Christmas has long been associated with red and green, but the colors of December holidays also include blue, gold, silver and white. These colors are reflected in the wonderful holiday jewelry that makes an appearance each December. Today’s holiday jewelry includes both modern and ancient symbols of the season. From green trees with red decorations, to white snowmen
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You’ve probably seen “K” and 925 marks before, but unless you are really into jewelry, those marks may not mean much. There are so many different markings, it can be downright confusing. At the simplest level, you should know that any number with a K mark after it indicates the purity of gold, and a 925 stamp means the jewelry is made of sterling silver. Read on to learn more about the purity marks you’ll find on jewelry in the United States. Check back for future posts on marks for other countries.
Continue reading »Vintage vs. Antique – terms you probably hear often but unless you are a serious collector, they all mean the same thing to you; old stuff. The difference is actually up to 80 years, which can be significant if you are talking about a vintage engagement ring or antique silver spoons. There are a lot
Continue reading »Mankind has valued precious metals for millennia. Gold artifacts have been discovered dating back 7,000 years and the oldest known gold coin was made in the ancient kingdom of Lydia (located where Turkey is today) more than 2,700 years ago. Precious metals have typically included gold, silver, and platinum. More recently, pallidum has been added to the list. All are considered “precious” because of their
Continue reading »pearl – pərl, noun 1. a hard, lustrous spherical mass, typically white or bluish-gray, formed within the shell of an oyster or other bivalve mollusk and highly prized as a gem. 2. a precious thing; the finest example of something. A lustrous gem produced by found in the oceans surrounding every inhabited continent, pearls are a rare
Continue reading »Birthstones have existed in some form for nearly two thousand years. Specific gemstones have been tied to months of the year since the first century. History of Birthstones The concept of assigning a stone to each month of the traces back to the Bible. In the book of Exodus, the Breastplate of Aaron was a religious garment that had
Continue reading »Pearls have been treasured by mankind for thousands of years. These beautiful spheres with gorgeous luster have been traded as currency and prized as some of the most valuable jewelry on the planet. They are revered in literature, adorn the bodies of royalty and celebrities, and conjure images of wealth and prosperity. Until the 20th century,
Continue reading »Making the decision to sell personal jewelry can be difficult and is often fraught with emotion. The impetus to sell may come from financial need, a desire to make a clean break with the past, or downsizing your belongings. Regardless of the reason, selling personal jewelry is best done with some planning. A logical and thoughtful plan will
Continue reading »Things Grandma Kept’s namesake was a small woman, but only in height. She said she was 5’2”, but I’m certain that was measured while she was wearing heels. Despite her looking up at me, I always felt I was standing in the presence of power and strength. Born in Minnesota, the daughter of a railroad
Continue reading »Safe & Easy Silver Dip Recipe By Things Grandma Kept Our Safe & Easy Silver Dip Recipe is perfect for removing tarnish from your silver with a few cents worth of ingredients you already have at home! Silver jewelry, particularly if it’s vintage, can easily tarnish if not worn frequently. This dip is great for all genuine sterling silver and
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