Jewelry Trends

Robert Frechette asked:


Rings are a very popular form of jewelry!  They can represent many things from culture, a commitment such as marriage, an achievement, or even a religious standard.  Rings became popular during the medieval times.  In those days they were made of silver, gold, copper and even iron.  Jewels did not start appearing in rings until around the fourteenth century.

It was fun to learn about the history of rings. Early Christians used a Greek symbol that looks like a fish, the formal name being the Icthus, to identify themselves among other believers. I especially enjoyed the story of how the engagement ring came about.  There was an Irish man from Claddagh which is a fishing village. Right before he was to be married, he was captured and became a slave working as a goldsmith.  After he escaped years later, he came home to his love to find out that she had never married.  They joyously reunited and he gave her a ring with the symbols of  a heart, a crown and two hands.  That ring is still used today to symbolize commitment of love and friendship that can never be separated.  Christians call it a promise ring and wear it as a commitment to God to stay pure until marriage.  Of course there is also birthstone rings which have stones to represent each month in the year.  My birthday is in September so my stone is the lovely sapphire.

A ring is a significant piece of jewelry and Gilbert and Frech has one of the largest selections of gemstone rings to choose from.  Our sizes range from 5 to 10.  Once again, all of our rings are made from 100 percent sterling silver.  We have many different designs and our artisans continue to create new ones as the fashion trends change.

It is still amazing to me know that there are so many uses for silver and that it has such a rich history.  It is such a pretty color and reflects gemstones in a way that just enhances their beauty.  I have so much more appreciation for my silver jewelry now and I view it as an investment.  Next time you purchase a piece of silver jewelry take a few moments to reflect on this journey we have taken together.  I know it will make your new piece just a little bit more special!



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Jarrie Wilson asked:


Silver jewelry has been around for a long time and has been enjoyed by generation after generation since as far back as 5000 B.C. According to historical investigations and reports Egyptians used silver for jewelry, ceremonial ornamentation, and for bartering and tombs have been discovered containing silver that dated back as far as 2900 B.C.

Although there are many modern technological ways to work silver today this wasn’t the case back when silver first began to be used to make jewelry. At the time the process for working jewelry involved either the use of a hammer to get the desired design and look or casting and pouring silver into the desired shape for a piece of jewelry. A third way that silver was worked into silver jewelry in ancient time was through filigree techniques. This is the process of taking thin silver and twisting it and wrapping it into intricate designs that can be held together by soldering.

All of these ways that were once used to work silver provide for a fairly rough, simple jewelry but it just goes to shoe how long individuals have been enjoying the beauty of silver and wearing it to make a fashion statement or as a sign of wealth. The beauty of the low cost precious metal has not been lost on a generation yet to date. You can find gorgeous pieces from all different points in history and from all different regions of the world.

Many Indian tribes used silver to make jewelry. Often you will see these pieces around still today; many of these pieces also have turquoise in them. Silver and turquoise go beautifully together and make for a lovely piece of jewelry. The contrast between the two colors is brilliant.

Another part of the world that is known for their use of silver is Mexico. Silver pieces made in Mexico have a wide selection of stones in them. These stones range from inexpensive coral, which is a beautiful red color, to a pricier boulder opal, which has a brilliant mixture of colors, to a simple emerald with all of its elegant beauty.

Other parts of the world that silver comes from include Peru, Chile, China, Poland, and Australia. All of these countries have been mining silver for many years with Mexico and Peru being the longest, mining silver dating back as far as 1546. And the silver that these countries mine is not only useful for jewelry but for other things as well, such as cutlery, and heat conductors.

Silver jewelry has been a profitable industry for many, many years and from all indications it appears that the inexpensive precious metal will continue to be popular in future generations too. Silver jewelry will not loose its elegance and simplicity from over years that can be worn anytime we want and for that may be compared with gold jewelry. I have a feeling that many pieces from the past will stick around to be enjoyed for many years to come.



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