Author: Iskra Banović

Cameos are carvings that have been used to create jewelry and other decorative items since ancient times. In a cameo, a raised motif appears above the background that blends or contrasts with the carved image. Cameos are created in two different ways. Traditional cameos are carved from a single material, sometimes a gem such as agate or onyx. Today, we see more cameos with carved (or mechanically formed) images affixed to a smooth surface. Called assembled cameos, they are somewhat reminiscent of doublets made by gluing a thick piece of authentic gemstone to a component of lesser value. Celebrities Wearing…

Steampunk artists often make use of old mechanical watch parts to lend gears and cogs to work. Shining bronze metal composes much of steampunk jewelry, contrasting with the soft velvets and feathers of hats and jackets. Steampunk hats can take the form of pillbox hats, mini derby hats, tiny pinned-on hats, and even crowns. Feathers often make prominent appearances in steampunk headgear, as do metallic materials. Steampunk contains the refinery of a Victorian parlor, but also the globe-trotting adventure of Carmen Sandiego. When you get carried away with the steampunk style, it’s easy to start imagining steam-powered television sets and…

Welo Opal Origins Welo opals describe any opal that is mined from the Wollo Province of Ethiopia. Though it’s suspected that opals have been found in parts of Africa since ancient Egyptian times, the most recent discovery of opal in the Shewa Province of Ethiopia came in 1994. These opals crack very easily due to their volcanic origins are not considered Welo opals. In 2008, a new deposit of opal was discovered in the Wollo Province. Unlike the dark, fragile opals from the Shewa Province, these opals are more similar to their Australian cousins, offering similar plays of color. Welo…

Jewelry Gifts Under $250 Sometimes we need a little extra inspiration for those on our gift lists this time of year. Over the course of the year, I will be putting together some fine jewelry gift-giving references (gift guides) based on a number of factors with the first factor being the price point. The less expensive the price point, the more difficult it becomes to get a timeless piece of fine jewelry because you have far fewer options. Despite this, it seems that $250 and under is one of the most popular price points when people come into my shop…

Questions to Ask When Shopping for an Antique Engagement Ring If you’re shopping for an antique or vintage engagement ring, there are a few questions you should ask the vendor before purchasing. However, if purchasing antique jewelry is a new experience for you, you may want to first understand what makes a ring either antique, vintage, or estate. Find out more here: The Difference Between Antique, Vintage, and Estate Jewelry. How Old is This Ring? Even if you have a basic understanding of antique jewelry, sometimes it is difficult to determine the age of the ring. Reproductions can be hard…

How To Fix a Bent Ring There are many jewelry problems that need to be fixed right away in order to prevent further damage. One of the most common issues jewelers come across is a bent ring. A bent ring is an issue that can progress so gradually; you may not even realize it’s happening. It’s best to keep your rings in their original shape to maintain both their value and stability. A ring that is bent might get stuck or break completely. If your ring is no longer perfectly round, you may be able to fix it inexpensively. Why…

Here are the fashionable bridesmaid dresses you’ve been searching for (literally) From “rustic” to “navy blue” to “lace”, we’ve seen what you’ve been searching for, loving, and bundling for your big day. And we want to make sure you find exactly what you’re envisioning for your wedding wardrobe! So we teamed up with designer Eva Franco to create a collection of simply stunning dresses (we’ve even got some pantsuits and crop tops in there) that you and your bridesmaids will absolutely adore. The “Eva for Loverly” Collection was designed with brides and bridesmaids in mind. But we didn’t just stop…

Top 10 Jewelry Gift Mistakes 10 Terrible Jewelry Gift Mistakes Most Men Make: Never under any circumstances should you knowingly make any of the following errors when giving a jewelry gift to your spouse. That said, I have to admit that I have been on the receiving end of nearly 90% of these mistakes. Sure, I can blame it on the fact that I am in the jewelry business, and by default, it is that much harder for a man to gift my jewelry. But some of these mistakes seem so obvious that they shouldn’t be as common as they…

How To Find Out Your Ring Size Your best bet for getting your exact ring size would be to go to your local jeweler, ideally the one who will be sizing your ring. You can get your approximate ring size from home, though, and here’s how: Read more: Frequently Asked Ring Sizing Questions Ring Size Conversion Chart Use this ring size chart to figure out your approximate ring size from home. If you want to figure out your ring size at home, then this reference will help you determine your approximate ring size based on some common US ring sizes.…

Environmentally Friendly Jewelry Tips: How to Shop and Care for Your Fine Jewelry in an Eco-friendly Way The jewelry industry isn’t always synonymous with being environmentally friendly. From time to time the mining and cultivating of gemstones and precious metals can have its fair share of consequences on the environment and even on human rights. That said, miraculously formed jewels and metals should be worn! These vibrant gems and metals are a testament to how amazing the earth is, and they have been adorning our bodies for thousands of years. There are ways we can all be a little bit…

How to Clean Jewelry at Home: Homemade Jewelry Cleaner Learn how to clean all different types of jewelry at home without the use of harsh chemicals and expensive store-bought jewelry cleaners. Read more on homemade jewelry cleaner below: How to Clean Fine Jewelry at Home Scroll through this slideshow to learn how to clean any kind of fine jewelry at home: Gold JewelryDiamond JewelryFragile JewelryGemstone JewelrySilver Jewelry How to Clean Gold Jewelry Clean Your Gold Jewelry Most people don’t realize that gold jewelry can tarnish. Well, gold doesn’t tarnish, but the alloys used in gold jewelry do. A significant portion…

When to Use Baby Oil on Your Fine Jewelry – Jewelry Uses For Baby Oil Jewelry uses for baby oil – Because I am in the antique jewelry business, I have known of the secret power of baby oil for many years. I discovered it when I had acquired a cameo that had some light crazing and needed to be remedied so the crazing wouldn’t get any worse. If you own any emeralds, cameos, or long chains, you may find this fine smelling oil just as useful as I have over the years. 1. Re-oil Flaws in Emerald Jewelry Emeralds…