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Many of us are confused by several descriptive words: antique, vintage or estate. When it comes to buying jewelry, or furniture or anything for that matter, age makes a difference.   And no wonder there is befuddlement, as for all of those terms, there is no standard definition. The good news is that there are some guidelines and there are tips below to sort out the murky waters. Antique Jewelry The word antique can define anything over 75 years old, or over 100 years old. Most reputable dealers, auction houses and appraisers take the conservative approach. That means that the...

Iridium & Palladium Most everyone knows of platinum. Not as many are aware of iridium or palladium. The rainbow and the goddess Iris serve as the basis for the name of precious metal iridium (for some of its more esoteric chemical properties). And palladium is associated with protection and security for the Gree figures Pallas and Athena. So whether you wish to conjure up a prism of color, or desire some fortification for everyday trials and stresses, there is a white metal for you beyond the norm.  Both metals are used in jewelry as an alloy (mixture) with platinum. Some...

Natural Saltwater Pearls Pearls traditionally are created within various types of saltwater mollusks or clam shells. Natural pearls indicate that there is no man made interference or methodology to creating the pearl. In other words, a tiny irritant lodges by accident within the interior of a living clam. The organisim secrets nacre (a lustrous substance) to coat the irritantl. The more it deposits atop the bothersome irritant, the larger the pearl. Generally, the rounder the pearl, the larger it is, the thickher the nacre, thewhiter and more beautiful its surface, the more rare and valuable it is. Natgural pearls are...

Enamel in jewelry has existed for thousands of years. Essentially colored glass, powdered and applied most often to a metal base, it is fired at sufficient temperatures to melt and form decorative surfaces. There are many types of enames and we have chosen five types to illustrate. Guilloche (Basse Taille) Transparent or translucent enamel is placed over metal that has often been enhanced with a pattern. The technique is commonly named "engine turned" for the machine which impresses tiny intricate designs into the metal base.  Champleve Channels are carved out of metal to make a well which is then filled with...