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COLOR CHANGE STONES IF NOT REAL BE THEY GLASS

Who wouldn't give their eye teeth for dichroic or color change alexandrite, sapphire or garnet jewelry?  After parting with them, there is a less expensive choice that does not require a painful laugh fest at the dentist.

Since 1927 there has been a color change alexandrite glass that transitions from a yummy pinkish lavender to a dusty blue, depending on its exposure to artificial or natural light. The chemical compound added to make such a glass is Neodymium Oxide (Nd2O3) and was first used by Leo Moser in 1927.

Enter the fact that Southeastern Massachusettes and the bordering Rhode Island area combined, was once known as the "jewelry capital of the world".  Beginning with the first colonial silver buckle and button making business starting in the late 1700s on through its history as the leader of costume jewelry manufacturing and plating through the late 1980s.  

Where else did jewelry making flourish?  While the finer metal jewelry making for the most part began in Philadelphia and New York in the early 1800s, the bulk of costume jewelry manufacturing began and was concentrated just an hour away. One needs only to study Rainwater to learn that here too the silver and gold manufacturing market succeeded in producing fine work, with some of same companies still in operation after these many generations.  Up until a few years ago, flashy, diamond encrusted Super Bowl, World Series and Stanley Cup rings were still being made in this manufacturing rich area.

What with this 200 year history of production, a mere 64 miles from here, is it any wonder that antiquing in the Northeast is the place to be?

Should the creative bug bite, one can still find antique or vintage stampings ready for custom plating, vintage beads, and findings to self express and create a one of a kind jewelry piece to make available for the collecting public.  These fab stampings (please view # 975731) can be sent to plating companies often owned and operated by the same families for 100 or so years.  The tradition continues...

For different examples of color change Swavofski crystal and alexandrite art glass please view by searching:  579873; 1074827: 1179360 

All images design concept content text are original and solely owned by Mimi Dee and may not be reproduced in any form.  December 17, 2012.