These North American Jewellers, made fine high-end jewellery of such exceptional standards they soon opened shops in the main cities of Europe. By the 1940s, American culture was very dominant in Europe. The influence of movie films and the prominence of film stars set the fashion in manners, make-up, hair, clothes and of course jewellery. People wanted lookalike copies of the jewellery worn by screen idols. It was believed by many that Hollywood glamour would rub off on those wearing these designs.
When Napoleon eventually emerged as emperor of France in 1804, he revived jewellery, and thus fashion evolved into a new court of pomp and ostentatious display. 'Joailiers' worked fine jewellery and 'bijoutiers' used less precious materials. The members of the new French imperial family had the former French royal family gems re-set in the latest neo-classical style. This is not much different than what individuals choose to do today, in Vancouver BC, when they have us re-set their grandmother's engagement diamond into a newer updated style that they will enjoy wearing (often complete with an extra splash of diamonds so they can put their own mark on it too!). These new trends in jewellery were copied in Europe and particularly England. Greek and Roman architecture were the main influence for designs, as famous discoveries of more ancient treasure had not yet happened. The diamond necklace shown here was commissioned by Napoleon I of France for his wife Marie Louise in 1811 in celebration of the birth of their son. Thanks to Cliff 1066 for a fabulous photo of this stunning display of diamonds! This necklace currently resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
Sapphires have a storied history. It is told that the tablets containing the Ten Commandments were composed of sapphire, so strong that a hammer swung against them would be smashed to pieces. The Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection colored the sky. Princess Diana received a sapphire engagement ring and the British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the symbol of pure and wise rulers. Since the sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, the jewel was an excellent choice for this ‘Story Ring’.
The groom’s ring was designed with themes of uniqueness and the unexpected. Square rather than round. Made of palladium, another pure precious metal, and finished with a hammered and sandblasted texture to contrast with the highly polished centre, which holds three diamonds. In elegant design and structure, a match for the groom’s personality.
The other day, a long-time client brought an antique ring into our store. He had found it with his mother’s effects at the time of her death, adding that it had been packed away in her jewellery box and he had never seen his mom wearing it. He was very curious as to its age and wondered if there was anything else I could determine from the markings inside the ring.
While he told us that his mother had never talked about her family, he discovered at the time of her passing that her maiden name was British. It was a good start, and looking at the markings on the ring, I could not only tell him that the ring was made in England, but determined the village where it was made, along with the year it was made. Even the jeweller who made it!
Our client was delighted to find out this new family history, and subsequently he tracked down his mother’s younger brother, who still lives in the same village. He has since had many chats with his previously -unknown family. He discovered that his mom ran away to Canada at a very young age with her Canadian soldier lover. Yes, his dad.
We have since learned that our client plans to take his own family over to that that small English village to meet his newly found relatives. All because of a ring he found in his mother’s jewellery box.
Wow, I love my job!
White gold varies considerably in colour, which, now that we all understand how it is made, makes complete sense. The exact formulations for gold alloys are like old family recipes. They are top secret and rarely disclosed. Another reason why the expertise of your chosen goldsmith and jeweller is so important. They need to know just how each type of gold alloy will react to heat, touch, and wear. If some of the alloys added for malleability, for example, are reddish (as in the case when copper is added), then that will have an effect on the final “shade of white” of the final white gold alloy.
“Wow. Sounds fun. Like a long walk and endless food at the same time? It doesn’t get any better than that, huh? Did everyone bite? So to speak?”
“Wish I’d been there Rottie. Maybe next year.”
