Posts tagged as:

history

Chronological Summary of Chinese Dynasties

April 21, 2010 Chinese Antiques

The earlier dates given in the following Chronological Summary of Chinese Dynasties have been calculated backward by later historians from the lengths of the reigns and other data recorded in the current annals, and must consequently be taken as only approximate.

Read the full article →

Henry Birks and Sons Silver, Jewelry and Design

March 5, 2010 Birks

The jewelry that was produced by Henry Birks and Sons has always been admired for its high quality and lavish luxury. The company’s designers never neglected the classical dazzle of the diamond for any other types of precious stones and made the brand renowned for its outstanding brilliant jewelry. The designs of the platinum, white and yellow gold diamond rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants have always had a classical form with the gemstones being the centerpieces of each item focusing the attention on their perfection and unmistakable sparkle.

Read the full article →

The Victorian Era: Design, Art, Silver and Jewelry Part II

February 22, 2010 Victorian Period

The art forms of the Victorian designs were curvilinear and sweeping with the ornamentation being an essential part of the works. The Rococo S curves and the more stylized Neo-Classical forms were masterly complemented to create a distinct decorative design. The ornamental motifs were stylized in accordance with the traditional Gothic forms, but were still inspired by the natural world and its forms with the plants and flowers being primarily depicted. Colors and their role in the design became significant in Victorian art.

Read the full article →

Cartier Jewelry and Design

September 1, 2009 Cartier

With Louis Cartier coming in to charge of the workshop, his innovative and masterful jewelry making techniques and designs changed the ideas of decorative arts and fashion forever. He drew his inspiration from the different trends in art and design and his jewelry work reflected adequately the moods of the epoch, but at the same time he successfully utilized the classical designs created by his prominent forefathers.

Read the full article →

Renaissance

August 7, 2009 Glossary

… the Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in Florence in the Late Middle Ages, eventually spreading throughout Europe.

Read the full article →

Gold Box Presented to Cyrus W Fields by New York City

August 7, 2009 Boxes

New York greeted Field with wild rejoicing, and the city authorities set September 1, 1858, as a day of celebration to give him an official public ovation. The celebration surpassed anything the city had ever before witnessed. Then the mayor of New York gave an address honoring Mr. Field and presented him with a gold box …

Read the full article →

Austrian Art Nouveau Jewelry A Critical Examination Part I

August 7, 2009 Art Nouveau

We in Austria have greater leanings to France than to America, and precious stones, however great their intrinsic value, are looked upon as of quite secondary value in modern art-work to beauty of line and of colour. French influence on Austrian work cannot fail to be recognised.

Read the full article →

Austrian Art Nouveau Jewelry A Critical Examination Part II

August 7, 2009 Art Nouveau

… there is no doubt that there is far more activity in the production of jewellery for women in Vienna than in almost any other city. The culture of our town is, indeed, essentially feminine. The graceful and witty, yet dreamy and passionate, girls and women of Vienna give to it its distinctive character.

Read the full article →

Nineteenth Century Jewelry Part I

August 4, 2009 Bracelet

Such things certainly form a very large part of the ornaments which appealed to Victorian taste, but also we find other classes of work which, while it never reaches a very high standard, yet has merits of its own.

Read the full article →

Introduction to Silver Presentation Pieces

July 28, 2009 Presentation Pieces

Silver presentation pieces were awarded to persons in almost every walk of life––to military men, to peace-loving Indians, and to men who achieved success in politics and agriculture. They were given for sea rescues, for heroic deeds by firemen and school-patrol boys, and for outstanding community and civic work. Within our time they have been given as trophies for excellence in athletics, automobile racing, and many other events.

Read the full article →