5 Most Expensive Antique Jewelry and Watches

Jewelry has been integral part of human culture since time immemorial. As such, those that survive the test of time often come with amazing histories that are definitely worth retelling, especially when the pieces in question are worth sublime amounts of money. The five most expensive pieces of antique jewelry and watches are rounded up here, along with a round-up of their fabulous past lives.

5. The Blue Belle of Asia

The Blue Belle of Asia sapphire, so named because of its luminous peacock blue hue and its origins in the gem basket of Sri Lanka, has quite the mysterious past. It was first found in 1926 in a Sri Lankan paddy field, after which it was cut, processed, and sold to British motor magnate Lord Nuffield in 1937. Rumor has it that he bought the sapphire to bring to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (mother to Queen Elizabeth II, who reigns today) on the day of her coronation in 1937, but those claims are unfounded. In fact, the stone “disappeared” into private hands for over 35 years and resurfaced in the 1970s. The 392.52-carat, cushion-cut sapphire was set into a diamond necklace and sold for a cool $17.3 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2014.

4. 1912 Cartier Devant-de-Corsage Brooch

This beautiful brooch by Cartier debuted in 1912, when the brand’s design exemplified the aesthetic of La Belle Èpoque. The ornate, handmade piece features a 34.08 carat, pear-shaped diamond, a 23.55 carat, oval-shaped diamond and a 6.51 carat, marquise-shaped diamond in its centerpiece, which hangs from two lines of lily-of-the valley motifs connected to two palmette brooches.

The epitome of luxury, this brooch’s sumptuous design is matched only by its equally-lavish history. An Englishman named Barney Barnato moved to South Africa during the diamond rush in the 1870s and started selling cigars to miners. He worked and saved until eventually, he himself owned several mines. Barnato’s nephew Solomon joined his uncle in South Africa and took over the mining business in 1897. Once he made his fortune, he returned to England and the woman he loved. In 1912, he brought his four best diamonds to Cartier and had this opulent brooch commissioned for his sweetheart.

The piece was passed down Solomon Barnato’s family line and sold at auction twice before fetching $20 million at Masterpiece London.

3. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication

This Patek Philippe pocket watch may not be decorated with any precious stones, but don’t be fooled: this timepiece is worth a very pretty penny. The Henry Graves Supercomplication was commissioned by its namesake, a banker and avid watch collector, in 1932 in an effort to outdo James Packard’s Grande Complication watch made by Vacheron Constantin. The Supercomplication has kept the title of most complicated timepiece created without the assistance of computers, boasting 24 complications in total, putting Packard’s Grande Complication, which was only outfitted with 10 complications, to shame. Graves’s timepiece included a map of the night sky as it appeared over Graves’s 5th Avenue apartment, Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times and more. At a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2014, the Supercomplication sold for an incredible $24 million.

2. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace

Jadeite is an extremely rare (and expensive) variation of jade. The mineral is believed to cure illness and keep the wearer in good health, which are qualities that many would pay top dollar for. This particular strand of jadeite beads was most recently sold to Cartier for $27.44 million at a 2014 Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. The exact age and origins of these beads are unknown, but their first appearance in society was in 1933, when the Cartier necklace was given to Barbara Hutton by Alexis Mdivani, a Georgian prince and her first husband.

This piece is composed of 27 jadeite beads graduating in size from 15.40mm to 19.20mm—impressive sizes for this rare mineral. The clasp is set with rubies and diamond baguettes mounted in platinum and 18k gold.

1. Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond before it was re-cut in 2010.

In its original form, the Wittelsbach diamond was a 35.56 carat beauty with a fancy, deep blue-gray hue of VS2 clarity. It was first mentioned in the aughts of the 18th century as an asset of the famous Hapsburg family in Vienna. In 1722, the stone moved to Munich when Austrian Archduchess Maria Amalia married Charles Albert of the Wittelsbach family of Bavaria. Charles went on to become Holy Roman Emperor Charles VIII in 1742.

