Mayveda's Notebook: Antique Jewelry Guides and History

Unlocking the Secrets: Victorian Symbolism in Jewelry

Snakes for eternal love, ivy for fidelity, swallows for a safe return: an A to Z of the symbols found in Victorian jewelry.

Color, clarity, cut and carat weight for colored gemstones, plus the antique details to watch for: doublets, foiling, treatments and wear.

Snakes for eternal love, ivy for fidelity, swallows for a safe return: an A to Z of the symbols found in Victorian jewelry.

How to clean, store and protect an antique engagement or wedding ring, and when to have it checked by a jeweler.

Hand-cut diamonds, the styles of each era and what to check before you buy: my guide to choosing an antique engagement ring.

Dragonflies, flowing hair and opalescent enamel: the handcrafted Art Nouveau style that flourished during the Belle Époque.

Dior's New Look, aurora borealis stones and matching parures: a short history of glamorous 1950s jewelry.