Vintage Masonic Jewelry

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The word gold, used alone, means pure gold or 24 karat (24K) G. Because 24k is soft, it’s usually mixed with other metals to increase its hardness and durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat, the karat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.

The art of the goldsmith was widespread in the 1^st third of the 19^th century, when the techniques of combining different colors of gold and carved designs were perfected for use in seals and snuff boxes. In the 1840s delicate wirework was passed over in favor of repousse’ and die stamped decoration. Jewelry made in this way looks solid and heavy but is in fact light and hollow. Archeological revivals in the mid-century resulted in a vogue for classically inspired gold work techniques, such as granulation. Styles became increasingly ornate.  By the 1880s a fashion developed for plainer gold jewelry with unusual textures. With the introduction of platinum at the turn of the 20^th century the popularity of gold decreased. Demand picked up again in the 1940s and has remained strong ever since.