About Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise, with its vibrant blue-green hues, has been a cherished gemstone for centuries. In vintage jewelry design, turquoise holds a special place. The name “turquoise” came from the French pierre tourques and translates as a “Turkish stone.” The mineral was first transported to the west through Turkey from mines in the historical Khorasan province of Iran (Persia) and Afghanistan. Pre-Columbian Native Americans mined the stone throughout nowadays. In all these cultures turquoise was considered as a protective stone for warriors and symbolized the connection to heaven.
In the 17th century wearing turquoise jewelry was a must for a well-dressed gentleman. The stone was popular to the point when all the emeralds in the crown that Napoleon I gave Empress Marie Louise were replaced with Persian turquoise cabochons. Today Persian turquoise is beloved by jewelry aficionados for its warm, calming color. It may vary from sky-blue to green. As to the dark veins, it depends on your preferences and a certain piece. Some jewelry collectors prefer turquoise with a web pattern of matrix as it adds character to a piece.
The versatility of turquoise allows it to be used in various designs. Smooth cabochon cut turquoise is a common choice for vintage jewelry. Beadwork is also a popular technique that showcases turquoise's unique color. Turquoise is often associated with the American Southwest, where Native American artisans have been using the stone for centuries. Vintage turquoise jewelry, influenced by Native American craftsmanship, often features silverwork, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs.
About Vintage Jewelry
When it comes to vintage jewelry, we can talk about it for days. Since the subject is that big and has multiple aspects to discuss, in this article we will focus on a few key elements of the topic. We will define what vintage jewelry is, why it's so appealing and how to buy your vintage jewelry online.
In the industry, different sellers and makers have different opinions on the time period when vintage jewels were made. Here at Nadine Krakov, we consider vintage as anything being made between 50 and 100 years ago. Therefore, all jewelry produced from 1930s to 1980s is called vintage. This time frame is comprised of Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century.
Why do we love vintage jewelry so much? It's all about the quality of the make and – of course – the aesthetic.
Vintage pieces were mostly made by hand or at least hand-finished while modern jewels are mainly cast. As the lifestyle back in the days was much slower, jewelry makers literally had more time in their hands. Skilled craftsmen honed their craft and reputation. They couldn’t allow a flimsy, poorly done piece to ruin that. Mass market jewelry didn’t exist at that time. Each little detail of a piece was executed thoughtfully and with high quality in mind.
How to shop for your vintage jewelry online? Ask questions about maker's marks and hallmarks, request a video of the piece, and show it to your jeweler. The easiest way to be confident with your purchase is to find a trustworthy, reputable seller. And if you happen to be in the Beverly Hills area, just google “vintage jewelry near me”, find Nadine Krakov Collection store and stop by for a good chat with a sip of champagne.
