Robinson's Jewelers Blog / Antique Jewelry

Discover the latest trends, tips, and insights in the world of fine jewelry with Robinson's Jewelers' official blog. Dive deep into the mesmerizing realm of precious metals and gemstones. Whether you're a jewelry aficionado or seeking styling advice, our curated articles are here to enlighten and inspire.

A collection of antique Victorian mourning jewelry, featuring a jet brooch, a gold ring with black enamel and hairwork, and a locket on a dark velvet background.

Analyzing the Symbolism of Mourning Jewelry and Hair Art (Victorian): Love, Loss, and Lockets

Let's be honest, our modern idea of a sentimental keepsake is pretty tame. A photo on o...
Read More
Close-up of a deep purple Siberian amethyst gemstone set in an ornate, antique-style gold necklace, showcasing the royal color prized by the Russian Imperial family.

The Role of Siberian Amethyst in Early Russian Imperial Jewelry: A Royal Romance in Violet

Have you ever found yourself completely mesmerized by an amethyst ring, lost in its dee...
Read More
A curated collection of vintage, antique, and estate jewelry including rings, brooches, and necklaces displayed on velvet.

Vintage vs. Antique vs. Estate Jewelry: What's the Difference? (The Ultimate Guide to Pre-Loved Treasures)

Does the world of pre-owned jewelry feel like a fabulous but confusing cocktail party w...
Read More
Close-up of an antique Victorian bloodstone signet ring, showing the dark green stone with red speckles set in intricate yellow gold.

The Historical Significance of Bloodstone Jewelry in Victorian Men's Rings: Unraveling the Green Stone of Courage

Picture a proper Victorian gentleman, decked out in his finest frock coat, looking ever...
Read More
Close-up comparison of a genuine vintage art deco ring and a modern vintage-style reproduction ring side by side on velvet

The Difference Between Vintage & Vintage-Style (Reproduction Tips): A Collector's Guide to Timeless Treasure vs. Modern Magic

Ever fallen head-over-heels for a dazzling piece at Estate & Vintage Jewelry only t...
Read More
Close-up view of a turquoise cabochon being carefully set into a silver bezel setting by a jeweler's hands.

The Challenges of Re-Setting a Soft Cabochon Stone (e.g., Turquoise): Don't Crack Under Pressure!

So, you’ve inherited your grandmother’s beautiful turquoise ring, or maybe you’ve final...
Read More
An exquisite signed Art Nouveau pendant featuring a woman's profile with flowing hair, crafted in gold with enamel and pearl details

How to Identify and Appraise a Signed Piece of Art Nouveau Jewelry: Unlocking the Secrets of Whiplash Curves and Nature's Magic

So you’ve inherited a mysterious piece of jewelry that looks like it was designed by a ...
Read More
A curated collection of vintage and estate jewelry featuring intricate flower motifs, including brooches, rings, and pendants with floral designs.

The Symbolism of Different Flower Motifs in Vintage Jewelry: A Secret Victorian Love Code

Picture this: you're at a stuffy Victorian garden party, desperate to tell the dashing ...
Read More
Close-up photograph of an intricate antique shell cameo pendant with a classical female profile, set in a yellow gold frame with a micro-mosaic border.

The Use of Micro-Sculptures and Cameos in Neoclassical Jewelry: Tiny Masterpieces with Epic Stories

Imagine holding an entire epic poem, a declaration of love, or a portrait of a goddess,...
Read More
Close-up view of a jeweler using a laser welding machine to perform a precise repair on an intricate gold ring.

The Secret Behind the Magic: The Process of Laser Welding for Intricate and Heat-Sensitive Repairs

Ever had a piece of jewelry break and thought, "Well, that's the end of that"? Maybe it...
Read More
A collection of Edwardian-style jewelry featuring amethyst, pearl, and peridot gemstones in gold settings, representing the suffragette colors.

The Short-Lived Trend of Suffragette Jewelry and Its Colors: How to Wear History's Most Defiant Sparkle

Let's play a game. I say 'political protest,' and you picture... well, probably not a d...
Read More
Close-up view of an antique Italian micromosaic jewelry piece showing intricate glass tesserae forming a detailed landscape scene, set in yellow gold.

The Use of Micromosaic Techniques in Italian Grand Tour Jewelry: Wearable Masterpieces from a Bygone Era

Before there were Instagram stories or fridge magnets, there were micromosaic jewels—th...
Read More
Close-up of a beautiful honey-colored amber pendant with natural inclusions, resting on a soft velvet cloth, demonstrating proper jewelry storage.

The Best Practices for Cleaning and Storing Amber Jewelry: Your Guide to Keeping Its 50-Million-Year-Old Glow

So, you've got a piece of ancient sunshine in your jewelry box—a gorgeous amber pendant...
Read More
An ornate antique gold chatelaine, featuring multiple chains with hanging tools like scissors, a seal, and a notebook, displayed on dark velvet.

The Rise and Fall of the Chatelaine as Functional Jewelry: The Ultimate Victorian Power Accessory

Ever wished your jewelry could do more than just sparkle? Imagine a world before pocket...
Read More
An assorted lot of estate jewelry including rings, bracelets, and brooches laid out on a velvet cloth for appraisal.

The Factors That Determine the Value of an Estate Jewelry Lot: Your Guide to That Inheritance Sparkle

So, you’ve inherited a treasure chest—or maybe just a modest velvet pouch—full of what ...
Read More
A close-up comparison of a signed vintage ring with a visible maker's mark and a beautiful unsigned Art Deco-inspired sapphire and diamond ring on a velvet background.

Understanding the Value of Signed vs. Unsigned Vintage Jewelry: Your Guide to Treasure, Mysteries & Smart Buys.

Have you ever found yourself gazing at a beautiful old piece of estate & vintage je...
Read More
An exquisite example of Aesthetic Movement inspired jewelry featuring natural motifs and elegant craftsmanship

The Aesthetic Movement: 'Art for Art's Sake' in Personal Adornment - When Jewelry Got a Soul

Picture this: It's the late 19th century, and Britain is drowning in the stuffy, moral-...
Read More
Elegant antique and estate jewelry collection featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets from different historical periods

The Case for Antique and Estate Jewelry as the Ultimate Sustainable Luxury: Why Vintage is the New Vogue

Let’s be real: in a world where fast fashion comes and goes faster than your interest i...
Read More
Antique Victorian mourning jewelry featuring black jet, woven hair, and symbolic motifs displayed on velvet

The Untold History of Mourning Jewelry in the Victorian Era: From Macabre Mementos to Modern Masterpieces

Picture this: you’re at a fancy Victorian dinner party, and your hostess is wearing a s...
Read More
Comparison of antique Victorian ring and modern Art Deco-style ring on velvet background

The Market for "Period" Pieces vs. "Period-Style" Pieces: A Collector's Guide to What's Real, What's Repro, and Why It Matters

Walking into a jewelry store or browsing online for estate and vintage jewelry can feel...
Read More

Subscribe to our newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to stay up to date on sales and events.

*By completing this form you're signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time