Articles

What is Suffragette Jewellery? As the 19th century drew to an end, women began actively looking for better rights, in particular to have their voices heard in government,and The Suffragettes were a group of women campaigning and protesting for the right to vote . This was born out of the Suffragist Movement which started in the 1860s. Many women proudly wore jewellery expressing their support for the suffragette movement, which campaigned for votes for women and womens rights. Suffragette jewellery pieces were instantly recognisable because they were decorated with green, white, and..

Daniel Swarovski and Creation of Swarovski Crystals Towards the end of 19th century, Austrian jeweller Daniel Swarovski created a foil backing that made his high-quality faceted crystals almost indistinguishable from real diamonds. Demand was so great for the crystals  that in 1892 he patented a mechanical cutter so his “faceted stones” could be mass-produced.     Rhinestones named after the Rhine River The family business was first located in the Gablonz area of Bohemia, however, in 1895 Swarovski moved it to Austria close to the Rhine River—his fau..

Scandinavian Jewellery, Pendants, Rings, and Bracelets influenced by Early Nordic Traditions Although Scandinavia has produced distinctive jewellery since Viking times, the area’s jewellery industry didn’t come into its own until the late part of the 19th century. Before this time, jewellery from the three Scandinavian countries—Sweden Norway, and Denmark was mainly influenced by early Nordic traditions. Embellished pendants,rings and bracelets featured complex knotted designs and symbolic signs and animals . These pieces emphasized their metal materials, in ..

What is a "Parure"? The term "parure" refers to set of jewellery, and to be a true parure the set must consist of three matching items.  A set with only a necklace, plus earrings, a brooch or a bracelet is not generally considered a parure, but is called a demi-parure. Complete Suites of Jewellery The word "parure" comes from the Old French verb for “to adorn,” . Originally a parure referred to a complete wardrobe or suite of jewellery, generally designed to be worn all at once. The idea has its origins in the flamboyance of the Rococo and Baroque&nb..

  What is Gold Vermeil? We use a lot of gold vermeil in our jewellery collections as it allows up to provide precious gemstone earrings, necklaces and bracelets with a quality finish at affordable prices. But what is gold vermeil?  Above : Gold vermeil and aquamarine Necklace Vermeil is an alternative for the common term silver-gilt, or silver plated with gold. Vermeil pieces have the apperance of  gold but are cheaper and lighter than solid gold. To date vemeil has gener..

Weiss Costume Jewellery  The Weiss costume jewellery company was founded by Albert Weiss in 1942.Before this  Albert gained valuable experience  as a designer for the company Coro during the 1930's. Weiss produced  some of the most beautiful, if somewhat underrated rhinestone costume jewellery of the post World War 2 period. Figural an Floral Earrings and Brooches Weiss were know for their stunning  floral and figural earrings and brooches, although the firm also made various styles of necklaces and bracelets .Although Weiss would never reach th..

Art Deco Style In the middle of the 1920s, the Art Nouveau style  gave way to Art Deco, which was very popular throughout the 1930's. Similar to  Art Nouveau, Art Deco had a strong design roots in France, and  the name is thought to have originated  from L’Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Moderne in Paris. France in 1925. Though the phrase was not generally ascribed to the style until 1968, when an English art historian named Bevis Hillier wrote his definitive "Art Deco of the 1920s and 1930s." Art Deco style vintage jewe..

Different types of Brooches and  Pins, Rhinestone Crystal, Floral, Fake Gemstone Brooches  A vintage brooch or pin  can say a lot about a woman. If she's wearing a sparkly rhinestone-studded Christmas pin, she has immediately expressed her fondness for the season. If her sweater or coat is decorated with a bright Bakelite brooch, she's showing her affection for styles from the 1930’s. And if her top is weighted down by an extravagant floral display, full of  fake rubies, sapphire and emeralds, then perhaps  the message is simply that’s it’s time to have a bit o..

Definition of Jewellery Terms D - F What is Damascene, Double Clip, and Enamel etc? Here is a short guide to common jewellery terms (D to F) Damascene :  The process of applying silver or gold onto iron or steel to produce intricate patterns. Damascene jewellery often comes from Japan or Spain. Diadem: An ornamented band, often set with gemstones worn around the brow. More recent examples were made in the Art Nouveau style.   Diamante: A diamond substitute made from rock crystal, ac..

  Here are some of our current favourite vintage pieces at Modern Vintage Style in our vintage gems gallery..including jewellery from Dior , Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent.    YSL cabochon bracelet                 Norman Grant tree pendant            Aquamarine earrings  Grosse vintage earrings             Stunning YSL multi colour necklace       Freshwater pearl necklace All of..