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.

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 ...
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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 ...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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-...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Antique Victorian hairwork jewelry showing intricate braided patterns made from human hair in a brooch setting

A History of Hairwork Jewelry: When Loved Ones Wore Each Other's Hair - The Surprisingly Touching Tradition You Never Knew Existed

Picture this: your sweetheart goes off to war, and instead of texting you heart emojis,...
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Close-up of antique silver jewelry showing beautiful natural patina in the intricate details

Understanding "Patina": Why Some Collectors Prefer Unpolished Antique Metal (And You Might Too!)

Picture this: you’re at a fancy dinner party, and someone compliments your stunning ant...
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Victorian mourning jewelry collection featuring jet brooches, black enamel lockets, and hair work pieces from the Victorian era

The Mourning Jewelry of Queen Victoria and Its Cultural Impact: How a Queen's Broken Heart Changed Fashion Forever

Picture this: you're scrolling through our stunning estate jewelry collection and you c...
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Antique gutta-percha jewelry pieces showing intricate carved designs and dark matte finish

The Comeback of Gutta-Percha: A Victorian Material Re-examined - Why This Quirky Treasure Is Stealing the Spotlight Again

Picture this: you’re browsing through your grandmother’s jewelry box (we’ve all been th...
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Intricate gold puzzle ring with multiple interlocking bands, shown both assembled and partially disassembled

"Puzzle Rings": The History and Romance of Interlocking Bands - Unlocking the Secrets of Love's Most Mysterious Symbol

Ever tried to put together a piece of flat-pack furniture and ended up with extra screw...
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