This article is written by renowned jewelry expert and author, C. Jeanenne Bell, G.G., and is an excerpt from the just-published new edition of Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 8th Ed. One of my favorite sections in the article appears near the beginning, where Bell states: “The jewelry of the 1860s and ’70s is best described as heavy, massive and solid. Massiveness was equated with well made and sturdy. The bigger a piece of furniture or jewelry, surely the better it must be. Colors were also visually heavy. Rich red velvets covered not only furniture and windows, but also ‘maladies’ as well. The feeling of opulence was everywhere.” To learn more about the societal and faenvironmentshion impacting jewelry of this time period,

In the Buck Stops Here column Melanie C. Thomas explores Victorian jewelry, examining the history behind this brilliant category of baubles, evolution of design, and tips for avoiding the frustration sometimes associated with authenticating pieces.