You have found your soul mate and it is time to pop the big question. So the next big question is, “Where do I begin?”
There are many things to consider, from style to budget, and your own personal taste. The perfect engagement ring is the one that best suits your personality which is what makes antique and vintage rings a great option.
Each ring has an unrepeatable design and comes with a story of love. People feel drawn to heirloom jewelry for its characteristic craftsmanship that machine-produced jewelry can never achieve. Additionally, vintage and antique engagement rings are typically a more affordable option.
Why Are Antique or Vintage Engagement Rings Special?

It Has a Story to Tell: Purchasing antique or vintage jewelry is like owning a piece of someone’s past. Perhaps the piece is passed down from generation to generation carrying stories of each of its owners. Antiques are pieces of history that survived the test of time and maintained integrity while the world around them changed. The nostalgia evoked by possessing an antique piece of jewelry is an incomparable sentiment for many.

Great Quality, Design & Nostalgia: Wearing a ring hand-made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques rarely seen in modern jewelry is meaningful and special. Each antique piece reflects the attention to detail and subtle sparkle achieved only by artisans passionate about their chosen profession of creating distinct jewelry one piece at a time. Who wouldn’t like to adorn the special day with an engagement ring that is authentic and the only one of its kind?

How to Choose an Antique or Vintage Engagement Ring?
Investing in antique or vintage jewelry is a massive decision. Don’t shy away from asking questions to ensure what you are purchasing is an authentic heirloom piece well-preserved for decades or centuries and not a reproduced design.
Check for the background of the piece. Ask questions to know the era it belongs to. Knowing the history of the ring can be exciting and assuring.

 Ensure that the supplier is a reliable source and not someone trying to pass you a slightly worn-out piece for antique or vintage. To determine the credibility of the antique jewelry store, you can check the entire collection the shop is offering. A proven way is to check the supplier’s reputation by going through customer reviews and testimonials – it speaks volumes about the service and quality of the products offered by the store. If the majority of the reviews are positive, then it is safe to say that the supplier is reliable.

One of the most important things to note while buying antique or vintage jewelry is to check its authenticity. You can closely inspect the jewelry's condition to know if it has gone through any repair or alterations. If you plan to buy online, you can ask for high-resolution photos of the jewelry. Better still, you can call the supplier and ask for certifications or hallmarks to confirm the authenticity and quality of the piece.

A crucial factor to consider when buying an antique or vintage ring is its cost. Antique or vintage jewelry is generally slightly less expensive than its modern counterpart. If you come across a price too good to be true, you should probably check twice before committing. Some stores offer excellent layaway plans to make your purchase easy. You can check with the supplier for the terms and conditions related to such plans and also check for return policies so you can make the purchase while knowing all the ins and outs.

The Different Types of Antique or Vintage Jewelry –
The owner of an heirloom ring should be aware of the history associated with the piece to know the full worth of the jewelry. 

Source: https://gesner.com/blog/best-place-to-buy-antique-vintage-engagement-rings-%ef%bf%bc/

Created: 9/8/2022 11:49:35 PM

BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUE/VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

“With this ring I thee wed, and all my goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, ‘til death do us part”. This is a very traditional wedding vow used to exchange wedding bands and is the most significant outward appearance of the wedding pledge.
As early as the Egyptian time, wedding bands were a symbol of eternity with the rings having no beginning and no end. The space for the finger in the center of the ring is thought of as the portal to events either known or unknown. It is no wonder that wedding bands were considered a present of significant importance.
In the Roman times, the wedding band, worn on the third finger of the left hand was referred to as the “vena amoris”, Latin for the vein of love. It was believed that there was a direct connection between the wedding ring finger and the heart.
The first ancient wedding bands were made of grass or hemp and later leather, bone or ivory. As time passed, a single gold band with colored gemstones was used but was more a show of wealth. Later still, although rust was a problem, iron was used for wedding bands symbolizing the strength of the bond between a husband and a wife. At one point, the giving and receiving of wedding rings put a claim on a woman as a piece of property. In renaissance Italy, silver was used for wedding bands and they were inlaid with enamel and had clasping hands on the front. Posey rings, meaning love poem, were made of silver for the engagement ring and later replaced with a single gold wedding band.
It is amazing to think that bands of these types led to the diamond antique engagement ring of today.
Source: https://gesner.com/blog/a-historical-perspective-on-the-wedding-bands/
Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/
Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings
Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

