Jewelry – A Historic Look At Our Fascination With Precious Metals

History of Sterling Silver Jewelry Charms

Charms are also known as amulets and pendants. They are as popular today as they have been throughout recorded history. Ancient Egyptians wore bracelets with charms or amulets. They were used to protect against bad luck and evil forces. They began with religious symbols and became a part of everyday dressing.

Charms/jewelry were made of almost any material of value to people in their time. Many were made of precious metal. Others were made with gemstones inlaid in them or mounted with precious metals in the form of necklaces, crowns, staffs, and bracelets. Queen Victoria gets the credit for popularizing jewelry charms throughout Europe by wearing lockets or charms on her royal bracelets

America became enchanted with Charms around the time frame of World War II. Soldiers returning from duty station brought with them various types of charms or pendants. Today popular charms are maded from Gold and Sterling Silver. Other materials are still used in the making of charms.

Sterling Silver Charms today represent as many things as there are interests and personalities. Some charms or pendants represent the religious leanings of the wearer. They also represent the interest of the wearer such a musical instrument for a music lover, a pair of sneakers for a jogger, or ballet slippers for a ballerina. Imagination is the only limit for what a charm can represent. Silver charms are also used to commemorate life events such as births, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations.

Silver is a soft metal and its usage has been favored for centuries. It is used to make charms often related to religious worship. Silver has been a symbol of comfortable living. Sterling silver is much stronger than pure silver which is harder to work with when making pendants or charms. Sterling silver is approximately ninety percent silver. The last ten percent or so can be any one of the following: copper, zinc, or nickel and is more durable than pure silver but it still retains its inherent beauty.

Charms whether made of sterling silver or some other materials are often used to represent the person who wears or carries the charm. As has been mentioned however, they often represent the interests and personality of the wearer. During war particular items are given to the soldiers who are going off to fight. When a young teen-aged couple ’goes steady’ the young man generally gives the girl his ring or something of particular value to him. The girls might also do the same.

Charms have also been said to represent the particular spirituality of the wearer. Many people wear plain simple crosses while still others will wear the cross with the corpus - the body of Christ on it. Others wear saints medals. Lockets are worn with images of loved ones inside. Once used to ward against evil spirits, for good luck, and for protection in times of trouble charms have come to be an adornment for the wearer. Charm bracelets are gifts that keep on giving. A charm is often given for birthdays, graduations, a dance recital, or sports victory. They make wonderful gifts for young girls that will grow with them. There are charm necklaces as well.

The History Of Costume Jewelry

There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry. However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s.
Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.

Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.

There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, White Gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones. .

Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, Semi Precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.
Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply "collectible." It is "in style, and " "fashionable," and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!

The Do’s And Don’ts You Need To Follow When Buying Jewelry

Whether buying Gold Jewelry for yourself or a loved one, deciding what and where to buy fine jewelry can be a tough decision. Gold jewelry is an item you'll cherish for many years to come - maybe even a lifetime! So, you'll want to make a wise choice. Here are some quick do's and don'ts to remember when buying gold jewelry.

Do Buy Gold Jewelry from a Company You Trust

When you want fine jewelry, choose a company or Web store that specializes in fine jewelry. Don't expect to find the best of jewelry at a company that offers everything including the kitchen sink! A specialist can assist you personally and provide a wider variety of gold jewelry.

When searching online, be specific in your searches, and do research on the company before making a purchase. Check to see if the company is affiliated with a professional trade association such as the Jewelers of America (JA) or the online Better Business Bureau.

Do Look for Guarantees or Warranties

Before buying gold jewelry from a company (online or offline), get a detailed explanation of their return policy in case the jewelry is not what you expected or has a defect. Some will offer manufacturer's warranties as well.

Do Shop for Quality, not Just Discounted Prices

It's tempting to buy fine jewelry at a discount to get a great bargain. But, what are you really getting? With gold jewelry, for example, find the karat or quality mark on the actual jewelry to see if it's real gold or not. And remember, the karats are an indication of what percentage of gold is in the jewelry piece. 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75 percent gold, 14K is 58.3 percent gold, and 10K is 41.6 percent gold. So, what is the other percentage? It is usually made up of alloy, or different metals that add form and strength to the jewelry item.

Don't be Hasty

Look around at several gold jewelry pieces before making a decision. Consider the price of the jewelry as well. Ask about these factors to determine if the fine jewelry is worth its price: karat weight, total weight, engravings, design, look and feel, ornamental detail, and the finish.

Don't Buy from Suspicious Companies or Persons

If you have an uneasy feeling about buying fine jewelry from a particular person or company, don't do it. The jewelry could be stolen or fake. Either way, you'll lose in the long run. Always choose a reputable company that specializes in fine jewelry and/or gold jewelry.

Don't Forget the Clasp and Measurements

If buying for others, find out what size gold jewelry they wear, such as Ring Size, neck size, wrist size, or ankle size. Whether it's gold necklaces, Gold Earrings, gold bracelets, gold bangles, or other types of jewelry, you'll need to know the size and style that fits you or your loved one. Also, examine the clasp to be sure it's easy to attach and of good quality.

Use these tips as a starting point to get the gold jewelry you need. The right gold jewelry piece can be worn for a lifetime!