Blog News

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...

One of the most important steps to preserving the material culture and stories of the past is to archive historical records. October is American Archives Month and is a significant part of historic preservation. Everything we archive will become a part of our stories and be used as primary sources to reference what will inevitably become the past. Every generation has gained inspiration from a previous period, a timeless muse used in many jewelry trends and styles through the centuries. The Victorians might have added their beautifully elaborate spin on items, but Ancient and Medieval Era cultural designs were extensively...

During the late 19th century Victorian Era, vibrant revival trends could be seen in ladies and gentlemen. Technological advancements and the booming manufacturing industry made creating diverse jewelry styles easier and less time-consuming. A refreshing interest in functionality was incorporated into jewelry with the revitalization of the chatelaine and the growing use of scarf and shawl pins. It is common to see an antique photo of a Victorian wearing a scarf or shawl pin, which would be securely pinned to the fabric of the upper bodice or torso. A shawl pin was also known as a lace pin. Lace pins...

Before World War I (1914-1918), the Czech Republic was formally the historic region of Bohemia. One of the most famous Victorian gemstones was sourced in Bohemia, which began mining and exporting Bohemian garnet during the Middle Ages. Bohemian garnet was not only a beautiful gemstone used in 19th-century accessories, but it was also cost-effective compared to diamonds and other precious stones. The metals used in Bohemian Garnet jewelry were more economical and cost-effective. Victorian Bohemian garnet jewelry became a popular costume trend, and its distinctive beauty is still heavily curated and worn.  Antique Victorian Era Bohemian Garnet beaded necklace and...