The diamond was first mounted in 1745 by Charles’s son and successor Maximilian I of Bavaria. The Bavarian king had the stone prominently displayed atop the royal crown, where it stayed until 1918. It stayed within the family until it was sold 1951, though they had been trying to sell it since the Great Depression. After the stone was bought, it changed hands several times: it passed between families, jewelry collectors, and even made an appearance in the World Expo in Brussels in 1958 before English jeweler Laurence Graff bought it in 2008 for $23.4 million.

Graff caused controversy when he announced he would cut the diamond to enhance its color and clarity and ended up shaving off a stunning 4.45 carats in the process. Critics claimed that this drastic reduction of the gem’s weight also reduced its historical importance. Ultimately, however, Graff’s alterations increased the value of the stone, which was reevaluated as a fancy deep blue and internally flawless.

In 2011, Graff sold the newly re-processed stone to the former emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for at least $80 million.

Photo Credit: graffdiamonds.com / trbimg.com / thejewelleryeditor.com / avaxnew.net / scmp.com / 360fmtv.com / naturallycolored.com

Antique and Vintage Jewelry Picks from TrueFacet

We love the latest trends, new designers and classic watches. However, there’s always something special about a rare vintage jewelry style or one-of-a-kind antique piece. Check out our favorite vintage and antique pieces throughout the last century.

2. Victorian Rings

[Enamel & Pearl Ring][Shell Cameo Ring][Signet Ring][Opal Cocktail Ring]

The Victorian Era, roughly from 1837 to 1901, is named after the reign of Queen Victoria. The Queen especially loved jewelry and had a large influence over the trends and styles of the era. During this time, the industrial revolution had begun and the production of jewelry began to increase substantially.

Some of our favorite styles came in the form of rings. At this time, cameo jewelry was a popular accessory. Signet rings were a practical accessory that makes for a elegant touch today. Shell, enamel and opal were popular materials used in jewelry making.

1. Edwardian

[Sapphire Cocktail Ring][Platinum & Diamond Pendant][T & Co. Diamond Bracelet]

King Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, ascended the throne upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The new leader also ushered in a new era of jewelry design. The wealth of the time led to a elegant and elaborate jewelry designs.

Edwardian jewelry was inspired by lace and filigree designs of 18th century France. Platinum brought its presence to the jewelry scene, making it easier to set diamonds in intricately worked metal. Pieces during this time were influenced by foreign designs, especially Indian jewelry.

3. Vintage 1980s Chanel

[Faux Pearl Choker][CC Medallion Necklace][Gripoix Brooch][Gripoix Necklace]

Coco Chanel played a massive role in the popularization of costume jewelry. She believe that no outfit was complete without the right accessories and that if jewelry were more affordable, then women could properly accessorize.

We love the bold-yet-wearable look of Chanel costume jewelry from the ’80s. Chanel jewelry from the early 1980s is also some of the easiest to date. Prior to the 1980-1985 seasons, you could only tell from what range of years your piece was from. If you had a round Chanel stamp with three stars beneath, then you could tell it was from between the years 1954-1971. From 1980-1985, Chanel stamped the exact year. After that, the season was stamped, then the year again.

4. Vintage Watches

[Breitling Chronomat][Patek Philippe 2493][T & Co. Pocket Watch][IWC Mesh Watch]

Vintage watches are a staple for any watch collector. The history of watches is long, detailed and fascinating. If you love a certain style or story, then you can collect a watch in tribute. From pocket watches to chronographs to changes in size and style, there’s a vintage watch for everyone to love.

The first watches were made in the 16th century as decorative accessories and barely told the time. Over centuries and decades, movements and designs improved to make the watch no only beautiful, but accurate and practical. Now, we have wristwatches of the highest timekeeping precision and even a watch with 57 complications.

The Best Animal Jewelry

It’s almost Halloween, and if you don’t plan on wearing an animal costume — or even if you do — you can still wear something in the season’s spirit. We think it’s the perfect time of year to wear animal-inspired jewelry designs. From big cats to small serpents, there are plenty of gorgeous pieces so you can get your festive fix.

