The Roots and Origins of Different Jewellery Designs and Trends

The jewellery of today is a result of various inspirations from the designs and cultures of the past. The history of jewellery is wide. There are a lot of proofs about how it started and where. There are artifacts and scriptures that were seen about how jewellery influenced the people of the past. It is believed that the first jewellery was made from natural elements such as twigs, leaves, stones, shells, bones or horns. This started around 75,000 years ago in Africa. They were actually worn by people for two distinct reasons: for adornment and for safety. Jewellery before were considered to have special powers. They were believed to bring luck or protection to the wearer.

Like its history, the use and function of jewellery is also broad. The function of jewellery evolved through the years. There were different functions and uses of jewellery from the different eras and periods. Aside from being forms of protection and power, it was also used as a decorative piece. People used jewellery to add emphasis on their clothes or selves. They were used by kings, queens, royals or upper class people to note their position or rank in the society. This is also used by religious groups to symbolise marriage. Today, jewellery is used by people as a form of expression of their feelings. Jewellery has become a powerful item in the world today. It is actually a basis of the wealth and fame of a person.

There are different eras and periods on how jewellery reached its status and state today. The designs of jewellery were also based on the different time periods. Egypt is said to be the first country that produced authentic jewellery. The Egyptians were the ones who initially took jewellery making and crafting seriously. They used different elements such as gold, copper and bronze. The Egyptians also believed that jewellery were packed with powers same as the early beliefs on jewellery. The Greeks and Romans had a more cultural belief than that of the Egyptians. They made jewellery to symbolise the different Gods and their legends. The jewellery that they made were more complex. It had intricate details and were more delicate.

Through the years, jewellery has become more involved with society and religious issues. During the Middle Ages, jewellery was made to symbolise the faith of the people to Christianity. Monasteries developed and designed jewellery to aid them financially. This era also set standards to ensure that jewellery were made of high quality. The Renaissance period also continued to incorporate jewellery in expressing different religious beliefs. Jewellery was also used to gain and maintain wealth. People during this period had an exquisite collection of modern engagement rings, earrings and necklaces. This is the period that paid great attention to gems and rhinestones. Color, luster and shine were amongst the characteristics that people looked after when acquiring or purchasing jewellery.

Jewellery of today is basically a combination of the designs of the different periods. The trends and designs of today include different kinds of vintage jewellery. The various designs from Kalmar Antiques offer different types of jewellery. Antique jewellery is definitely a collectible piece or item. It is very versatile and is wearable in different occasions and events. Visit us at Kalmar Antiques QVB where you can find the finest antique and original engagement rings Sydney has to offer.

The Eras and Periods of Jewellery

The history of jewellery is quite interesting. As people look back on its roots, they would find it amusing that jewellery has gone a long way. Jewellery was believed to have started in Africa, when people used different kinds of materials to make trinkets that served as protection when they wear it. These materials include horns and teeth of animals, shells, stones, twigs and all other materials that can be found in the wild. These people believed that wearing jewellery added certain levels of power to the person. Different cultures had a variety of beliefs with regards to wearing jewellery and were eventually spread to different land areas or countries.

Jewellery did not just act as a simple ornament. It also had different functions and purposes. During the early days of jewellery, it was prominently made to be used as amulets and talismans to drive away evil spirits. It eventually evolved from being an amulet to becoming a healing tool. The people before believed that wearing different kinds of jewellery, such as rings or necklaces, would help them set their mood or heal them from various sicknesses. The use of jewellery continued to be diverse through time. Today, it is considered to be very influential to society especially in determining rank, wealth, and power. It is also used by people to express certain feelings and emotions such as feelings of love, remorse and others.

The journey and innovation of jewellery is pretty unique. Each era had its own share of thoughts and contribution on how people perceive or look at jewellery today. The Egyptians were actually the ones who first established jewellery making as a profession. They honed their skills and developed techniques to create different designs and styles of jewellery. Since they are the earliest developers of jewellery, they also carried the belief that jewellery should be worn for protection. They also considered that jewellery contained powers. The Romans and Greeks had a different take on this. They didn’t believe that jewellery had powers but rather they used them as cultural symbols. They created jewellery to symbolize legends and Gods.

