The Cross, from the Ritualistic to Pop Culture

Crosses are a symbol of antiquity and religious rites, but have also become contemporary pop culture tokens. Take Dolce & Gabbana’s autumn 2013 ready to wear collection. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana looked to the golden Byzantine and Venetian mosaics of Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale to launch their designs on the runway during Milan Fashion […]

Worldwide History of Beads

First published in 1987 as “The History of Beads,” Lois Sherr Dubin’s “Worldwide History of Beads: Ancient, Ethnic, Contemporary” has become a collectible tome rife with references for bead lovers, collectors and scholars. In the newer edition of the book, Dubin has expounded on the latest archaeological discoveries, with a new chapter on contemporary adornment […]

Delicate Like Iron

In the period from the late 18th to the mid-19th century, what was known as iron jewelry was quite popular. It ranged from elaborate necklaces and bracelets to pendant earrings, brooches and even rings, filigreed like lace yet cast from iron. The pieces’ unobtrusive material, clear-cut formal idiom and somewhat inaccessible character reflect the values […]

All the City Feels

Exquisite and exhilarating, jewelry creations from the major metropolises of the world all have that endearing je ne sais quoi. Jewelry created in large cities dating back to classical antiquity and advancing well into the 20th century were on display as part of Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim’s exhibition entitled “The Feel of the City – Jewelry from […]