1. Snakes and Serpents

[T&Co. Bangle][Bulgari Watch][Diamond Snake Ring][Boucheron Pendant]

Serpentine designs go back further than the popular jewelry motif. This ancient symbol can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The creature had many mythological mentions with different meanings in different cultures. To some the serpent represents wisdom, while to other’s it represents royalty or passion and desire.

At the height of the serpent’s popularity in jewelry making, the serpent represented eternal love, popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a ring featuring an emerald serpent. This also happened to be the first Victorian engagement ring.

2. Big Cats

[Cartier Ring][LV Lion Charm][Panther Bracelet][Carrera y Carrera Tiger Cufflinks]

Perhaps the most famous big cat in jewelry is the Panthere de Cartier. Over 100 years, the jeweler has perfected the design and adopted the motif as its mascot. The panther represents elegance and ferocity, boldness and refinement.

In 1914, Louis Cartier commissioned a painting of a lady with jewels and a panther that would later be used for advertisements. Since then, the panther has been associated with the brand. The first panther-inspired design was a wristwatch with small spots meant to resemble the animal’s fur.

3. Equestrian Excellence

[Hermes Necklace][Le Vian Diamond Necklace][Hermes Bangle][Gucci Horsebit Bracelet]

Horses are more than a design motif to Hermes. The company, which features many equestrian elements in their designs, would not exist today if it weren’t for horses. The company was founded in by Thierry Hermes as a harness and saddle workshop for European noblemen.

The famous Hermes logo was created in 1950 as an homage to the company’s origins, featuring a horse carriage. The company continues to produce saddles and harnesses and the horse motif has carried into each facet of the brand’s identity, including jewelry.

4. Take Flight

[VCA Necklace][T&Co. Hummingbird Brooch][Cartier Brooch][Schlumberger Brooch]

Jean Schlumberger is most known for his beautiful and bejeweled interpretations of nature’s creatures. He worked for Tiffany & Co. from 1956 to 1970 where he designed some of Tiffany’s most memorable designs. Schlumberger is only one of the four Tiffany & Co. designers who had the privilege of signing their work with the jeweler.

One of Schlumberger’s most famous designs was “Bird on a Rock,” the mounting for the Tiffany diamond. The piece was a a gem-set bird, quintessentially Schlumberger in design, perched atop the 128.54-carat yellow diamond.

Black Gemstones, Diamonds and Opals: The Popular New Jewelry Trend

Everybody loves a good dash of color, but there is a beautiful, mysterious allure to a black gemstone. This unexpected trend has taken the market by storm: black stones have shown up in collections from the likes of Van Cleef & Arpels and Stephen Webster. Here are 6 different kinds of black precious stones to keep an eye out for the next time you go shopping for the latest addition to your jewelry collection.

Black Opal

While white opal is pretty common, stunning black opal is incredibly rare. (For more on the awesome rarity and jaw-dropping cost of black opal, check out our post on the Top 10 Rarest Gemstones.)

Black opal ranges from grey to black in color with the real ebony shades being the most desired. This gemstone also has flecks of vivid colors dotting and contrasting the black stone.

Black Diamonds

The name may sound like an oxymoron but black diamonds have their own distinctive luster and shimmering scintillation, albeit one different from its traditionally brilliant and clear counterparts. In recent years, black diamonds have increased in popularity.

One black diamond of particular note is the Spirit of de Grosogono. Tipping the scales at a whopping 312.24 karats, it is the world’s largest cut black diamond and the fifth largest diamond overall. The stone was set into a ring, mounted in white gold and 702 white diamonds that collectively themselves weigh 36.69 carats.

Black Pearls

Also referred to as Tahitian pearls, black pearls can only be cultivated by black-lipped oysters called Pinctada margaritifera. While most oyster’s interior shell (or nacre) is white or silver, this particular oyster’s nacre has a thick band of black. If a pearl forms near this black band, it will absorb some of the coloring and produce a black pearl. However this is so rare, it is estimated to happen in only one in every 10,000 pearls.

