Earrings Guide

Rubies were considered more valuable than diamonds during ancient times.  Even today, rubies are arguably the most popular gemstone. Rubies have always been the favored stone of royalty across the globe.  All royalty adorns the impeccable ruby.  It is believed that the Emperor of China used rubies as lights in his palace. Soldiers in historical Burma injected rubies into their skin because they believed it would save them from dying in battle. Rubies are also known for fertility.

Color is the primary consideration while evaluating the quality of rubies. The most desired variety in rubies is a clear and vibrant red color. Like most gemstones, rubies are not without inclusions.  Although clarity plays a role in determining the quality of rubies, color is still the primary valuation benchmark.  However, the color choice in rubies depends on personal preference for a particular shade or hue.  Since even small rubies are valuable, the larger ones are off the charts.  You can also mix up your collection of rubies with a combination of dangle earrings and stud earrings.

The most famous rubies come from Myanmar, Burma.  However, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Tanzania, Pakistan, Nepal, India and Afghanistan all have ruby mining origins.  However, it is crucial that you buy from a trusted source so that you can count on the quality of the rubies themselves.  Even if you are buying ruby drop earrings or ruby stud earrings, you need to be certain of the source.

The beautiful red color in a ruby is acquired after the stone undergoes heat therapy.  It is only after rubies undergo treatment that they become breathtakingly beautiful stones. That permanent form of treatment keeps the color in a ruby in place for years to come. Another form of treatment used for rubies is diffusion. With the aid of chemicals exposing the surface to heat, the desired color of the ruby comes to fruition.  Apart from star rubies, the diffusion treatment is not recommended.  For all other ruby gemstones, heat treatment is the preferred route.

The color red inspires strong feelings that denote the essence of life and love. Rubies make wonderful jewelry pieces. These brilliant gemstones are highly romantic and are great for gifts.  Rubies can be found in rings, earrings or pendants. While diamond earrings make great accessories for special evenings and red carpets, ruby earrings prove to be very practical for everyday wear by adding a splash of color to any outfit.

Or if a night on the town is your preference, try a set of brilliant red ruby earrings.  But if you are only going to your place of work, you might try a set of silver earrings with a ruby centerpiece.   Either way, rubies have continued to be a favorite gemstone through generations and continue their rich and royal legacy today.

Georgian Period

The Georgian Period covers most of the 18th century and into the early to mid 19th century.  During the interim, England was governed by  a total of four King George regimes.  During this period, handmade jewelry was very popular and the designs and fashion had a theme that came from nature (insects, flowers, birds, trees, and leaves).  Another common theme for costume jewelry and fashion jewelry contained ribbon and bow motifs.  In addition to a delicate design, you will find jewelry with moving parts than would quiver as the person moved with the jewelry.  During the 18th century, a new discovery of diamonds took full flight in Brazil.  This resulted in the creation of jewelry (including earrings) that combined diamonds with colored gems such as aquamarine and pink topaz.  Even today, aquamarine and pink topaz are popular gems in earrings.  You can also find aquamarine and topaz in many wholesale jewelry stores given the ability to mass produce.

During the mid-18th century, glass, steel, marcasites, and rhinestones took center stage with jewelry wearers.  A gold jewelry copycat known as pinchback was created by combining zinc and copper.  For those who could not afford gold jewelry, pinchback became a popular substitute for earrings, rings, and necklaces. You can imagine that pinchback  was a nice way to save some money when shopping for wedding jewelry. However, I can’t imagine that the bride was wearing a tiara with pinchback given that silver jewelry was the common design for a tiara.  On the other hand, the general population would not begin wearing silver jewelry pieces until the latter half of the 18th century.

During the latter part of the 18th century, intaglios and carved gemstones became popular and even nostalgic as evidenced by the use of bows, doves, and hearts.  The influence of France is seen in the beginning of the 19th century as foliate patterns and scrolls became popular.  Other popular designs included cameos, mosaics, amethysts, pearls (especially in necklaces, silver earrings, and costume jewelry).

Victorian Period

This period began with the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837, but jewelers from several years preceding the start of her reign will include similar design elements.  Victoria reigned for almost 75 years, so the jewelry of this period covers an array of styles. Among the famous names of this period include Hancock, Giuliano, Falize, Boucheron, and Tiffany.

Jewelry from the Victorian Period was light-weight and included the use of small colored stones and pearls.  Designs consisted of scrollwork, multicolored gold jewelry, and floral spray patterns.  Handmade jewelry was still a popular design method during this period.  Even drop earrings and stud earrings were in style.

The Gothic Revival movement took full force in the 1850s.  During this time, there was a wide use of gemstones that came in multiple shapes, colors, and sizes. Pearl earrings and necklaces were especially worn.  At this time, larger was better.  This era also included jewelry with colored gems in heavy gold jewelry.  Gold necklaces and brooches with festoons and fringe became popular.  Dangle earrings were also very popular.

After Prince Albert passed away in and around 1861, jewelry was worn for mourning purposes.  Crafted from black onyx (often with seed pearls), the design was meant to be gloomy.  Heavy silver earrings also became a type of fashion jewelry for daytime wear.