Cameos come in two forms and kinds. The shell cameo and the gemstone cameo. The shell cameo is carved in Italy in the small town of Torre del Greco. This town has been known for its shell cameo carving for centuries, and has produced the most beautiful shell cameos in existence. The agate cameo is carved in Germany, also in a very small town named Idar-Oberstein. Several of the gemstone itself is found in and around this German town.
Both shell and gemstone cameos are of high value and praised by collectors and investors. Both kinds of cameos are also praised by cameo lovers who just like to wear them as a piece of jewelry. Whatever cameo you may choose, the stone cameo or the shell cameo will give you a great piece of jewelry as well as a great investment.
One of the two cameos, however, is more durable and more expensive than the other. I am referring to the gemstone cameo, also called the hardstone cameo. Most hardstone cameos are made of what is called opaque stones such as: agate, carnelian and onyx. This article will concentrate on the agate cameo.
Agate is the most popular of the gemstones for carving cameos. The name agate comes from the River Achates, found in Sicily, but it is also found in Brazil and in Germany in the region where it is carved today, Idar-Oberstein. Agate surpasses the hardness of steel which makes its durability a perfect material for cameos and therefore make an excellent investment for cameo investors.
Because of its extremely hard core, the agate stone cameo is mostly carved ultrasonically. How is that possible to carved work of art with a computed machine? The computer for ultrasonic carving is programmed from an original gemstone hand-carved master work. Only a close look by a cameo expert can tell you if your agate cameo was carved by hand or ultrasonically. Are ultrasonically carved cameos of let value? No, there are not. The cameo carved by ultra-sounds is still carved from a handmade master piece, and the stone that it is made of is still a precious stone.
Hand carved agate cameo is a very tough job in every sense of the term, because of the very hard consistence of gemstone such as the agate stone. When it is carved by hand, however it is done with dental tools which allow minute precisions and details.
Carved by hand or by ultra-sounds, the agate cameo is a beautiful work of art appreciated by all cameo collectors and anyone wanting to own a valuable piece of jewelry that will last forever.

When is an antique an antique.

If like me you have notice the abundance of antique shows on the television these days you will also have notice how much the word antique is banded about.

When I was young I remember my parents saying to me “don’t touch that, it’s an antique” like it was delicate about to break if you dare touch it. Would cost them millions of pounds to replace. It conjures up an image of something dusty delicate rather uninviting, well sometimes but not always. But when is an antique an antique to be honest technically if it was made over a hundred years ago it can be called antique, but I have often found this term used to describe items that where made only forty to sixty years ago plus. Then again so long as you know what it is and you love it then what do’s it matter how old it is. Some antiques are not worth the price tag there written on and like fashions/trends things change, come and go. But you will always find someone who is interested. It’s just a case of what are they prepared to pay.

An antique is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.?

WHEN IS AN ANTIQUE NOT AN ANTIQUE.

Simple when it’s a fake, but don’t confuse this with a repro, there is a difference . Let me explain.
A reproduction is a piece that was made to compliment an original, it is sold under that label and appreciated by people who perhaps can’t afford the original but still appreciate the beauty of the piece. Unfortunately there are some dealers who would sell such an item as the real thing, its unethical it gives the rest of us a bad name and its quit simply theft by deception. Unfortunately in this business the chances are that you will at some time get caught out. However some basic things you can try to avoid being caught out are.
Being discreet lick your finger, use a damp hanky or just wipe a table or chair, under it is best cause it’s where a fake is less likely to be as good. As new wood to old wood will show even if its been dyed new dye’s to old will show the colour has not aged. Some dye will be on the hanky/cloth. Not just dirt-dust that comes with age. Tops will fade slightly with the sun compared to the underside, aging happens its hard to fake well. If in doubt leave it.
Look at the fittings, screws are they as old as the piece you are looking at. Hinges handles due they match, is the wear on them as you would expect. Many lazy con’s are done by people who don’t look for the detail, make sure you do.
Dovetails or nails, old furniture was put together by craftsmen, skilled in there art. It took time to put them together. Banging in a few nails was not there style.
Glue as above was used but sparingly not slapped on, a feature I have notice by repro firms and cons that show cause they are more concerned about the fast buck, not the detail.

Look at the detail, its something I will go on about but can save you pounds.

