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The Art Deco Era

Posted by Lane Griffith · August 18, 2022

Art Deco Era:

1920 – 1945

Emerging at the conclusion of World War 1, this is one of the most iconic and most recreated of the eras. The design aesthetic drastically shifted, from the nature-based beginning eras to angular, geometric, and architectural inspiring. This era was clean cut and bold, die-struck filigree was then hand finished, intricate symmetrical basket style rings with breathtaking open work, and lavalier necklaces are predominately worn. The open work and filigree details were ideal effects that allowed metal to be used more sparingly. Giving the pieces of this time a lighter, less bulky feel. Popular items include dinner and cocktail rings, octagonal/hexagonal settings, stepped shoulders, filigree linked bracelets, pearls, and lavalier necklaces. Typically crafted in white gold, platinum (although costly), camphor glass or chromium plated metals. Diamond, aquamarine, pearl, jade, onyx, and topaz are prevalent in these creations, thanks to technology advances synthetic sapphires and rubies are well used in this era as well. Along with creating gems, advances in gem cutting were also achieved. Baguette, brilliant cut, fancy cuts like emerald and Asscher cuts come into the spotlight, while still utilizing old European cut and cabochon. This span of time is known for the angular, symmetrical designs, utilizing machines to create filigree details and pops of bold color (created or natural), catching the attention of those around the wearer.

A Brief History Of Emeralds – What You Need To Know

Posted by Lane Griffith · June 17, 2020

The gorgeous green gemstones have been with us for hundreds and thousands of years, symbolizing life, growth, and fertility. The term ‘emerald’ has originally been derived from a Persian word, which means ‘green gem’, and throughout the years, the name has been changed numerous times from Greek to Latin Smaragdus, Esmaurde, Esmralde, and finally to Emerald in the 16th century.

The ancient emerald

The green gem is a popular variety of naturally colorless Beryl stone, which also gives rise to other gemstones e.g. morganites. It’s a type III gemstone, which, no matter how beautiful, has flaws most of the time. The Columbian emerald is the most flawless among them and also the costliest one, because of its high quality.

Emerald and the blue blood

The Incas and Aztecs had considered emerald as their own for thousands of years, just like other ancient tribes in Columbia. However, it’s the 16th-century bloodbath that cemented emeralds in the history of South America, as Spanish conquerors looted them extensively from the mines in the region. Since then, royalties from all over have been depending on the Spanish mines to adorn their jewelry and crowns with the green gemstone. Be it the Indian Mughal rulers, The Russian royalties or the Iranian monarchs, this particularly glowing gemstone has occupied the royal treasuries of numerous emperors and Shah for hundreds of years. Even some of the famous ladies in history like Queen Cleopatra and Catherine The Great have been said to be eternal devotees of the beautiful green gem.

Emerald cut and synthetic emeralds

Originally, the emeralds were cut in a popular style, which came to be known as the ‘emerald cut’ later. It optimized the green glow without altering the brilliance of the stone. Synthetic emeralds were created somewhere in 1935, and the first-ever Chatham Emerald is displayed in the Smithsonian Institute.