DSF Collector’s Guide

How to Identify Hammerman Brothers Jewelry: Hallmarks, Signatures, Craftsmanship

Hammerman Brothers jewelry is recognized for sophisticated construction, substantial precious-metal work and finely set diamonds and gemstones. This guide examines the signatures, HB maker’s marks,...

Chantecler Capri - the jewel that carries the soul of an island

Chantecler Capri is one of Italy’s most distinctive jewelry houses, known for its Campanella bell, vibrant use of color, and unmistakable Mediterranean spirit. From its origins on the island of Cap...

Gübelin, AGL, GIA and SSEF Gemstone Reports: What Collectors Should Know

Gemstone reports can reveal important details about a stone, but their scope varies by laboratory and report type. This collector’s guide explains what Gübelin, AGL, GIA and SSEF may document—and h...

Elsa Peretti’s Snake Necklace: The Early Story Behind an Icon

Before Elsa Peretti’s Snake became a Tiffany & Co. icon, the articulated silver design was already part of her creative world with Halston in the early 1970s. This article traces the history of...

How to Identify Cartier Jewelry: Signatures, Hallmarks, Serial Numbers and Key Details

Cartier jewelry is recognized around the world for its distinctive design, refined proportions and exceptional craftsmanship. Yet identifying a Cartier jewel correctly requires much more than findi...

The Journey To The Edwardian Era (Part 2)

Edwardian jewelry marked a turning point in design, blending platinum craftsmanship, delicate Art Nouveau influences, and extraordinary gemstones into some of history's most elegant creations. From...

How Jewelry Houses Showcase the Center Stone: The Setting That Makes All the Difference

The setting is far more than the structure that holds a gemstone in place—it shapes its brilliance, enhances its beauty, and defines its character. From timeless prong settings to innovative invisi...

A Journey to the Edwardian Era: History, Style, and Culture (Part 1)

The Edwardian era transformed jewelry, fashion, and social life in the early 20th century. From platinum and diamond jewelry to silk gowns, lace, and the rise of modern technology, this article tra...

Brüder Frank Vienna: A Collector’s Guide to Austrian Silver and Enamel

Explore the history, hallmarks, silver standards and enamel craftsmanship of Brüder Frank, the Viennese workshop known for finely made silver cases, compacts and decorative objects.

High Jewelry vs Fine Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

High Jewelry is more than exceptional craftsmanship—it is the highest expression of jewelry as art. From its origins in 19th-century Paris to the meticulous techniques used by the world's leading m...