Black Sapphires

While most people think of that rich cobalt blue shade when they think of sapphires, there is (perhaps surprisingly) a black sapphire gemstone as well. Black sapphires absorb most of the light that enters it which makes the gemstone appear incredibly dark. Compared to other sapphires, black sapphires are comparatively inexpensive and are considered an affordable alternative to onyx or black diamonds.

Jet

Classified as a gemstone, but not a true mineral, jet is a mineraloid and also known as lignite, a precursor to coal also derived from decaying wood. And yes, the phrase “jet-black” derives from this extremely dark colored stone.Jet was a popular jewelry-making material in the 3rd century and rose again in popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century when it was commonly used in mourning jewelry. Jet saw a resurgence again in the 1920s when it became the gemstone of choice for flappers’ long ropes of beaded necklaces.

Hematite

The only gemstone to have a metallic luster, hematite is an iron oxide with a refractive index higher than even diamonds. The word “hematite” is derived from the Greek word for blood because, when hematite is sliced or crushed into a powder, it remarkably enough turns red.

Like jet, hematite was used during Europe’s Victorian Era in mourning jewelry. Today hematite is a popular choice for men’s accessories because of its titanium-like appearance.

Photo Credit: opals-on-black.com / internetstones.com / artflakes.com / ktastro.com / belonda.com / antiques.about.com /

Jewelry Making Through History

Jewelry is one of the oldest known artifacts from history, with the first discovered jewelry item dating back 100,000 years. Modern jewelry and jewelry making methods are the product of thousands of years or cultural exchange and technological development.

The first known examples of jewelry originated in Africa in the form of shell jewelry, like the use of snail shells and Ostrich egg shells, which have dated back nearly 75,000 years ago. Later, early jewelry was made from bone, teeth, stones and similar materials. Though evidence of jewelry existed, it wasn’t until 3,000-5,000 BC in Ancient Egypt that jewelry making was truly established. Gold was used in metalworking as early as 3,000 BC in Egypt.

Ancient Egypt, famous for the extravagant life of the Pharaoh, is known for its rich design, artwork and opulence. The use of bracelets, necklaces, collars and more all in gold aligns with the extravagance of the time. At the time, gold was mined from the the Nubian desert and, due to its malleable nature, was an easy metal to work with. The Egyptians also worked with lapis lazuli, glass and other semi-precious stones.

The Ancient Greeks also made use of gold in jewelry, but incorporated more precious stones. By 300 BC, the Ancient Greeks were using emeralds, pearls and more in their jewelry designs.

Eventually, Roman jewelry design would dominate the region due to the size and scope of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Romans popularly introduced the brooch as a functional accessory. They also used Sri Lankan sapphires, emeralds and amber. Rings were also a commonly work accessory by men and women in Ancient Rome. Men would wear a ring with an engraving to use for a wax seal when signing official documents.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe continued to develop jewelry making. During the Middle Ages, amulets, clothing fasteners and signet rings were popular jewelry accessories. During the Renaissance, the increase of trade led to a dissemination of jewelry making methods and materials led to the prominence of gemstones and gemstone settings.

The 19th century saw a return to extravagance in jewelry making, this time using precious stones and matching suites. At this time, costume jewelry started to slowly emerge. The wealthy sought intricate and detailed jewelry designs to stand out from the new middle class, so an increase in commissioned one-of-a-kind pieces also increased.

In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany founded Tiffany & Co., bringing the U.S. to the forefront of jewelry making. Meanwhile, in 1847, Pierre Cartier founded Cartier SA in France and in 1884 Bulgari in Italy. These three jewelers remain the top and most notable fine jewelers in the world today.

Photo Credit: scottsdalefashionista.com / wikipedia.org / nyctalon.wordpess.com / egyptianhistory.libsyn.com/

The Historical Periods of Jewelry Styles and Trends

Starting with the 18^th century, we go through history’s most important periods of jewelry styles, their most popular pieces and motifs and the social, political, and economic climate that influenced the era’s jewelry designs.

