Jewellery Designs Rings Biogarphy
Source(google.com.pk)Other clues involve the style of the piece. Just as with architecture or clothing, jewelry has reflected certain popular styles, designs, colors and stones over the years. In the period from 1910 to 1930, for instance, white was the favored color for metal. Jewelry made during this time is often set in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. During 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. The fine rhinestones that had been used so prolifically in the 1930s came from Europe, and thus were also not available to the Americans during 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. Such facts can be gleaned through reference books and online sources, followed by going to museums and antique malls to look at various pieces.
Another major indicator about a piece, especially its age and its value, is its back. When looking at brooches, earrings and necklaces, after quickly looking at the front to get an idea of the piece's style, I always examine the back. If a piece is marked, its back is where to find a signature or hallmark. However, most (but not all) costume jewelers did not start signing their pieces until the 1950s. Besides maker's marks, a back may be stamped with numbers ("925" indicates sterling silver, for example), hallmarks or the country of manufacture. Clues to the age of brooches can be found by examining the clasp, the hinge and the pin shaft itself. For example, a tube hinge is older than the ball hinge. The C clasp is older than a safety clasp. And if the pin shaft extends out beyond the edge of the brooch, it is an indication of a mid-1800s piece. The back of a piece is also where most modifications take place. The most common is to have a C clasp replaced with a safety clasp. Such modifications can reduce the value of a piece by fifty percent or more.
Interestingly, when I am asked to appraise a piece of jewelry, I am not able to do so. The IRS considers museum professionals to be "interested parties," and as such, we are not allowed to appraise. One way I suggest that people find out the value of their pieces is to look at recent books that do give values for jewelry; there are many currently in print. Another easy way is to go online and see what prices similar forms of jewelry are bringing. Finally, a person can have a certified appraiser give them an evaluation. For insurance purposes, it is especially important to have this evaluation in writing.
Jewelry is fun to collect. It is pretty, comes in an infinite variety of forms and colors, and carries with it incredible history. The history of jewelry is not only a history of design, style, fashion and technology, but also of hopes and dreams.
A favorite decorative period of mine is the Art Deco Era, which sprang from the end of WWI. Bouncing back from war efforts, where women desperately had to take over men’s jobs and jewelry production was put on hold, the Art Deco period is characterized by decadence. This period encompasses the 1920s-1930s, during which women gained the right to vote, 15 million new cars were registered and hit the roads (1920-1929), many stock market fortunes were made, all while people danced the Charleston. As you can tell, the jewelry reflected what was happening–especially fashion. The “flapper” style was all the rage. Women rebelled by wearing short dresses, red lipstick, and bobbed hair. Bracelets were piled on, both on the upper and lower arms. Earrings, particularly a dangle style, were popular because of the shorter hairstyles.
As the economy and stock market flourished, Americans continued to spend frivolously, while borrowing heavily. As a result, the stock market crashed. The Great Depression loomed, and the lavish living of the roaring twenties had come to a dramatic halt.
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
Jewellery Designs Rings
No comments:
Post a Comment