The Romans and Greeks continued to develop jewellery craftsmanship until the Middle Ages. This era particularly used jewellery to showcase the Christian culture. Different monasteries produced different kinds of jewellery that were used for trade. This profited the monasteries financially. There were a lot of guilds for jewellery that were established during the Middle Ages. They aided jewellers in their craft by imposing different standards to improve the quality in jewellery making. The use and belief of people about jewellery also changed over the years. During the Renaissance period, jewellery was believed to be symbols of wealth and power. People who wore jewellery like a special pair of antique earrings or a classic diamond ring were believed to belong to the higher echelons of society. This belief was carried over until the present day.

The trends in jewellery continue to grow over the years. Antique jewellery is one of the favorite pieces chosen by people today because of its uniqueness. Acquiring antique jewellery involves different responsibilities especially in preserving them. These types of jewellery have garnered its own value and are treasured widely today. There are varied designs from Kalmar Antiques on rings, genuine art deco rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewellery pieces of the past. We are Kalmar Antiques Pty Ltd - the foremost dealer of Antique and Fine Modern Jewellery in Australia.

Other Patients' Parents Hailed My Daughter's Pediatrician

It's the scheduled visit of my daughter to her pediatrician so we went there early. When we went inside the outer clinic, my daughter ran to the big box full of toys. She was having so much fun that I didn't have the heart to tell her not to get the toys out of the box. I just reminded her to be careful of the toys. Then I got an old copy of a famous magazine. I was so fascinated by the pictures that I was shocked out of my reverie when I heard the shout of my daughter. She shouted, "Daddy!" I smiled broadly as she threw herself to the arms of her father. Then she excitedly told her father about all the toys in the big box. Then my husband sat beside and inquired about the magazine in my hands. I told him I was looking at vintage engagement rings for sale in the magazine.

He wanted to know what designs I like. I just told him that I like most of the jewelry. My husband wanted me to be specific to the ones I like. So I told my husband that I preferred five pieces of jewelry. He burst out laughing, which made many people looked at us. I then informed my husband that I only want to look at them but I don't want to own the jewelry. My husband nodded because he knew that I meant what I said. He also knew how thrifty I am.

I then heard the secretary of Dr. Catherine Smith, my daugther's pedia, called my daughter's name. She got a thermometer and put it under my daughter's armpit. She also told my daughter to step on the weighing scale. She then compared the results with the previous month's results. She then remarked that there's a marked difference in my daughter's weight. The secretary then inquired about the vitamins and milk of my daughter. I informed her that my daughter is taking vitamins and milk that Dr. Catherine has prescribed. The secretary informed us that she noticed that there's a lot of improvement in the children she saw in the last week.

The parents who heard our conversation also joined in our exchange. They said that they like Dr. Catherine because their children's health has imporved. One parent told us that her son is already eating well. She informed us that she was doubtful at first about the efficacy of the prescribed vitamins since the brand is not popular and expensive. The other parents joined in our conversation and praised Dr. Catherine.

Suddenly, I heard the name of my daughter. The secretary beckoned us to go inside the clinic proper. We said hello and then Dr. Catherine performed an examination on our daughter. The doctor gave her a clean bill of health. I then told Dr. Catherine that we talked about her outside. I added that parents like her because of their children's improved health. She thanked us for our kind comments. She also informed that we shouldn't hesitate to contact us during emergency.

How to Choose the Right Charming, Timeless Timepieces

Time is insubstantial, yet it is something that we attempt to measure accurately or consistently keep track. It is virtually impossible to live our personal lives and operate in modern society without the capability to organise the flow of time properly. Ordinarily, in this contemporary period, we keep track of time with timepieces such as watches.

Other than their primary function of telling time, watches are fashion statements. Indeed, people sometimes make perceptions and judgments about an individual by the watch that they wear. Is he wearing a sleek digital watch with lots of functions? Then he must be a tech geek. Is she wearing a dainty gold-coated watch inlaid with diamonds? Then she must be wealthy; perhaps she may even be a socialite. Is he wearing a bulky, tough-looking watch with an altimeter function? Then he must be an adventurer who needs the altimeter to check altitudes as he reaches mountain peaks.

Some of the best watches that you would like to own are original Patek Philippe watches or other vintage watches. They are charming, and they exude a look of timeless elegance and style. If you want to make a fashion statement, then wearing a vintage watch would surely make you stand out among the crowd. To choose the right one for you, take heed of the following simple tips:

1. Carefully check the overall state of the watch. Ideally, the timepiece should not exhibit damages such as scratches, broken glass, damages, and shock traces. However, if you want to preserve its value as an antique, then do not disregard its patination, or signs of its natural ageing process. Such signs include bits of greenish tarnish on the metal or a brownish, cloudy glass face. Try to stay away from supposedly antique watches that look brand new.

