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Although the word 'blackamoor' is a somewhat controversial term, the exquisite collection of African royal-like figures is an elegant and essential representation to preserve. Over time, 'blackamoor' began to describe a darker-skinned African of Moorish heritage that resided in the ancient Iberian Peninsula cities such as Mauretania and Al-Andalus. During the early Modern Period (c. the 1450s-1800s), stunning blackamoor cameos were created during the Renaissance Era. The remarkable portraits often incorporated jewelry onto the African figure, referred to as a cameo habille. Several examples of blackamoor cameos from different periods, including 19th-century Victorian Era antiques. Their high-quality craftsmanship complements the overall allure of the...

The powerful stories connected to our ancestral heirlooms are not only primary sources for studying history but also significant to our narratives. March is Women’s History Month, and preserving the materials connected to their lives is essential to protecting the legacies of the women we love and honor in history. We uplift their names, stories, and memories and study their journeys. Protecting the sentimental heirlooms belonging to women throughout history is vital to historic preservation and accurate representation. When we collect and preserve archival records of women throughout history, we can emphasize their stories without inaccurate distortions. For example, Black...

The art and fascination of collecting memento mori antiques has become a growing market for many collectors and historians alike. Victorians honored their dearly departed loved ones in distinctive ways throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. While many archival examples of memento mori pieces reflect the honor of White Victorian remembrance, Black ancestors living in the period also utilized the tradition to celebrate their deceased loved ones. However, finding an antique connected to the memorial and celebration of life of Black Victorians is often very rare.  There are many different types of antique souvenirs that were created for the...

When collecting and researching antique jewelry, Attleboro, Massachusetts, is a common place of origin for many makers and businesses of the 18th and 19th centuries. Initially, the area was inhabited by indigenous groups like the Pokanoket Tribe before English settlers migrated to the area in 1634. Before being called Attleboro, the area was called the town of Attleborough but adopted its current name in 1914 as the reincorporated city of Attleboro.  (1909 Postcard of Downtown Attleboro, Massachusetts. Arthur Unknown)  Dating as far back as the 1790s, Attleboro was home to various manufacturing firms specializing in the accessory making. One of...

Antique coral jewelry courtesy of the Zanathia Jewelry collection Coral jewelry has been used in ancient societies for various reasons. Historically, coral was often used for sentimental adornments, serving as 'good luck' protection from illnesses and common pandemics. Coral accessories thousands of years old can be found in many different ancient societies, including Egypt, Rome, Greece, and China. Native American tribes were first introduced to red coral in America by the Spaniards during the 16th century. One of the most highly sought-after and collected corals is found in the Mediterranean waters and is often called 'blood coral' due to its deep...