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The Georgian Era

Posted by Lane Griffith · August 04, 2022

Georgian Era: 1714-1837

This era spanned for 120 years, through King George I and ending at King George IV. Given the dates of this era, the tools used were primitive. Making the pieces fragile, and less likely to stand the test of time, most high-end specimens are in museums most in desperate need of repair. Making Georgian era jewelry a true treasure. This era has a dark, moody aesthetic made up of pearls, sapphires, foil-backed diamonds, rubies, garnet, topaz, glass, and paste. Common cuts for this time are unlike what we see today. Most common are old mine cuts, single cuts, antique cushion cuts and rose cuts. These are cuts made by hand, using candle or sunlight. Foil-backing gems was assumed to brighten them along with intensifying the color. With machines in short supply during this time, jewelry was hand formed, hand carved and handset. An art that has evolved over time, with these hand done creations makers marks or assay stamps are uncommon and nearly nonexistent (assay marks are enforced in the 1900’s). Metals were more brittle in turn harder to manipulate, typical materials used are 18K yellow gold and silver.

Popular motifs from this era are flowers, crescents, bows, and foliage incorporating shapes like the navette and ovals to interpret these beautiful designs. The Georgian era is most known for its mourning pieces. Beautifully made pieces of jewelry that are made to commemorate a loved one. Typically made to display a lock of hair, a piece of ribbon, fabric or even a portrait. These mourning pieces were held dear, and the perfect way to preserve memories. Unfortunately, Georgian jewelry like the mourning pieces are harder and harder to come by. This era is just the start of the progress made jewelry manufacturing. Encouraging advances to continue through the decades.

Recycle, Renew, Reuse.

Posted by Lane Griffith · May 25, 2022

Ecofriendly, recycle, reuse, renew and sustainability, these are all words that are at the forefront of many consumers’ thoughts.

Here at North Coast Jewelry, we pride ourselves on renewing, reusing and being environmentally friendly. The pieces that we procure are antique, sometimes hundreds of years old. These pieces already exist, they just need to be found. That is when the treasure hunting begins.

Our pieces come from numerous sources from all over the state, country, and sometimes the world! Sourced from individuals, shops, estate sales and more, The treasures cover a whole range of wear and tear. Many of our treasures need a good polish, have some minor fixes needed or are found incomplete, when this is the case, we take the steps needed to make the treasure wearable once again.

Anything needed to complete an item is found, not created. We ensure that when fixing a piece, it stays era appropriate; gems are the correct age including the cut and style, as well as the metal we use. Old cut diamonds and gems are becoming harder to find. Due to recutting, sourcing them is sometimes more difficult, but an important task to ensure an authentic piece. We recycle and reuse vintage goods, giving them a new lease and a better future. No harsh chemicals, no waste and a product that can stand the test of time.

How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

Posted by Lane Griffith · July 28, 2020

Just as synthetic rubies and sapphires, the synthetic diamond market has been growing rapidly since the technology to create new, colorless varieties were introduced. As the lab-created diamonds cost about 35% less than the real diamonds, many experts fear a major decrease in demand for the real diamonds, and that’s why advanced screening devices are being used to separate the real ones from the synthetic varieties.

What is the impact of synthetic rocks on the real diamond market?

Although it’s unlikely that the synthetic diamonds will replace the real rocks any time soon, if the consumers are aware of what they are buying, the risks are greater due to the lower price expectations. The real diamonds may lose their luxury because of their cheaper peers. This apart, the real diamonds are also being increasingly associated with the harsh practices and inhuman measures of mining, which gives them the nickname ‘blood diamonds’. As the synthetic ones are created in the labs, they are considered more sustainable and eco-friendly among the environmentally-conscious population. The market for vintage and antique diamonds actually has not been affected since the true old cuts cannot be remade and collectors always find them valuable and desirable.

So, are natural diamonds no longer valuable?

Of course, no! The natural diamonds still are quite able to connect with the customers on an emotional level, which is lacking in the case of synthetic rocks. If a clear distinction is observed between the real diamonds and the synthetic ones, the people, who value quality above everything else, will go for the former undoubtedly. For jewelers, who deal both in natural diamonds and lab-created ones will, however, be at the most advantageous position, as they will have it all to meet specific customer needs.