2. With the assistance of a watch expert, open the watch and see if it has all components that are needed for its operation. Remember that replacing a missing component with another one is generally costly and exhaustive. In addition, carefully check inside for damaged parts, rust, sediments, and blemishes. These must all be fixed before you agree to a purchase.

3. Close the timepiece, and put it on your wrist. Does it feel comfortable on your wrist? Does the metal trigger an allergy? Is it too heavy on your forearm? Make sure it looks and feels great when you wear it.

4. After wearing the watch, wind up the crown. Observe if there is any unusual resistance in the winding mechanism; if there is, it means that it is defective. The hands should move smoothly. To do this, compare the regularity of the movements of the vintage watch and your own watch. They should be in sync with each other although a few seconds of delay is acceptable.

5. Lastly, reset the watch by aligning the hand that denotes the seconds at 12.

If you want to purchase lovely antique watches, log in to http://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/. The dealer offers a massive collection of original, working, and high-quality branded watches that you will definitely treasure for a lifetime. Such a watch can be a great accessory, and during your later days, you can give it to your son or daughter as a heirloom. The company also offers post-sales services such as repair and cleaning.

Confessions of a Young New Bride - The Ring Around My Finger

It really is almost as challenging as choosing the perfect girl whom you will spend the rest of your life with; what I meant was, selecting the right engagement ring. But done properly, it would send a woman to high heavens as she first puts on her engagement ring. Many women in the world actually pray so that they'd wear one on their finger. Diamond engagement rings are available in numerous designs. Dainty contemporary designs are popular, but some swear by the elegance and magic of authentic antique bands. And these antique rings are great representations of classical love. Exemplified in such rings are snippets of history, beauty, culture, and love.

A Brief Understanding on Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings

Countless styles of engagement rings exist; the style and design is dependent upon the jewellery's creativity and the fashion craze of the time when the ring was created. When comparing an antique design to a contemporary one, you can certainly see that the older bands are made with great attention to detail and artistry. Precious metals and gems, which symbolize the strength, beauty, and purity of a couple's love, are the main components of such jewellery. They are also concrete representations of joy and faithfulness. Much like how relationships are unique and special, retro rings are also unique and special in design.

One of the best aspects of acquiring a real antique engagement ring is that it is unique, unlike "mass produced" contemporary rings. These are thought to be well built and have stood the test of time. Maybe because these come from times with standard morals - or maybe it's because they have already proven to endure. Clear-cut magnificence and quality are just a couple of reasons why antique rings are perfect for engagements. What makes them appealing is their individuality.

Paying for a traditional ring as opposed to buying a new ring

As mentioned earlier, classic engagement rings are a lot of people's favourite. Getting them is a totally different experience. In numerous places, they're even cheaper than new rings, which make them great bargains with excellent value. And because these rings are “recycled” (i.e., they’re handed down over the years), you protect the planet. This means that no extra mining of gold and silver and gems is used. Compare that to brand-new rings where fresh metals and stones have to be processed so that the piece will be made.

Obtaining a vintage ring rather than a new one is strongly recommended. Your significant other would be thrilled to have such a treasure because it has more personality, history, art, and magic than contemporary bands. The ring is unique with all its intricate carvings and accents that are difficult to copy. In addition, they sport the same beautiful precious stones as with more contemporary pieces.

Selecting the right antique ring may be overwelming. Should you pick a ring with a princess cut stone? Is that ring with the bluish diamond within your finances? Is a six-prong crown ring the best choice? You may want to ask for the help of professional staff from jewellery retailers, antique stores, pawn shops, estate sales, and web-based retailers. They've got the correct skills and eyes to help you pick the suitable, genuine ring for your special girl.

The Magic of Collectible Watches

Some time ago during a train ride, I encountered an old guy who asked for the time. Without giving a lot of thought, yours truly snapped out the cell phone and proclaimed the time down to the last second. The gentleman for just a moment appeared to be in some sort of trance before going on about how the art of wearing watches seems to be passing away. I didn't give the discussion much thought until I happened upon a site that featured amazing vintage Omega watches.

What’s with a vintage watch

It's been a very long time since I last donned a watch. Why should I when my smartphone can do that and more? However nostalgia washed over me as I saw the attractive watches on that website. Through research, I understood that these watches were thought of as fine jewellery, not merely timepieces, coordinating with many varieties of outfits. But in addition to that, their exquisite quality, fine materials, and mystical aura make them valued treasures. I noticed then that I have a newfound love for these wristwatches. I finally understood why my travel companion had that distant look; he wished to go back to those years when hand crafted, mechanised watches were well-known and well loved.

