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Blog CF - Fine Jewellery & Antiques

How Did Vintage Jewelry Replace Estate Jewelry? - 2025-03-11

Have You Ever Wondered How The Term Vintage Jewelry Replaced Estate Jewelry?

We asked ChatGPT and collectively feel this is a remarklabe and impressive summary.

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The term "vintage jewelry" gradually replaced "estate jewelry" due to evolving perceptions and trends in the jewelry market.

1. Marketing and Trends: "Vintage" has a broader, more appealing connotation, often associated with nostalgia, quality, and style from a specific era. It became a popular term to describe older jewelry that still had timeless appeal, often evoking images of luxury or historical significance. Marketers found "vintage" to be a more marketable term, connecting the jewelry to specific time periods and design movements (such as Art Deco or Victorian) which attract collectors.

Vintage 4.00ct. Pear Shaped Brilliant Cut Diamond 18kt. Necklace

Vintage 4ct Pear Shaped Brilliant Cut Diamond 18kt Necklace

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2. Estate Jewelry: Traditionally, "estate jewelry" referred to pieces that came from a previous owner, often in the context of a collection or personal belongings being sold after someone's passing. While the term is still in use, it was seen as less glamorous and more transactional than "vintage," which can emphasize the style and historical value of the piece rather than just its previous ownership.

Estate 1.18ct. Diamond Platinum Ring

Estate 1.18ct Diamond Platinum Ring

3. Broader Appeal: "Vintage" also covers a wider range of time periods, from the 1920s to the 1980s or even '90s, and is often associated with a more curated, fashionable aesthetic. "Estate jewelry," on the other hand, is often restricted to pieces sold from an estate, which can sometimes carry a more somber or auction-related association.

In essence, the term "vintage" evolved to encompass not just the ownership history but the aesthetic and cultural significance of jewelry, which led to its broader usage over "estate."

Shop our vintage and estate jewelry collection to find your next special treasure.

How To Care For Opal Jewelry - 2025-03-06

How To Care For Opal Jewelry

Opal Jewelry Is Low Maintenance, Yet Luxurious!

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While the stone itself requires less work and attention to maintain, proper care still needs to be employed. Read on to discover the best ways to care for your opal jewelry!

Vintage 1.99ct Opal and Diamond 14kt Ring

 

How to Clean Opal Jewelry


When it comes to opal jewelry, there are different steps to take based on the type and style. Solid opals can be submerged in water, but submerging doublet or triplet pieces could leave them cloudy.

 

Cleaning Solid Opal Jewelry


• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution
• Swish the jewelry item in the solution, then remove and wipe with a microfiber cloth or other gentle cleaning tool that has been soaked in the solution
• Dry the item thoroughly with a new, dry microfiber cloth

 

Cleaning A Doublet / Triplet Opal


• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution
• Use the solution to moisten a microfiber jewellery cloth and carefully wipe the piece
• Use the solution to moisten a regular microfiber cloth and wipe the item again
• Dry the piece thoroughly with a new, dry microfiber cloth

Both types of opal jewellery should be cleaned every other month.

 

How to Keep Opal Jewelry from Getting Damaged


If your opal jewelry is stored long-term in a place with low humidity, like a safety deposit box. Storing the piece in cotton wool that's been moistened with water prevents the gemstone itself from losing any water and having its appearance distorted. Placing the item and the wool itogether provides an extra level of protection from the environment.

• Store the jewelry pieces you wear frequently in a padded cloth bag to prevent scratching. If scratching does occur, the damage can be repaired with a professional stone polishing.

Modern Opal and Diamond Earrings


If you're looking for beautiful opal jewelry, contact the experts at Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques.

What Is A Fashion Diamond Ring? - 2024-11-13

What Is A Fashion Diamond Ring?

When you think of a diamond ring, what comes to mind? Most likely, you're picturing big diamonds, traditional engagements, and wedding ceremonies. Fashion diamond rings stray from this concept, composing a niche where diamond rings can be used as a form of stylish expression!

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Emerald and Diamond Fashion Ring

Vintage Fashion Emerald and Diamond Ring
 

Characteristics of Fashion Diamond Rings


Fashion diamond rings incorporate diamonds with the intention of creating a stylish design. Stylish doesn't necessarily mean complex, though - fashion rings can feature a single diamond or designs that incorporate several diamonds to create patterns. Clusters of diamonds are also employed to form aesthetically pleasing shapes. Different designs are available to fit anyone's personal taste and style, but most importantly, their budget. Despite their luxurious appearance, fashion diamond rings can be found at an affordable price.
 

Common Qualities of Fashion Diamond Rings
 

Because the only defining quality of a fashion diamond ring is its level of style, there's a wide variety available. Common characteristics of fashion diamond rings include:
 

Different Gemstones - A lot of fashion diamond rings also boast coloured gemstones. Some of the commonly seen gemstones are rubies, sapphires, and pearls. Different coloured gemstones can be matched with outfits of the same colour to fully deliver the fashion look.

Precious Metal Bands - For the average diamond ring, the band is made of either platinum, silver or white gold. Fashion diamond rings often utilize other precious metals to create the band, including yellow and ever-popular rose gold.

Contrasts and Complements - Gemstones like rubies provide contrast to the main diamond, creating visual interest. The diamond can also be complemented by other smaller diamonds or a unique corresponding band color.

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring

Interested in browsing beautiful, unique fashionable diamond rings? Contact us at Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery and Antiques to get more information and book an appointment!

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