A Historical Perspective On The Wedding Bands

The synthetic rubies and sapphires, so prevalant in the 1920’s have a long history of creation.
In 1880, ruby and sapphire was discovered but in 1801, Robert Hare invented the oxyhydrogen gas blowpipe and the thought of producing synthetic ruby and sapphire was in the beginning phase of thought.
In 1817, Guy-Lassac realized that heating ammonium alum would produce aluminum oxide and the actual process of synthesizing corundum started.
In 1837, experiments began to synthesize corundum with Gauding and Fremy. They had no success and Fremy gave up in 1870.
In 1873, Auguste Verneuil with Fremy as his assistant at the time, in Paris at the Museum of Natural History, began to work together to synthesize corundum.
In 1876, after many experiments, ruby synthesis was understood and repeatable although it was not understood how sapphire, called, “bug juice” synthesis took place. The blue corundum color that was created was not a fine blue color and the process could not be repeated.
 
In 1886, Verneuil, a gem expert and Fremy worked together with Jannettez while they were still at the Paris Museum of Natural History. Verneuil came to realize that fusing powdered alumina and chromium with the oxygen hydrogen torch made synthetic corundum.
At some point between 1886 and 1892, Verneuil discovered flame fusion. Later he realized that using different elements would create other synthetic gemstones.
In 1894, Fremy died. In 1902, Vernueil came to realize that fusing powdered alumina and chromium with the oxygen hydrogen torch at 2000 degrees Celsius made small particles of synthetic ruby.
In 1902, he announces that he is capable of creating synthetic ruby in a large enough size to use in jewelry.
In 1909, Vernueil realized that synthetic sapphires could be created with the addition of iron and titanium and in 1911, he and his employer, the Heller Company, were given two patents for this discovery.
In 1940, Union Carbide used this same method to create the “Linde Star” sapphire.
In 1959, Carroll Chatham, after many years of experimentation discovered the flux melt procedure to produce culture grown rubies, different than synthetic rubies.
 
In 1968, there is still question in the mineralogy world as to the chemistry of blue sapphire.
Between 1980-1993, several companies grew rubies using the flux grow method and later the float zone method for synthetic corundum.
Source: https://gesner.com/blog/history-of-synthetic-corundumruby-and-sapphire/
Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/
Check out Our Art Deco Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings
Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

Created: 12/12/2022 9:59:01 AM

Gesner Estate Jewelry - History of Synthetic Corundum/Ruby and  Sapphire

Do you hate trying to find things in your pantry because of the sheer amount of items you have in it? Perhaps there is no light or place to put a hanging ceiling fixture. What do you do in these situations? Here are a few of the best pantry lighting ideas out there. Remember to choose lighting options that work for your specific needs and goals. These are just a few items to get you started.
Types of Lighting Solutions for Your Pantry
These pantry lighting ideas may work for you based on the specific design of your space. You may wish to consider more than one.
Motion sensor lights
Many people open the pantry with a lot of stuff in their hands. Having automation, motion sensor lights may be one of the best ways for you to make lights easy to use. These lights can work to illuminate areas with ease, often providing enough light for the entire space. It’s a good idea to choose them based on the amount of square footage they can provide coverage for. Often, they turn on when you open the door and remain lit for 20 seconds to a minute after. They are also long-lasting because they turn off on their own, too.
Light strips
If you want more light in the space, you may want to consider LED light strips. These strips allow you to add light not just to the top of the pantry, where there are often boxes and other items blocking the ceiling, but also along the sides and even on the door itself. These light strips are also easy to add without doing any damage to the space at all.
Ceiling lights
If you have an area to install ceiling light or there is an electrician who can help you, adding a ceiling light is an option for a larger pantry, including a walk-in pantry. There are several options for fitting a light to this area, but it is perhaps best to choose recessed ceiling lights. That way, you do not have to lose any storage space in this area. Though it takes a professional to add an electrical box, this is an easy, permanent solution for most areas.
You could choose other options like directional spotlights if you have a lot of space. Or, consider adding a light fixture that hangs if you have a wide open pantry that needs a lot of light.
Battery powered lights
If you want an inexpensive solution that still works very well for most needs, consider a battery-powered light. You can actually add a few to the space, especially to dark corners of the pantry or areas that are hard for existing light to reach due to the items stored there.
Battery-powered LED lights are some of the most powerful options and a good option overall for these spaces. Some incorporate a motion sensor. They can provide up to 100 hours of light. Some even offer rechargeable wireless designs, which means you do not have to constantly be looking for batteries for them. Choose from a range of sizes and styles to meet most needs.
When it comes to pantry light ideas, do not be afraid to step out of the box to find something that is very specific to your needs. You can choose under cabinet style lighting, for example, if you have wooden shelves. Strig up a set of lights if you want something a bit more eclectic and fun in the space and less functional. Try out a few variations until you find those that provide the best functionality and features for your needs.
FAQ
Do you have questions about pantry lighting? Here are some of the questions many ask.
What kind of lights should you put in your pantry?
There are a lot of options that can work depending on the size of the pantry. Most often, consider the use of ceiling lights, wireless lights, automatic door switch lights, and even LED light strips. Some battery-operated lights can also work well in this space when you want something fast and simple to use.
Source: https://buyledonline.com/blog/post/pantry-lighting-ideas

