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 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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Collection of estate, vintage and antique jewelry pieces including rings, necklaces and bracelets

Navigating the World of 'Estate' vs. 'Vintage' vs. 'Antique' Jewelry: Your Guide to Timeless Treasures

Ever found yourself staring at a beautiful piece of jewelry wondering if it's estate, v...
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Exquisite antique cameo and intaglio jewelry pieces showcasing detailed carvings in shell and stone

How to Start Collecting Intaglio and Cameo Jewelry: What to Look For - Your Guide to Ancient Artistry in Modern Style

So you’ve decided to dive into the world of intaglio and cameo jewelry – welcome to wha...
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Elegant vintage and antique jewelry collection featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets from different eras

Navigating the Vintage and Antique Jewelry Market: A Buyer's Guide to Timeless Treasures

That moment of sheer panic when you realize your favorite ring won't budge past your kn...
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Antique acrostic jewelry with colorful gemstones spelling a secret message

The Secret Language of Acrostic Jewelry (and how to decode it): Your Guide to Victorian-Era Hidden Messages

Imagine receiving a beautiful Victorian ring from your beloved, only to discover years ...
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Close-up detail of hand-engraved jewelry showing intricate Florentine and bright-cut patterns on gold

A Guide to Hand-Engraving Styles: From Florentine to Bright-Cut - The Secret Language of Jewelry

Ever run your fingers over a piece of jewelry and feel more than just smooth metal? Tha...
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Close-up of jewelry repair tools and a damaged gemstone ring being professionally restored

What to Do If You Chip a Gemstone or Damage a Piece of Heirloom Jewelry: Your Panic-Free Guide to Jewelry Rescue

That heart-sinking moment when you hear the tiny *ping* or see the dreaded crack – we’v...
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Antique Grand Tour jewelry collection featuring cameos and micromosaic pieces from 18th century European aristocracy

The Role of Jewelry in the "Grand Tour" of the 18th Century Aristocracy: Souvenirs, Status, and Secret Stashes

Picture this: you're a wealthy 18th-century aristocrat fresh out of Oxford, your inheri...
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