Wednesday 18 December 2013

Jewelry Through the Ages: Art Organique Jewelry


The Art Organique period began in the 20th Century and continues until current time. This movement is inspired by the sciences and focuses on nature-inspired and abstract designs, with a goal to comprehend the underlying spirit of nature instead of just copying it.

Characteristics of jewelry from this movement include:
  • Continuity, flow, and movement
  • Three-dimensional forms
  •  Nature-inspired
  • Abstract
 The necklace pictured above is an example of Organique-style jewelry.

What is your jewelry style? Stop by Fountain City Jewelers to find out!

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Jewelry Through the Ages: Retro Jewelry



The Retro period, lasted from 1945 to 1960 and was inspired by Hollywood. The most commonly worn items were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and charm bracelets. Jewelry from this time period was also referred to as “cocktail jewelry”. 

Characteristics of jewelry from this period include:

  • Colorful
  • Bold
  •  Elaborate
  •  Oversized

The earrings pictured right are an example of Retro-style jewelry.

What is your jewelry style? Stop by Fountain City Jewelers to find out!

Monday 9 December 2013

Monday Marvels: The Bismarck Sapphire Necklace



The Bismarck Sapphire Necklace was designed by Cartier, Inc. in 1935 and is currently on display in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

The necklace was donated by its namesake, Countess Mona von Bismarck, in 1967. An American socialite and fashionista, she purchased the sapphire in Sri Lanka in 1926 while she was on her honeymoon with Harrison Williams.

The platinum-link chain is connected by pairs of diamonds, and the sapphire itself is mounted in a pendant and surrounded by even more diamonds and square-cut sapphires.

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Jewelry Through the Ages: Art Deco



The Art Deco period lasted from 1915 to 1935, although the term was first used in reference to the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts held in Paris. This was a period of transition from Art Nouveau and was inspired by the art and architecture of the Native Americans, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. This is one of the most highly sought-after jewelry styles, as evidenced by auction results.

Characteristics of jewelry from this period include:

  • Geometric designs
  •  Diverse combinations of color
  • Abstract patterns


The necklace pictured right is an example of Art Deco-style jewelry.

What is your jewelry style? Stop by Fountain City Jewelers to find out!

Monday 2 December 2013

Monday Marvels: The Shah Diamond



The Shah Diamond was found in India around 1450. It has a slightly yellowish tinge, making it not quite of the highest quality. Originally, it is said to have weighed around 95 carats, but when it was cut, it lost 9 carats. Its shape is an elongated octahedron and is often referred to as being coffin-shaped. On three of its original faces are the names of three of its owners, engraved in Persian along with corresponding dates.


The names are:
Nizām Shāh: The original known owner, who ordered his name carved on one of the faces in 1591.
Jahān Shāh: The grandson of the Great Moghul Akbar, ruler of Northern India. He had his inscription carved in 1641.
Fath 'Alī Shāh: The second Qajar Emperor/Shah of Persia. He had the third inscription done in 1826.
A few years later, after the murder of a Russian diplomat, the diamond was given to Russian Tsar Nicholas I, and it remained amongst the crown jewels. The Shah Diamond can currently be found in the Kremlin.