Created: 12/15/2022 1:56:10 AM

Pantry Lighting Ideas

Edwardian engagement rings, showcasing intricate filigree work, are one of the most coveted pieces of jewelry for brides-to-be. These antique rings were popular from 1901 to 1910 during the short reign of King Edward VII and then gradually lost their shine. In the past few years Edwardian-era rings, along with other Edwardian-era jewelry, have gained popularity among young ladies. With their delicate feminine designs and intricate details, Edwardian rings deserve to be on the wishlist of every young lady who values elegance. 
What Makes Edwardian Engagement Rings so Special?
The Edwardian era is seen as the era of superb craftsmanship. This was the time when jewelers were experimenting with new intricate designs and also with new materials that were then growing in popularity. This was the era that witnessed extensive use of platinum and also of various precious stones. Let us discuss the striking features of Edwardian-era rings that made them so special.
Intricate Filigree 
The most striking feature of Edwardian-style engagement rings is their use of intricate filigree work. Filigree is a jewelry-making technique in which delicate, lacy designs are created using thin gold or other precious metal wires. The filigree work of the Edwardian era often featured swirling patterns and intricate floral motifs. The other popular designs apart from floral motifs included bows, ribbons, garlands, loops, and other curved designs made with thin metal wires.  
Use of Precious Stones 
Another unique characteristic of Edwardian rings was the use of precious and semi-precious stones in combination with the filigree work. These rings featured large sparkling diamonds and other precious stones set in gold settings with intricate engravings and other decorative details.  Diamonds were one of the most popular options but they were not the only precious stones to be used. Sapphires, emeralds, and pearls were some of the other popular options. King Edward himself had a very special emerald-studded ring with an intricate design which he is said to wear on all special occasions.
Milgrain Edging 
Another feature that adds to the elegance of Edwardian rings is their milgrain edging. Tiny beads or grains of metals were delicately positioned on the edges of rings giving them a more opulent and luxurious look. These fine milgrain borders were very popular accents during the Edwardian era and are one of the popular features today as well. These pierced patterns with milgrains turned platinum and gold into lustrous lace. 
Bulky Size 
The large and bulky size of rings is yet another defining feature of the Edwardian era. The bulky size of the rings can be attributed to the large size of the diamond or other precious stone studded in the middle. These could have been round, oval, or marquis-shaped large precious stones. The encircling metal surfaces were intricately designed with filigree and milgrains. For additional shimmer, the metal surface was also diamond-encrusted.    

The Growing Popularity of Edwardian Engagement Rings
The Edwardian era was a short-lived period from 1901 to 1910. But, the vintage Edwardian rings have now jumped back into fashion and are now rapidly growing in popularity. The resurgence of popularity has not only been noticed in rings but other jewelry, fashion, home decor, and artifact of the Edwardian era. The Edwardian-era engagement rings are among the antique jewelry that has seen a significant increase in demand and popularity. 
But, why are Edwardian engagement rings getting so popular? 
Vintage Appeal
The most prominent reason behind the growing popularity of Edwardian engagement rings is their vintage appeal. These unique and timeless pieces of jewelry stand out from the modern designs of engagement rings thus attracting many people with their vintage appeal.
Source: https://gesner.com/blogs/estate-jewelry/edwardian-engagement-rings

Edwardian Engagement Rings

What is Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry is defined in this way: jewelry which has been previously owned. It could refer to a true antique (over 75 years old) or to a recently purchased item.

Why do people want Antique/Vintage or Estate Jewelry?
Design. Individual craftsmen left their tell-tale mark of quality with an outstanding sense of shape and form. There were no machines stamping out pieces by the thousands, only individual artisans practicing their chosen profession of fabricating beautiful jewelry one piece at a time.