Antique

For any piece to be classified as “antique,” it must be over 100 years old. Although this is a bit of a wide timespan and a blanket statement, there are different prominent trends that can distinguish a piece within a particular century. For instance, in the 18th century, extremely detailed bodice ornaments and shoulder-length dangling earrings were widely popular. Precious stones were typically cushion-cut or rose-cut (a stone that is flat on one side and a faceted dome on the other) as they best caught and shined in the dim candle light.

In the 19th century, matching jewelry sets (known as parures) that included a complementary necklace, brooch, bracelet, set of earrings and sometimes a tiara became the au courant look of the upper class. To further showcase their wealth, members of the elite classes would don tiaras, large bracelets and extravagantly embellished necklaces. Colored gemstones also gained popularity during this century.

Victorian
Named after Queen Victoria, the Victorian era of jewelry (1837-1880) can be broken into three epochs: the Romantic Period (1837-1860), the Grand Period (1861-1880) and the Aesthetic Period (1880-1901).

The early Victorian era or Romantic Period was influenced by a handful of different periods: Classical, Gothic, Renaissance and even Ancient Greek and Roman mythology were incorporated into designs. (To wit: serpents were a popular motif after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring.) Master Italian goldsmiths were also hotly sought after for their elaborate gold wire work.

Earrings from the Romantic Period (1837-1860)

Hair combs and pins were an important part of any woman’s wardrobe. These hair ornaments were made of gold, gemstones and enamel. Because religion was a vital part of Victorian life, cross pendants were frequently worn. Alternatively, fashionable women wore lockets that included a daguerreotype of a loved one.

However, following Prince Albert’s death in 1861 and the Queen’s adoption of mourning garb, all-black mourning jewelry became popular. Jewelry from the Mid-Victorian or Grand Period was made of jet, onyx, and black glass. Human hair was also incorporated into designs; as macabre as it sounds, using hair in jewelry was meant to be a sentimental tribute. But darker and foreboding motifs like skulls and skeletons were frequently added to jewelry designs. During this time, cameos grew in popularity as a way to remember or honor a loved one.

Mourning Jewelry with Human Hair from the Grand Period (1861-1880) – Picture by Tim Cuff

The late 19th Century gave way to the late Victorian Aesthetic Movement which emphasized a return to refined artistic taste and visually appealing designs. There was a focus on showcasing gemstones for their intrinsic beauty instead of flaunting them as a symbol of wealth. Diamonds were down-graded as a fashion faux-pas for daytime wear and reserved to be worn in the hair for evening events.

Women in general preferred to wear fewer jewels in general. In response, jewelry was overall smaller and lighter. Common motifs of the Aesthetic Movement included peacocks, flowers, insects and Japanese-inspired forms.

Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau look was a short-lived trend, lasting from 1890-1910. But it proved to be an important cornerstone in the development of later jewelry styles.

Art Nouveau designs drew upon nature (such as flowers, birds and the female form) for is core inspiration but included a whimsical flourish, emphasized by soft curves and elegant lines. These romanticized depictions sharply contrasted from the rigid lines more typical of jewelry at the time.

During the Art Nouveau movement, diamonds took a back seat to other precious stones like agate, garnet, and aquamarine. New materials and techniques (like enameling, molded glass and ivory) were also used to develop the period’s fantastical designs.

Belle Époque

Alongside Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque designs also flourished. The Belle Epoque period relied heavily on the use of platinum and diamonds. This period is known as the Edwardian era of jewelry.

Diamonds were at the forefront but colored gems were also featured in smaller ways. The designs were elaborate but delicate, so a sturdy setting was needed and found in the newly developed platinum. Cartier was new but due to the fine craftsmanship of their designs in the Belle Époque period, the jeweler quickly gained an international reputation.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts Opal Ring – Image via Lang Antiques

The short-lived period of Arts and Crafts jewelry (1890-1910) is marked by its rejection of machinery and return to hand-crafted wares. Because these jewels were made by entirely hand, they were largely simple designs that placed the intricate metalwork as the focal point. Enameling was a commonly used technique and semi-precious gemstones and non-precious metals were the go-to materials for Arts and Crafts jewelry.