The term "vintage" watch

Vintage watches are wanted over by collectors and fans. Yet, exactly what comprises “vintage”? Edward Faber, the manager of the distinguished Aaron Faber Gallery, a vintage watch merchant in New York, pointed out that for a watch to be vintage, it ought to be built between 1935 and 1985. It was over these years when pro watch makers from Sweden painstakingly built timepieces of such precision, passion, and love. Prominent watches that were built during these years include Omega Seamasters, Rolex Oysters, Anonimo, and others. The times of superb "hand-designed" watches ended after 1985 when patterns were principally made by CAD/CAM computer design programs that were used in a great many sectors. CAD computer software dropped design expenses and made production faster; but, the human touch that was so notable in antique watches disappeared.

What to take into account when purchasing a vintage watch

I became an aficionado of classic wrist watches. Through proper research, I gathered the following tips. First, check the watch if it shows aging signs. What you are looking for is genuine patination, or signs of aging, such as spots of rust, blemishes, and staining. If you suspect that the patination is deliberate, then ignore that watch and look for another one. Second, make sure you are getting the genuine product. Because replicas and fakes are so well made that they are almost indistinguishable from authentic watches, you might need an expert to help you determine whether the watch you are about to get is fake or genuine. One thing you can do, though, is to ask for paperwork such as authenticity certification and evidence of purchase. Third, get your watch from a trustworthy seller. That is crucial, particularly if you are really serious on acquiring authentic pieces. Moreover, the staff and even the proprietors of those stores are usually very skilled valuers, gemologists, and experts who can help pick the best watch for you. They may even fix a non-functioning vintage watch to work.

Wearing classic mechanical timepieces is becoming a thing of the past. It's such a waste since these watches say a lot about the individual: style, personality, class, et al. Discover more here and browse for a perfect watch today.

When Did the First Rolex Submariner Come Out?

The advent of the Rolex Submariner has truly altered the landscape for wrist watches. In this case, the Submariner is more than just a label because it has deeply rooted itself in the minds and imaginations of people all throughout the decades. This watch is what people think of when water resistant watches are being talked about. It is also thanks to some divers and diving companies that the name has been recognised by many people worldwide.

The world first met the Submariner at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1954. There were two watches produced with reference numbers 6204 and 6205, although it has been established which one came out first since both watches look exactly like the other. At that tiime, the first Submariner models lacked the Mercedes hand, which was first exhibited in Submariners in the ref. 6200 Submariner that was also produced in 1954. In the next decades, the Submariner would become warmly accepted in the community particularly because of its resistance to extreme conditions. It is this capability that other brands have come up with their own water-resistant models although they could not possibly copy the capability of the Rolex Submariner.

Its involvement as a main equipment in several deep sea diving expeditions have paved the way for establishing the model's reputation for resilience. For instance, the French diving company COMEX issued Rolex Submariner watches for their divers. Models of the Rolex Submariner were also used by members of the Moana Expedition, in which it demonstrated that can withstand more than a thousand dives to deep sea depths. And, did you know that the Submariner had managed to make it through very harsh conditions and temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius in Antartica? Finally, the Rolex Submariner has found a really good niche in the Royal Navy's frogmen. This is a special model that was commissioned only for the Royal Navy, with reference number 5513. Unfortunately, it would be difficult for collectors except perhaps the most inquisitive ones to find these watches unless they join the Royal Navy frogmen.

While its function remains the same, the Submariner has gone through an evolution in designs at different points for the past 40 years. The 2012 Submariner, which bears model number 114060, has a frame that is remarkably larger in size than the previous models. It does not display the date that other Submariner models have, and the hour markers are Chromalight. The 2012 114060 Submariner's bracelet is also a first, a feature that Rolex has dubbed the Glidelock extension system that could be expected to be present in other models of the Submariner that will follow.

It has been around 50 years since the Rolex Submariner first appeared in the market. In 50 years, numerous models or variants of the Submariner have been phased out, but newer models have also made an appearance in the market. However, some authentic specimens of the earlier Rolex Submariner models are still in existence and highly available today. Though they are not antiques, they could not be considered as modern as well because of their age. If you are fond of collecting discontinued models of luxury watches like the Submariner, you will be delighted because it is still possible to find surviving Rolex Submariners in antique shops that collectors like you could visit. Thanks to the help of the Internet, it is even easier for collectors to locate working articles of Rolex Submariners.