Different Types of Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is a classic way to express one’s taste, style and personality. It has been used to commemorate special occasions for thousands of years and many different types of materials are now available for crafting beautiful pieces. Precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium are most commonly used in the jewelry industry, each having its own unique properties that make it suitable for creating timeless pieces. This article will explore the various types of fine jewelry and their precious metals, from engagement rings to anniversary rings and beyond. And yes, even fine jewelry for men!
Engagement rings are a statement of love and commitment, with their history going back centuries. Diamonds were the traditional choice for engagement rings, due to their strength, beauty and durability; however more modern settings now incorporate various gemstones as well as intricate metalwork designs. In addition to diamonds, sapphires, which come in a rainbow of colors, are durable enough to be worn everyday and enjoyed in an engagement ring to give the wearer a show-stopping and unique engagement ring that even strangers will compliment on. Engagement rings can be crafted in 14kt yellow, white or rose gold, 18kt yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum. Each metal carries its own unique properties while still allowing a timeless elegance to shine through.
The second most popular type of fine jewelry is the wedding band. These solid circles represent an eternity of marriage and often feature intricate engravings or millgrain edging for added detail. At times, wedding bands for both men and women, might contain diamonds, or a combinations of diamonds and gemstones. Most wedding bands are made out of 14kt yellow gold and platinum – two metals renowned for their timelessness as well as their natural resistance to wear-and-tear over time. Over time, the styles of wedding bands for women have changed and evolved. In the ’80s & ’90s, it was common to have interlocking or perfectly matched wedding bands to match the engagement ring. Nowadays, stackable bands have become all the rage. Stackable bands are wedding rings that come in endless designs, shapes, metal color combinations, gemstone combinations, and are often stacked on either or both sides of the engagement ring. Some women like to have lots of stackable wedding bands to get a unique look every day. Mixing metal color between the engagement rings and multiple stackable rings is also a popular direction for those who end up with a collection of stackable bands.
Anniversary rings are a special reminder of the bond between two people, marking a milestone in their love story. As the years pass and anniversaries come and go, anniversary rings serve as reminders of a lasting commitment. Anniversary rings can often symbolize togetherness with ornate designs featuring intertwining ribbons or vines. Others, enjoy matching their original wedding band to wear on the other side of their engagement ring.
The traditional choice for anniversary rings is gold – both yellow gold and white gold are popular choices. The metal itself is symbolic of strength and durability, perfect for honoring a long-lasting, meaningful relationship. Other metals such as silver, platinum and palladium can also be used to craft unique anniversary rings depending on budget and aesthetic preferences. Many ask about metals like titanium, tungsten, ceramic, steel, and cobalt. While these are all extremely durable metals, these are not metals used by custom jewelers. Manufacturers with experience and capability of working with such metals, is the only way to get something truly custom. Beware though, these metals cannot be cut off of fingers in case of an emergency!!! Sticking with some type of gold or platinum is always the best and safest option.
Tennis bracelets, also known as eternity bracelets, are a popular fashion statement and consist of multiple gemstones linked together in one continuous strand. The traditional style is made with small diamond links but other precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies or amethysts can also be found in tennis bracelets. These pieces are typically set in gold or silver to create a timeless look that is both elegant and luxurious.
Tennis bracelets have become widely popular due to their association with famous people and celebrities over the years. It is widely believed that Chris Evert was responsible for popularizing this particular piece of jewelry when she famously asked for her bracelet to be reattached during the 1987 U.S Open final match against Martina Navratilova after it had fallen off her wrist mid-game. This iconic moment sparked an uptick in popularity and the classic “tennis necklace” has since been worn by many other stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Aniston and Audrey Hepburn.
Fine fashion jewelry such as gemstone rings, diamond and gemstone pendants, and necklaces have long been associated with luxury and sophistication. Not only do these pieces add to your look with intricate designs, but they also serve as a way to express yourself. Whether you are looking for a subtle piece or something more flashy, fine fashion jewelry can be used to enhance any outfit.
When it comes to choosing materials for fine fashion jewelry there is no shortage of options. Diamonds, precious stones such as sapphires and rubies, birthstones, semi-precious stones like turquoise and amethyst, as well as metals like silver or gold can all be used in various combinations to create unique pieces. Gemstones such as diamonds and rubies are often set into rings, while opals are very popular in necklaces and pendants due to their beautiful range of colors.
When it comes to everyday wear, some gemstones are more durable than others so it is important to consider how often the jewelry will be worn before investing in a piece. A diamond ring is a classic choice that is suitable for everyday wear due to its strength, however other gemstones such as emeralds or opals may not be durable enough for regular wear. In addition certain types of metal may also lose their shine if worn every day so choose accordingly when selecting metal settings for fine fashion jewelry.
The history of fine fashion jewelry dates back centuries, with many iconic pieces having been handed down through generations. Perhaps one of the most famous examples is Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which was an elaborate sapphire surrounded by small diamonds set into a gold band – this style of ring has become increasingly popular over the years with many celebrities sporting versions of their own interpretation on the classic design. Similarly diamond necklaces have long been seen as one of the most luxurious forms of jewellery – from Elizabeth Taylor’s 33 carat diamond necklace to Duchess Catherine’s intricate sapphire and diamond pendant – both pieces signify elegance whilst also expressing individual style.
GOLD CHAINS
Gold chains come in a variety of styles, lengths and widths, making them one of the most versatile accessories out there. They can be used to make a statement or as an everyday piece to add some subtle sparkle to an outfit.
The history of gold chains dates back centuries and it is believed that they were first created in Ancient Egypt. At first, gold was only available to royalty due to its rarity and high cost but over time it became more widely available and the popularity of gold chains began to increase. Today they are made with various metals including sterling silver and even stainless steel, but the traditional gold chain is still one of the most popular pieces worn by both men and women alike.
Popular styles include Cuban links, Figaro’s, Herringbone’s, Rope Chains and classic box-style necklaces just to name a few. These different styles vary in weight depending on the type of metals used, from heavy-set pieces suitable for pendants or medallions down to dainty chains that look great layered with other pieces. Whether you are looking for something bold or understated, gold chains offer plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect jewelry piece for any look.
