Senin, 31 Juli 2017

3 Reasons Why Vintage Looking Wedding and Engagement Rings Are Surging in Popularity

The definition of antique and vintage wedding rings is often the same. Beginning with the romantic period of the 1800's with the advent of Queen Victoria, bands became influenced by Egyptian and Greek carvings as well as those of other exotic countries. The jewelry that is a result of this time period are rare and have an exquisite old world charm.

With her highly romantic marriage to Prince Albert, the interest in jewelry swelled. It is reported that she gave out 60 rings at her ceremony. The public caught her spirit and new designs in gold, platinum and rose gold became the rage. The Romantic Age was in full bloom and it still grabs the hearts of women today. The Queen was also known to have worn a serpentine band to represent the past and the future, which became very popular at the time.

Rose gold was extremely well loved during this age. It resulted from adding copper to gold. The more copper added, the pinker the result. Rose gold coupled with the intricate filigree work made a lovely union and was very beautiful. The hand-crafted, meticulous work of filigree that was done during these periods are very hard to duplicate today without enormous expense. Women who have their heart set on vintage wedding rings of filigree will not settle for anything else.

Diamonds were not used at the time due to the lack of supply. The gems most seen in antique jewelry were sapphires, rubies, emeralds and seed pearls, for instance. These performed beautifully for the delicate, lovely hand-made creations of the Victorian era. However, the opening of the South African mines around 1872 changed the landscape of the jewelry.
Another era considered vintage is the Edwardian age influenced by the son of Queen Victoria, King Edward. Samples from this period show more of a leaning towards band carvings of nature and birds.

Blending with the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Art Nouveau period brought delicate flowers and vine creations to the table. Often replicating a veneer of stained glass, a process known as Plique a'jour, bright colored stones began to take over the market.

When the advent of the 1920's and the Suffragette movement, trends began to change. Beginning with the start World War II, the housewives headed off to work. Along with their new found freedom came confidence and changes in style, including their jewelry.

Geometric shapes and bright shiny gems were the items of the period. Even hexagons were made with diamonds, emeralds and banquettes. This became known as the Art Deco Age. Many women love the history of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras with their geometric shapes and the applications used with the gems of the period and will not settle for anything else.

The 1800's through the 1920's is characterized by its meticulous, hand-crafted work. Except for the cost, if you just must have something that represent these unique styles, finding one from the rare vintage wedding rings available, definitely be a reason to celebrate.


Senin, 10 Juli 2017

Mahogany Antiques - The Many Uses of Mahogany Antiques

One of the most gorgeous and elegant woods is mahogany. Mahogany furniture pieces are of a rich dark color, and of hard wood. These pieces are durable, resilient, and can be passed down to many generations. Mahogany antiques are beautiful pieces that can warm a room and enhance any décor. It only takes one piece of mahogany antique furniture to add instant warmth to a room. Whether it is a mahogany bookcase to enhance the office or even a corner on your living room where you keep your favorite tomes, or a set of antique tables nestled in a group to ad interest to a décor, a single piece can work its magic.

Some of the most versatile pieces of mahogany furniture are sideboard antiques and wardrobes antiques. These can be utilized in any room of the home and for different purposes. Wardrobes can serve their original function or they can be used in a mudroom to house coats and rain gear. They make excellent pieces to keep towels and linens in a bathroom. They can act as closets in old bedrooms that do not have closet space or any closets. On the other hand, they can double as elegant pieces in an office to keep supplies - the uses are many, and all that is needed is a little bit of imagination and the ability to think outside the box.

Sideboard antiques are the perfect pieces to use in the kitchen, dining room, living room, bar, utility room (all-purpose room), and even in a craft room or office. This is a very versatile piece that can fill many needs, aside for the original purpose it has.

Other versatile and useful pieces are desks antiques. These can be utilized around the house to enhance any décor. They can be utilize as desks - their main function - or as craft tables, stationary and letter stations - to write invitations, letters, pay bills, at a corner in the kitchen to keep an organized center for cooking books and recipes, and even the are perfect to keep mementos and display pictures in a living room. There are perfect for displaying a favorite collection (side boards as well), and they add instant sophistication to any room.

The possibilities of using different pieces of mahogany antiques throughout the home is unlimited. These pieces are versatile enough to match any décor. Eclectic designs benefit from these furniture pieces, but any design style can incorporate a piece or two in the décor. One important rule is to not deviate too far from the actual décor - for example, a contemporary style room will benefit from pieces that have simple clean lines and that are not too ornate.

A French Country or French Provencal décor can incorporate ornate pieces as well as more simple ones, depending on the mood that one wants to create. For a rustic, country and relaxed atmosphere opt for less ornate, simple pieces. A more elegant and formal décor will be enhanced with ornate pieces. A Tuscan décor can follow the same rules. The most important rule is to balance the pieces with the mood a person wants to create in their home. That is why Mahogany antiques are a great way to bring your home to life.