Edwardian

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet

The Edwardian period (1901-1915) lifted is name from the reign of King Edward and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. Edwardian jewelry was light and delicate, with a heavy emphasis on showcasing brilliant diamonds. (Although colorful gemstones like emeralds, rubies and sapphires were also used, diamonds were the real focal point.) The most prominent motifs were bows, festooning ribbons, flowers and even sporting events. To craft these delicate designs, Edwardian jewelers relied on platinum to securely set the precious stones.

Art Deco

From 1915-1935, the Art Deco era was largely inspired by the concurrent art movements– Cubism’s geometric forms and Fauvism’s strong colors– and a return to ornate Louis XI furniture, combined with Asian and Middle East art and architectural influences. Art Deco blended together glamour, luxury and the time’s immense technological advances.

Moreover, this time was marked by a new wave of feminism that rejected conservatism and traditional femininity ignited a radically new wardrobe style. Women donned baggy and bright tunic dresses paired with long, jeweled necklaces, piles of bracelets and elaborate earrings.

Retro or Retro-Modern

During the 1940s and 50s, Retro jewelry was designed to offset the serious, somber and austere clothing styles of the World War II era. Jewelry styles were big, colorful and remarkably playful. Brooches with flowers, bows and butterflies were especially popular among women who relied on these feminine motifs to soften the era’s masculine clothing styles. Some designers, notably Jean Schlumberger of Tiffany & Co., favored elaborate and naturalistic designs of florals, animals and birds to contrast the grave reality of the death and destruction of war.

Because of the wartime efforts, platinum was scarce and jewelers turned to budget-friendly stones like aquamarine and citrine in lieu of expensive diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Retro designs typically include large semi-precious stones and only a few precious stones. To make the sparse stones feel more impressive, the settings were usually bold, geometric styles in contrasting rose, yellow or white gold.

Mid-Century

Following World War II, the jewelry of the 1950s and 1960s was markedly more feminine, precious and elegant. In a sharp break from the stark clothing styles of the 1940s, Mid-Century jewelry includes whimsical portrayals of nature like animals, flowers and vines. Other popular motifs included starbursts, people and highly textured pieces made of mesh, brushed or braided metal

And with the war over, there was a return to traditional fine jewelry materials like platinum and diamonds. Similarly, Mid-Century jewelry brought back the popularity of matching jewelry sets that brought a single motif through a necklace, brooch, bracelet and set of earrings.

Modern

Beginning in the mid-1960s, the Modern period of jewelry was a general break from the past era’s “conventional” jewelry. Abstract, organic-shaped and richly textured yellow gold jewelry, dotted with colorful gemstones, were the norm. Modern jewelers also borrowed from other cultures to inform their designs and give their jewelry a Bohemian and multicultural flair.

As more women entered the workplace and the 1980s power suit with its boxy cut and dramatic shoulder pads became the look of professional women, Modern jewelry also grew in scale. In the era of “more is more,” large necklaces and huge earrings were commonplace.

Photo Credit: indiamarks.com / romanovrussia.com / scad.edu / jewellerythroughtime.wordpress.com

The History of Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry are designs that use non-precious materials as a cheaper alternative to fine jewelry. These less-expensive trend-driven pieces have an interesting history of their own. We explore the history of costume jewelry from its 18th century European origins to its boom in popularity thanks to Coco Chanel.

Early Costume Jewelry of the 18th and 19th Century
Although costume jewelry as we recognize it today did not come about until the early 20th century, the concept of costume jewelry can be traced back to the 18th century.

Europeans’ ever growing appetite for fine jewelry with precious stones (namely diamonds) created a need for a most cost-effective alternative. Enter French jeweler Georges Fréderic Strass, who in 1724, introduced a special leaded glass that, when cut with metal powder, emulated the magnificent twinkle and shimmer of genuine diamonds. Strass’s inexpensive glass diamante jewelry was immediately popular with Parisian’s fashion set.

