal and Restoration Services to the owners of generation-old precious jewelry.

 

Why Choose Gesner Estate Jewelry?

 

If you are looking for the best online jewelry store, Gesner Estate Jewelry is the most trustworthy name you can find. Buying expensive jewelry online can be a little scary so if you are asking yourself why you should choose Gesner, there is only one answer – you will not get better customer service elsewhere! Gesner’s staff provides unparalleled service, from answering all your questions and sending pictures for inspection to shipping your items to your doorstep in a flash. Furthermore, every item is accompanied by a complete Gem Analysis and Appraisal prepared by a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist.

 

Gesner is the name standing for TRUST and COMMITMENT. While the business has a beautiful brick-and-mortar store in Tampa, FL the entire inventory is made available on the official website of www.gesner.com which enables you to make an informed choice and acquire the best and most beautiful Engagement Ring for your special day!

 

Source: https://gesner.com/blog/best-place-to-buy-antique-vintage-engagement-rings/

Website: https://gesner.com/

Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings

Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

All About Buying The Perfect Vintage Antique or Estate Jewelry:

https://gesner.com/blog/all-about-buying-the-perfect-vintage-antique-or-estate-jewelry/

Edwardian Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/blog/edwardian-engagement-rings/