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Historically, the region of the Czech Republic has been well known for its high-quality glass craftsmanship and substantial Czech crystal deposits. Before Czechoslovakia became a country in 1918, the region was previously known as Bohemia. Factories produced and exported glassware, glass stones, crystal, and beads. During the Victorian Era, Bohemian garnet was a popular costume jewelry choice and mass-produced in various designs. Bohemian garnet was exported from Bohemia beginning in the Middle Ages. The beautiful semiprecious gem was routinely mined in Bohemia and considered one of the highest quality garnets. (Antique Victorian Era Bohemian Garnet Beaded Necklace Available At Zanathia Jewelry. Bohemian...

October is American Archives Month, which includes the historical significance of preserving portraits and family heirlooms. Antique portraits of our ancestors are important primary sources and interesting historical reflections from the past. Unfortunately, sometimes inaccurate depictions can overshadow positive self-portrayals. This is true for antique portraits of Black people during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although there is a substantial number of photographs that depict Black Victorians in a poised and elegant way, caricatures and stereotypes have also plagued them for centuries. Therefore, it is an honor to preserve and collect antique heirlooms that depict Black Victorians. Antique portrait...

  One of the most recognized and popular materials used in Victorian Era (1837-1901) accessories is Whitby Jet and its emulation, French Jet. During the 19th century, the jet was a common stone used in jewelry. Although the gemstone was used long before the Victorian Era's Grand Period (1861-1880), the plane was often highly associated with this specific period during the 19th century. After Queen Victoria (1819-1901) went into deep mourning following the death of her husband, Prince Albert (1819-1861), she began to wear all black. It was customary for loved ones to wear black for a minimum of two...

I am honored and excited to be a contributor to the upcoming Yale University/Yale Divinity School Fall exhibit: Small Nation Photographs: Allegories, Renditions, and A Small Nation of Women. The show will emphasize Black Victorian women and the 19th century Black middle class through portraits, jewelry, antique clothing, collage artwork, and other historical items. Zanathia Jewelry will have various antiques on display at the exhibit, which includes accessories that feature portraits of Black Victorians, original postcard photos from the 19th century, and other antiques. This exhibit is historically significant, and the preservation of these items is essential for retelling their stories.  (Collage...

This month for National Historic Preservation Month, it is essential to highlight the growing market of highly sought-after Black Victorian collectibles. When collecting Victorian antiques, it is relatively rare to find sentimental mourning accessories that may feature woven hair strands belonging to a Black Victorian or an engraved locket with an African American portrait inside its compartment. However, these historically significant items exist and are intricate artifacts that are important to preserve.  Victorian Portrait of An Unidentified African American Woman (Personal Collection). Antique Victorian Era Aventurine Beaded Necklace, From the Zanathia Jewelry Collection    History books have often excluded just how...