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    News — lab created

    History of the Pearl

    History of the Pearl

    The Persian Gulf has been a major source of natural pearls throughout history. Pearling was a significant industry in regions like Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This dangerous profession was known for its risks but also for the potential rewards of finding valuable pearls. In the 19th century, the development of cultured pearls revolutionized the pearl industry. Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan is credited with perfecting the technique of culturing pearls, leading to increased accessibility and affordability. Pearls gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

    Today cultured pearls are the most common type available in the market. These pearls are created by inserting a nucleus into an oyster or mussel, stimulating the formation of a pearl. Major sources of cultured pearls include Japan, China, Australia, and various countries in the South Pacific. Additionally, natural pearls, formed without human intervention, are still found but are extremely rare and valuable.

    The Art Deco Era

    The Art Deco Era

    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.

    Recycle, Renew, Reuse.

    Recycle, Renew, Reuse.

    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

    How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

    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.