With china look at the crazing, it happens with older pieces nothing wrong with that as long as its not to uniform.? It should be irregular. Dirt would be in some parts of the crazing, it becomes ingrained .There should be some. The base should be dirty where it has stood over the years not polished clean. Repro work tends to have brighter colours then the original and the moulding will match the poor quality of the piece.
Weight? I know you cant asked a dealer if you can weigh it, well perhaps not but sometimes a piece will just feel right. The weight as you pick it up, move it is well..balanced. To heavy not heavy enough again if in doubt, leave it. Save your money.

For more see antiques and antiques

Read realistic tips to unusual wedding favour – your own guide.

Cubic zirconia rings, earrings and bracelets are popular the world over but most people do not understand exactly what cubic zirconia jewelry actually is. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material derived from zirconium oxide and today is the most popular diamond substitute in the world and commonly used in jewelry. However, cubic zirconia has not always had the popularity it has today.

The Start of the Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

The natural mineral that comes from the zirconium compound is the baddelyite. Scientists since 1892 could not use it commonly because science that time could not make use of the high melting point of the mineral. It was only in 1930?s that scientists were able to stabilize the zirconium compound and used as refractory material, the cubic zirconia was used as the substitute for the diamonds.

In 1960?s, the cubic zirconia was then used in different kinds of jewelry. Scientists were able to come out with a better and more convenient way of doing the lasers and other applications in creating designs for the cubic zirconia rings and other jewelries. The procedure was known as the cold crucible wherein the zirconia was melted and sheathed in a solid thin zirconia forming small crystals of cubic zirconia.

After a decade, the processed was further developed into skull crucible. This process was done by heating a large canister of zirconium oxide powder through radio frequency while the outside part was cooled down by water. The cube shape of the zirconium crystals was stabilized through the yttrium oxide. To vary the colors of the cubic zirconia jewelries, some oxides were added in the procedures to produce colored crystals.

The outcome of the zirconium crystals are then cut like diamonds into fabulous cuts of gemstones to be added to different items of cubic zirconia rings, earrings, charms, bracelets, and many more. Nowadays, most jewelers are into the skull crucible method of producing zirconium crystals as a way of substituting the diamonds.

Why Buy Jewelry Items Made of Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia rings, bracelets, necklaces, charms and even tiaras are not items you have to budget for. Instead, they can be bought on any budget. Cubic zirconia jewelry is not just popular because it is cheap and mass produced. To the untrained eye, zirconia jewelry looks a lot like a diamond! Some cubic zirconia items are so high quality they can even fool an expert on first glance.

Cubic zirconia rings and other items are said to have been robust making your jewelries last for longer years. And the bright shine of the jewelries can also stay even after using those over and over again. These are very ideal for little kids in their own world of fashion, especially if you are afraid that the items might be lost while they are playing.

Since the cubic zirconia rings and different jewelry designs are cheaper and durable, you can afford to wear different sets each day without feeling bad when you lost one. Unlike with diamonds which are hard to accept when stolen or lost. With just a small amount of money, you can now purchase your own favorite designs of jewelries and accessories. You can surely wear a set that will match your outfit for the day. Even for some special occasions, you can wear bright shining colored gems in your ears, neck, fingers, and arms to accentuate your gowns or elegant dresses.

There are also different designs of cubic zirconia rings for weddings, anniversaries, or engagements. You can give your loved ones these specially designed token of love to show your pure intentions and deepest love with just the lesser price to fit your budget. For brides who want to wear beautiful accessories that would perfectly match the bridal gowns can also afford the prices of these cubic zirconia precious gems. Instead of buying expensive diamonds and jewelries, choose the cubic zirconia items and spend the spare money for other important expenses like the payment for the wedding venues, receptions, honeymoon package, or essential things for the house.

There are different available designs like the vintage or antique inspired crystals and the heart cut or princess cut designs. The cubic zirconia rings show exactly like the real diamond stones in appearance and quality but the price is much lower. This gives you a better option for your other expenses.

The cubic zirconia jewelry items are also ideal to wear on special events and formal gatherings. You can wear a set of cubic zirconia jewelries, which include the ring, necklace, bracelet, and earrings, that will accentuate your elegant attire. All the people around you will surely admire the brilliance of your cubic zirconia jewelries. Even for men who are fashion-minded, there are also cubic zirconia rings and other items that will bring out the appeal in you.