CONTENTS:
- What is Gold in jewellery terms?
- What does Vintage and Antique mean in a jewellery context?
- Birthstones and Calendar Months
- Stones typically used in Anne Bowes Jewellery
- Qualities associated with stones used in Anne Bowes Jewellery
There are so many different types and grades of gold when it comes to jewellery. It is really helpful to have an idea of what the gold referred to actually is. Here are some descriptions of the diverse range of ‘gold’ jewellery items.
Gold Filled – also known as Rolled Gold
In the 1930′s a method of special plating was invented to produce gold filled jewellery. A solid layer of gold is bonded through heat and pressure onto a base metal, usually copper or brass. The gold can often be up to 14c and forms a strong and durable layer which does not wear off and can even be worked into with decoration. It is the closest in value to a solid karat gold material.
Gold Vermeil
This describes a piece of jewellery that is sterling silver and has been coated in minimum of 14c gold
Gold Plate
This method of coating a base metal was introduced in the mid 19th century, replacing Pinchbeck Gold (see below).
A base metal is dipped into a bath of electroplating solution with a lump of solid gold. A thin layer of gold is deposited onto the base metal. The quality of gold plating can vary enormously from a very thin layer which will wear away easily to silver dipped into 9c gold with a generous coating of gold settling on the silver. (This is similar then to gold vermeil)
Pinchbeck Gold
Christopher Pinchbeck invented this method of colouring metal ‘gold’ in 1734. He created an alloy of copper and zinc to imitate gold and used it on watches and costume jewellery. The pieces often showed fine workmanship and were regarded with respect.
Carat
This denotes the percentage of gold that is mixed with another metal.
24c gold = 100% gold * 18c gold = 75% gold * 14c gold = 58% gold * 9c gold = 37% gold
Antique
Typically refers to jewellery that is at least 100 years old.
Vintage
Typically refers to jewellery that is a minimum of 20 years old.
Vintage Reproduction
Newly manufactured jewellery that is vintage inspired or designed in a vintage style.
Some of the pieces in my Modern Collection have been cast from Vintage 1960’s originals, in sterling silver and 9ct gold. They retain the originality of the vintage item but have the advantage of being repeatable and cast in any number of metals.
Costume
Jewellery made with base metals, such as brass, copper, gold plate, and any non-precious materials like glass, plastic, and wood.
Estate
Any piece of jewellery that has been previously owned.
Fine
Jewellery made with precious metals and precious stones.
| Month | Modern |
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Moonstone / Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal/Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz/Citrine |
| December | Turquoise/Blue Topaz |
STONES TYPICALLY USED IN ANNE BOWES JEWELLERY
Citrine
Amethyst
Labradorite
Prasiolite also known as Green Quartz
Aquamarine
Moonstone
Carnelian
Peridot
Pearl
QUALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH STONES USED IN ANNE BOWES JEWELLERY
Citrine