Nostalgia. Sentiment plays a large part in jewelry selection. People are searching more and more for reminders of past, more stable times. Just as the whole mood of nostalgia continues strong, older jewelry reminds them of those times.

Mid-Late Victorian Period (1861 – 1901)
This mid-late period is also referred to as the "Grand period" where we see a sharp change in design from delicate to bold which reflected the changing social roles and representation of women amongst society.

Key features in this period include somber motifs and the birth of mourning jewelry. We also see some origins of the Art Nouveau era reflected here with insects being used such as flies, butterflies and beetles. Gold and silver were the common substrates as platinum was not yet in use by jewelers. Gold and silver were used to create a "softer" look with the aid of diamonds, black onyx, jet, ivory, pearls and cameos. The end of the Victorian era (aesthetic period) had a distinct change in how women wore jewelry. A return to the romantic style with soft natural colors, butterflies and roses were the common theme. We see amethysts, emeralds and opals appear here in the designs as well. Let us not forget; however, that even until the end of this era, Queen Victoria continued to inspire the wearing of mourning jewelry.

Belle Époque Period (1871 - 1914)
Paris became the birthplace of impressionism and modern art during the Belle Époque Period. The name Belle Époque came into use after the first world war and is a term for what seemed a simpler time of optimism, elegance and progress. High fashion and luxury goods dominated this movement and we see the haute couture (high fashion) in all of its glory. In modern day times, this period would be the parallel of what "bougee" is today. Charles Worth, Rene Lalique, Coco Chanel, Francois Coty and Louis Cartier were all pioneers of this era.

As a result of its strong impact on society, we see this period encompass part of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras. The best jewelry from this period would have been made in France with BIG, highly fashionable designs and components - mostly with big diamonds and pearls with chic platinum settings. Motifs commonly seen are pulled in from King Edward’s influence on the world such as bows, garlands, festoon necklaces and sautoirs. Diamond encrusted dog collars were a must! The "Beautiful Era" was a time of increasing wealth and flourishing arts in Europe and we definitely see this reflected in the expensive pieces that have now stood the test of time.

Arts & Crafts Period (1890 - 1910)
Here we see a return to the roots! Artisans and jewelers wanted to reject the industrialization of jewelry and reclaim art back from the machine. A stark contrast to the Edwardian era, we can see how the Art Nouveau era spawned out of this movement. Each piece was made from start to finish by one artisan. Designs here were much simpler with a main focus being the intricacy of the metalwork over the gemstones contained within the piece. We only see gold and silver metalworking used here with the usual components of small diamonds, enamel, freshwater and blister pearls.

Art Nouveau Period (1895 - 1910)
One of our favorite periods in history, this era captured the soul and spirit of man in a profound way. We see a MAJOR return to nature with motifs consisting of flowers, insects, lizards, snakes, peacocks and more. 
Source: https://gesner.com/pages/history-of-jewelry

History Of Jewelry

When it comes to Edwardian Jewelry, engagement rings have become some of the most coveted items with brides-to-be.  Ladies that value the elegance of the era can truly appreciate the design and attention to detail that distinguishes Edwardian rings from today’s more contemporary jewelry.   These neo-classical styles of the early 20th century make Edwardian engagement rings some of the most exciting pieces of jewelry for any woman to appreciate.


Value of Edwardian Style Engagement Rings


Whether you are looking to buy or sell an Edwardian engagement ring, you can be sure that you are dealing with something that is very special.  Gesner Estate Jewelry specializes in early 20th century Edwardian and Art Deco platinum and has a very large inventory to choose from.
If you are interested in selling your jewelry, you will definitely want to consider bringing it in to one of our two locations in the Tampa Bay area.  Our associates will be very happy to evaluate your jewelry and make you a very fair offer. 
Types of Edwardian Engagement Rings


Even though Edwardian rings are hard to find, there are still many options when it comes to the various styles that one has to choose from.  Many of these elegantly hand crafted rings offer a variety of settings and stones which make them extremely unique.  These Edwardian rings later become heirlooms due to their amazing detail and beauty.   Many hours of design and craftsmanship went into this jewelry and those efforts will be appreciated for years to come.


The value of a natural pearl & edwardian antique pearl ring

A large natural pearl is considered the oldest and most valuable gemstone. When found, a single perfectly round natural pearl would be sold as a collector’s item because of its scarcity and considerable value. The larger the pearl, the more it is worth.


