Antique Jewelry Information

If you come across an old locket or pendant with a military emblem or designation such as ‘mother’ or ‘wife’ it is probably an example of WWII sweetheart jewelry. Sweetheart collectibles are items that were purchased by military servicemen and sent home to the ladies in their life. These items included compacts, handkerchiefs, pillow cases, as well as jewelry. 

As a collector of vintage and antique jewelry, one of the motifs you will most often find (and in many different forms) is the Buckle or Garter. In Victorian jewelry, garters can be found as the frame on a cameo brooch or enameled onto the cover design of a locket. Victorians also loved wearing ring bands in the shape of garters. These rings were often given as romantic gifts. Brooches were made to look like buckles that attached to nothing. Perhaps the most popular use of the buckle motif was the Buckle bangle bracelet. These were made in solid gold or silver as...

  Not sure if your brooch is an antique, vintage, or a more modern piece? Here is a helpful guide to dating brooches. It’s all about the back…Looking at the clasp, pin, and hinge is the easiest and most accurate way to date a brooch.Tip: Make sure when purchasing an antique brooch online to make sure you view a photo of the back. If one is not provided, ask the seller to provide one.   THE T-BAR PIN AND C-CLASP T-bar pins and c-clasps were used predominately through the Victorian era. The pins on brooches from this era were usually really...

Originally worn by Victorian women as a way to carry their pocket watches; these long chains (often called "Guard Chains" or "Slide Chain" by collectors) came in solid gold, gold filled, and occasionally silver. As Victorians were experts in mixing form and function; slide chains can be worn in a number of ways.  1. Super Duper Long photo via Morning Glory Antiques For the traditional Victorian woman who lead a fairly sedentary life, there was little risk of getting tangled in the chain. To keep the length under control the end piece can be tucked into a pocket or clipped...

  As more of my friends are starting to get married. I am thrilled to take on the task of sourcing special antique rings for the engagement.There are no rules to relationships these days, so even the act of engagement is a lofty subject. To ease the burden of this big step, many young people are starting to look for more casual or alternative styles to the large, obvious solitaire diamond.In antique jewelry, the romance is in the symbolism. Design elements are incorporated to connote loving attachment. Here are a few styles that symbolize commitment in a more subtle yet meaningful way. Toi...