American Jewelry
The early settlers of North America incorporated people from all walks of life, including goldsmiths, jewelers, and refiners. Because the materials they needed were not readily available, they had to endure long trading schedules with Europe for their supplies. Therefore, jewelry in the early settlements usually arrived in America with its owners. As time passed and natural resources in the new world were more available, it became possalble to create jewels that were truly American, although with a good deal of stylistic influence imported from Europe. The pictorial glossary on American Jewelry has selections available for you to read more.
Historic Overview
Natives of North America, in the time before European exploration, adorned themselves with shells, bones, feathers, teeth and other found objects. Migration resulted in tribes exchanging materials not native to a...
Following the Revolutionary War, newly independent Americans began to look beyond Great Britain to the wider world for resources, goods, and products. Trade with other parts of Europe grew and...
In a nostalgic wave created by the celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary, Americans began to take pride in previous generations and a mid-eighteenth century revival was born. In this...
CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION!PHILADELPHIA, PA.THIS GREAT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, DESIGNED TO COMMEMORATE THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE OPENED MAY 10th AND WILL CLOSE NOVEMBER 10th 1876. All the Nations of the...
Vignettes
On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered by James W. Marshall as a byproduct of construction on a mill for pioneer landowner John Sutter. California was still Mexican territory, but not...
Diamonds are the gemstone most commonly associated with engagement rings, but that has not always been the case. They first made their appearance in betrothal rings circa the fifteenth century but...
A signet ring features an intaglio gem, or decorative carving that is engraved with a monogram, coat of arms or, other heraldic or personal symbol. Throughout history, signets were used as...
A necklace can be defined simply as an adornment designed to encircle the neck. Upon closer examination, they are actually so much more. Having existed ever since our ancestors began...
Brooches and Pins are the original form and function jewelry items. At their origin, they served a purpose beyond adornment. In the dark days before zippers, buttons, buckles, snaps, and...