In 1520 B.C., a portion of a rare natural pearl was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess. This information is not surprising because natural pearls are not only considered extremely valuable but have been known to symbolize humility and purity. 


Another example of the value of a single pearl is the historical fact that the Roman general, Vitellius, sold one of his mother’s pearls to fund an entire war. Hard to believe, but true!




This dainty and feminine natural Antique pearl and diamond ring is from the Edwardian time period, circa 1901-1914. It has a 3.8mm pearl and is surrounded by .33ct. T.W. of Rose Cut diamonds with SI clarity and G-H color. Furthermore, the shoulders of this ring have a leaf design with prong set diamonds. Crafted in Platinum and 14 karat yellow gold, this is a classic and elegant Antique Vintage pearl ring. A perfect addition to any woman’s jewelry wardrobe.


This article is Originally Posted here : https://www.gesner.com/blog/the-value-of-a-natural-pearl-edwardian-antique-pearl-ring/ & https://www.gesner.com/blog/edwardian-engagement-rings/


Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/
Check out Our Art Deco Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings
Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

Edwardian Engagement Rings.

If you would like to purchase a piece of fine vintage jewelry, maybe a vintage engagement ring from the Edwardian period or a vintage brooch from the Art Nouveau period, you need only look for an estate jewelry store for exactly what you are looking for. Estate jewelry is jewelry that has been previously owned. It could be vintage or contemporary. Vintage jewelry is jewelry that is 50 years old, so that would be from 1950 or before. Vintage jewelry from the 1940’s or 1950’s is called Retro jewelry. These pieces are often in yellow, pink or green gold with large stone, swirls and or synthetic rubies and natural diamonds. The Art Deco period from 1920-1935 contains some of the most fascinating jewelry you can find. Engagement rings, vintage brooches and other vintage jewelry were often made in platinum. Vintage engagement rings contained lots of filigree interspersed with delicate small diamonds. The center diamond was always a European cut or old mine cut. You would often time find synthetic sapphires, natural rubies or natural emeralds used as accents. Brooches were also made with filigree, diamonds, colored stones and pearls. Often time, you can find a brooch that was used as a brooch or as a pendant. The back of the brooch contains a pin that goes just a little past the length of the brooch for use as a brooch and it would also hold a bail that could be flipped up for use as a necklace. Dangle earrings were also popular during the Art Deco period. They contained diamonds, synthetic sapphires and natural rubies and emeralds. Bracelets had geometric shapes containing European cut diamonds and often time colored stones as accents. The Art Nouveau period, which is my favorite time period for jewelry, lasted from 1890-1905. Most of the jewelry was made in gold with sensuous flowing lines. The Art Nouveau period created pieces of jewelry art using butterflies or dragonflies in flight, flowers, snakes or bats. This time was also known for using the shapes of a woman or a woman’s head with flowing hair. Plique a jour, a form of enameling, was also used. The gemstones used were pastel in color like moonstone, citrine, peridot and pearls. These are just some of the vintage time period jewelry you could consider. You could also look for jewelry from the Edwardian period, 1901-1910 or the Victorian period, 1837-1901 as well. There is so much to pick from to add a different little something for every outfit you wear.  

Website:https://gesner.com/blogs/estate-jewelry/vintage-jewelry

All About Vintage Jewelry And Art Nouveau Jewelry

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most crucial things to do when preparing for your proposal. The engagement ring is a beautiful token of commitment and togetherness promised to one another. Nothing can represent timeless love better than a diamond! To know more: https://gesner.com/blogs/antique-jewelry/how-to-choose-an-elongated-cushion-cut-engagement-ring

How To Choose An Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

Sapphire engagement rings have been experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. Their timeless appeal, unique charm, and the perfect balance of sophistication and tradition make them a captivating choice for couples. Let’s explore sapphire engagement rings comprehensively, from the broad spectrum of colors to the intricate designs and rich symbolism associated with these exquisite gemstones. To know more: https://gesner.com/blogs/antique-jewelry/discover-the-beauty-of-unique-sapphire-engagement-rings

Discover The Beauty Of Unique Sapphire Engagement Rings

Gesner Estate Jewelry provides the finest jewelry at the lowest price possible. We specialize in antique & vintage gold and platinum jewelry from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1930's; however, our inventory of newer pieces in gold and platinum are also unsurpassed

BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUE/VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Elaine Gesner

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