Live 24-Seven - Fashion, Health & Beauty
Buyer’s Guide: to collecting Diamonds
Marilyn Monroe hit the nail on the head with the words, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, however experience has led me to realise that most girls are happy to include rubies, sapphires, emeralds…the list goes on! For thousands of years we have adorned ourselves with rare jewels and precious metals and today, possibly more so than ever, the fascination with these most rarefied pieces brings out the magpie in the best of us.
Will Farmer is our antiques & collectors expert, he is well known for his resident work on the Antiques Roadshow, he has also written for the popular ‘Miller’s Antique Guide’. Those in the know will have also come across him at ‘Fieldings Auctioneers’. We are delighted that Will writes for Live 24-Seven, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Across the country, High Streets are full of top quality jewellery stores filled with beautiful stones in the latest styles, but don’t rule out antique and estate jewellery, which can be both stunning and, in many cases, unique! While antique jewellery can be beautiful it is also wonderful to wear and can make a great investment. Many collectors start off with an inheritance, while others just fall for the magic and charm of a vintage piece. Once it grabs you though it often gets under your skin with the history, romance and, of course, quality.
Centuries Of Style Every era has a language and style of its own
that can be identified quite quickly. With a little homework you can soon familiarise yourself with each period’s shape, style and form.
Georgian –The pieces of this period were highly influenced by the Classical revival during Napoleon's First Empire and the
delicate dresses and low necklines of the day were complemented with chandelier earrings, Riviera necklaces and feminine floral spray brooches.
Victorian – Jewels of the later 19th century are encrypted with hidden sentimental messages of love and romance with motifs like hearts, bows and flowers. The language of stones also became hugely popular with little brooches telling a minute story and semi-precious stones such as amethyst, opal, garnet and coral became hugely popular.
Art Nouveau –Jewellery made during the Art Nouveau period is characterised by natural motifs such as flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, often created from translucent gemstones including moonstones and opals teamed with subtle enamels.
Edwardian – At the start of the 20th century the trend moved towards white gold and platinum, often studded with diamonds and pearls to create delicate pendants, floral garlands or striking crescents. Enamel work also became a popular trend during this period.
Art Deco – Pieces of this period are instantly recognisable with their streamlined or geometric forms. Show and sophistication were key, boasting large bright diamonds highlighted with rubies or emeralds – think style, glamour and, of course, Hollywood!
Post War – From the ‘40s through to the early ‘60s, floral forms became the key accent in ladies jewellery, with large sprays of stone set flowers. Rings also developed on from the Art Deco style with large dressy cocktail rings in bright gold with dramatic settings of mixed stones.
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