Journal
The Journal
Field notes from inside the antique and estate jewelry trade — what to look for, what to walk away from.
Signed vs Unsigned Jewelry: Why a Maker's Mark Changes the Price
What a signature on jewelry really means: maker's marks vs retailer marks, signed vs attributed vs in the manner of, added signatures...
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How to Tell If Silver Is Real: 925, Sterling Marks and Simple Tests
How to tell if silver is real: what 925, Sterling and the lion passant mean, which marks such as EPNS and nickel...
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Clip-On Earrings: Why Vintage Clips Are Back, and How to Wear Them All Day
Why clip-on earrings were the mid-century standard, how to make clip-on earrings comfortable with placement, pads and jeweler-set tension, and what converting...
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Bulgari Serpenti and Tubogas: The Snake, the Coil and What to Buy Pre-Owned
The Bulgari Serpenti from its 1940s Tubogas beginnings to the enamelled 1960s watches and the modern line: why it is spelled BVLGARI,...
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How to Clean Antique Jewelry at Home Without Ruining It
How to clean antique jewelry at home safely: the gentle method that works, what never to use on emeralds, opals, pearls, enamel...
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The Cartier Tank: A Buyer's Guide to the Vintage Watch Everyone Wants
The Cartier Tank has been made since 1919 in dozens of versions, from solid gold manual-wind to vermeil quartz. The history, the...
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How to Tell If Pearls Are Real: The Tooth Test and Better Ones
How to tell if pearls are real or imitation: the tooth test done properly, what drill holes and lustre reveal, why glass,...
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Vintage Cartier Jewelry Beyond the Love Bracelet: Panthère, Trinity, Tutti Frutti and More
Vintage Cartier jewelry beyond the Love bracelet: the Panthère from the 1914 watch to the Duchess of Windsor brooch, the 1924 Trinity,...
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Bezel-Set Engagement Rings: Pros, Cons and Why They Suit Real Life
Bezel vs prong setting, honestly compared: security, snagging, the light performance myth, cleaning, resizing and cost, plus why the oldest setting in...
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