In 1892, Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski developed his own rhinestones that could perfectly resemble the shimmer and shine of colorful gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires by using high-lead-content glass with a foil backing. Swarovski also employed a revolutionary glass-cutting machine that could quickly and decisively facet glass with more brilliance than any expert artisan hands historically could. In turn, Swarovski could mass produce inexpensive “Swarovski Crystals.”

Coco Chanel’s Costume Jewelry in the Art Deco Era

Until the early 20th century, costume jewelry was still designed to resemble heirloom jewelry and, although it was comparatively inexpensive to produce, it was still worn as a symbol of wealth and prestige. Costume jewelry was also looked down upon as being only for women who couldn’t afford necklaces and bracelets made with real gemstones.However, Coco Chanel is largely credited as being the primary influence behind the shift of fashionable tastes from delicate fine-jewels to colorful, statement costume jewelry. She designed and popularized large pieces that stood in beautiful contrast to her minimalist ready-to-wear designs: ropes of long pearls, large enamel bangles, and dazzling C&C logo earrings.

Concurrently, the Art Deco style—which combined the geometry of art’s Cubism movement with bright colors and fine and exotic materials with references to the general industrial and technology boom of the era—influenced the design of buildings, furniture, transportation and fashion and jewelry.

Jewelry designs, in particular, employed Art Deco’s strong lines and symmetrical patterns. Chunky and angular bangles were a favorite of flappers who wore them piled up on their bare arms. Costume jewelry was made with unconventional and non-precious materials like gold plated brass, wood, and leather.

The Post World War II Retro Era
The world’s economy during and after World War II greatly influenced jewelry trends and markets. The war effort’s need for platinum and alloy metals lead to many designers working with yellow or pink gold. And with fewer European jewelers able to actively produce jewelry during wartime, American jewelers’ business grew. Similarly, with European’s precious stones supply effectively dried up, jewelers turned to Brazil instead for colorful and large gemstones and also used synthetic stones as substitutes.

Stylistically, costume jewelry shifted from the Art Deco industrial-influenced designs to include whimsical and feminine motifs like bows and floral boughs. Tastes also gravitated towards asymmetrical and three-dimensional styles.

The Modern Period
In the 1950s, contemporary costume jewelry styles shifted again. The mid-century Modern era’s understated style was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement that married form and function, imbuing every design with an artistic air. Platinum also returned as the material of choice. Jewelry became lighter and incorporated more textures like engraved finishes and braided rope accents.

Costume Jewelry Today
Today costume jewelry (also referred to as fashion jewelry) has become a mainstay of any wardrobe. Affordable costume jewelry is needed to appeal to the rapidly changing tastes associated with the fast-fashion industry.

Watches of the Week: Instagram Round-up

There were so many amazing watch photos on Instagram it was hard to pick just four! Check out our favorites below. For jewelry and watch photos from TrueFacet, follow us at @TrueFacet.

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre

@watchesofinstagramVintage watches always have a certain element of character with an irresistible appeal. This is a stunning example of a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox dive watch.This particular model has an interesting history to boot. The Memovox is the first mechanical wristwatch to feature an alarm complication. It was manufactured until the late 1960s and didn’t reappear until 2010.

2. Vintage Heuer

@ex_omegaThis Heuer is from the pre-TAG days. Heuer Carrera Dato Ref. 2547 N is from the late 1960s and features a charming panda dial.The first Carrera was introduced in 1963 and has been a classic and quintessential timepiece ever since. The model is named after the legendary car race the Carrera Panamericana.

3. Cle de Cartier

@muradosmannThis couple travels the globe taking the same shot with changing wardrobe and scenery. This particular shot was taken in Abu Dhabi in front of the Aldar skyscraper, the first circular building of its kind.The couple is sporting the Cle de Cartier, the most recent model from Cartier. The collection is minimalist and elegant with a refined design and new crown new Manufacture movement, calibre 1847 MC.

4. Universal Geneve

@lovewatchesUniversal Geneve has been manufacturing watches since 1894 and has produced luxury timepieces ever since.This model is the Universal Geneve Compax Automatic. It features a chronograph with hour, minutes and seconds as well as date and tachymeter for measuring distance.