Pink Topaz Riviere

Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.

There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.

Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.

Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.

Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.

The word “topaz” comes from Topazios, the Greek name for St. James Island on the Red Sea (presently known as Zabargad). And even though the Greeks believed that topaz protected the wearer and gave them strength, we unfortunately cannot promise that your antique and vintage topaz jewelry will give you any superhuman abilities.

Beloved by royalty, topazes were once believed to possess special powers for curing diseases and breaking magical spells. While they may not have supernatural properties, these autumnal gems are enchanting just the same.

It’s appropriate that as the temperatures cool and the leaves turn yellow, the birthstone for November is a gem found in autumnal hues. The deep browns, reds and oranges of the topaz, a stone once believed to have the power to cure fevers, is perfect for this time of year. In fact, the palette has also inspired a second birthstone for the month: citrine, which is less expensive and easier to find. Truth be told, topazes can be found in a wide variety of colors (which can get confusing since the blue topaz, along with turquoise, is a birthstone for the month of December), but it’s nice to wax poetic about the season.

The topaz can be blue, green, yellow, pink, purple and red. The colors of this allochromatic stone result from impurities in its crystal structure and are not part of its chemical composition, which is aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide. The true color of topaz is no color at all. Isn’t it fascinating that a stone that can come in a variety of colors is colorless in its purest form?

Find a range of vintage and antique topaz rings, topaz necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

Vintage link necklaces are a popular style of jewelry that sees a flexible set of links, usually metal, fashioned into versatile neckwear. The design of link necklaces creates an engaging movement, rendering the jewelry a focal point of any outfit.

Chain necklaces date back to antiquity. These early chains frequently used the loop-in-loop technique. They evolved into symbols of prestige. Royalty in medieval Europe wore gold jewelry often adorned with beads and gemstones.

Over the centuries, artisans and jewelry makers developed different types of chain links. Chain-link necklaces with oval links or mariner links are currently fashionable, but styles have changed from one decade to the next. While some eras have favored large chains as statement pieces, others emphasized dainty jewelry, so vintage link necklaces offer a wide range of link types.

The link is an important consideration when choosing a chain. The twisted curb chain is unique and striking in form; flat link chains and cable chains feature bold oval-shaped links. Infinity chains use links of assorted sizes for added variety. In men’s jewelry, chains with box chain links or Cuban links have tight rows and angular shapes lending a more masculine flair.

Link necklaces are also made in a variety of metals. Gold link necklaces are ideal to match warmer hues; silver link necklaces pair well with cool tones in your wardrobe. A simple gold or silver chain can complement a favorite blouse, or it can be dressed up with a pendant necklace. A necklace with pearls, diamonds, amethysts or sapphires can add a pop of color.

Browse 1stDibs for a large selection of vintage link necklaces and other necklaces. From gold to silver jewelry, as well as different types of links and pendants, there is a link necklace to suit any taste.