A Blog about the Fascinating World of Jewelry » historical jewelry

Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with the Krupp Diamond is Hollywood legend. Discover the wild stories, history, and legacy behind her most famous ring.

Signet rings aren’t just stunning pieces—they’re keys to power, family secrets, and hidden histories. Discover how rulers, merchants, and trailblazers have used these engraved rings for authority, identity, and to pass along secret codes for over 5,000 years.

Welcome back to Silver Screen Sundays! After diving into Audrey's timeless pearls last week, I couldn't resist spotlighting another jewelry moment that literally stopped the world—Marilyn Monroe dripping in diamonds while belting out "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." But here's what blew my mind when I started researching this piece: that stunning necklace wasn't just movie magic. It was the Moon of Baroda,...

Welcome back to Signature Saturdays! I'm so excited to continue this series where we dive into iconic motifs that have shaped jewelry history. And what better way to start than with one of its most mysterious and controversial symbols: the serpent? From Cleopatra’s power bracelets to Bulgari’s modern luxury icons, serpent jewelry’s wild ride covers ancient power, cultural scandal, and stunning comebacks.

After our week of bold Retro jewelry—think big, convertible, and full of story—we’re wrapping up with fun new facts, key takeaways, and a sneak peek at what’s next: the cutting-edge Modern Era.

The bold rings, Hollywood glamour, and clever convertible pieces of the Retro era are still shaping how we wear and appreciate jewelry today. From high fashion runways to street style, the creativity and confidence of vintage design continue to inspire. In this post, we’ll explore what modern collectors can learn from the past—how to spot enduring trends, how to blend old-school drama with everyday...

Discover the ingenious jewelry of the 1940s, when brooches and convertible designs weren’t just stylish—they were a brilliant solution for making the most out of every piece. Explore how these clever, statement-making jewels let women transform their look in seconds, and see why their legacy lives on in today’s most versatile fashion.

Remember those cocktail rings and Hollywood confidence we talked about yesterday? Well, honey, it's time to meet the queens who wore them. The late 1930s and 1940s weren't just about bold jewelry: they were about the fearless women who turned every red carpet moment into a masterclass in glamour.

So you thought Art Deco was bold? Honey, you haven't seen anything yet. Welcome to the Retro era, where jewelry didn't just make a statement, it practically shouted from the rooftops with the confidence of a 1940s starlet strutting down Sunset Boulevard. Hollywood was exploding, cocktails were bigger, and rings were even bigger—think dazzling gems and chunky gold that refused to blend in. These...

rom geometric glamour to surprise innovations, this week’s Art Deco deep dive uncovered how bold design, technological breakthroughs, and even Hollywood influenced some of history’s most coveted jewelry. Discover the secrets behind iconic cigarette cases, ‘Tutti Frutti’ gems, and the unexpected rise of Bakelite—and get a playful peek at how the Modern Era will rewrite the rules next week.

Discover the brilliant techniques and bold innovations behind Art Deco jewelry—from new geometric stone cuts to dazzling platinum settings. Find out how artists of the 1920s and ’30s used cutting-edge technology and creative flair to make jewelry more accessible, dramatic, and unmistakably modern.

Explore the bold world of Art Deco jewelry motifs—think sunbursts, chevrons, zigzags, and striking influences from Egypt to the Far East. Discover the meanings behind these signature designs and how they captured the spirit and style of the roaring 1920s and ’30s.

Step into the dazzling world of the Art Deco era—where jazz-age energy, bold geometric designs, and vibrant gemstones redefined jewelry style. This is Part 1 of our 4-part series exploring the glamour, freedom, and innovation that transformed accessories into true works of art.

Step into the smoky glamour of old Hollywood with the ever-enigmatic Humphrey Bogart—icon of trench coats, whisky glances, and unforgettable cool. Whether lighting up the screen alongside the dazzling Lauren Bacall or sporting cufflinks that spoke louder than most dialogue, Bogie defined leading man style for generations. From Casablanca to real-life romance, discover how his signature look still sets the gold standard for classic...

  Welcome to our first "Signature Saturdays" post! I'm excited to launch this new series where we dive into the stories behind legendary jewelry pieces and explore how they continue to inspire modern designs. Today, we're taking a fascinating journey through time, following the jewelry trails left by history's most iconic figures. Have you ever wondered why certain jewelry motifs never go out of...

  Well, here we are at the end of our Edwardian jewelry journey! What a week it's been exploring one of history's most elegant and refined periods in jewelry design. I hope you've enjoyed diving into this fascinating era as much as I have. Let me take you through everything we've discovered together and share some delightful surprises I uncovered along the way. Monday:...