The Archive

The House Journal. Essays on Taste, Craft, and Collecting.

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Is solid gold jewelry worth it? How to build a capsule wardrobe around one piece. Wearable sculpture, fine art jewelry, and the making of heirloom jewelry. Plus ancient symbols of protection, and Egyptian amulets. All found here.

Journal Archive
Solid gold granules melting in a crucible — heirloom jewelry casting, artisan fine jewelry made in solid gold, never plated

Solid Gold vs Gold Vermeil Why We Never Plate

Choosing between solid gold and gold vermeil can be confusing. Both have their unique qualities and appeal. Solid gold is known for its durability and timeless elegance. It’s a popular...

Solid Gold vs Gold Vermeil Why We Never Plate

Choosing between solid gold and gold vermeil can be confusing. Both have their unique qualities and appeal. Solid gold is known for its durability and timeless elegance. It’s a popular...

Ethiopian Orthodox church cross carried by a priest — Ethiopian gold cross in procession, Coptic cross tradition

The Crosses of Ethiopia: Lalibela, Meskel, and ...

Have you ever wondered: why is Lalibela called the New Jerusalem? Following the capture of Jerusalem by Muslim forces in 1187, a new symbolic holy land was conceived in the...

The Crosses of Ethiopia: Lalibela, Meskel, and ...

Have you ever wondered: why is Lalibela called the New Jerusalem? Following the capture of Jerusalem by Muslim forces in 1187, a new symbolic holy land was conceived in the...

Meskel Ethiopian cross ring in gold with emeralds — Ethiopian gold jewelry, African gold jewelry heirloom ring

Is Solid Gold Jewelry Worth It? Building a One-...

Solid gold jewelry is more than just a fashion statement. It represents a timeless investment that holds its value over time. Unlike other types of jewelry, solid gold pieces do...

Is Solid Gold Jewelry Worth It? Building a One-...

Solid gold jewelry is more than just a fashion statement. It represents a timeless investment that holds its value over time. Unlike other types of jewelry, solid gold pieces do...

Hamsa hand door knocker in brass on a blue Moroccan door — protective symbols for the home, hamsa symbol of protection

The Symbolism and History of Hamsa

The hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol used as a sign of protection, blessing, strength, and good fortune. Often shown as an open hand with five fingers, the hamsa appears in jewelry,...

The Symbolism and History of Hamsa

The hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol used as a sign of protection, blessing, strength, and good fortune. Often shown as an open hand with five fingers, the hamsa appears in jewelry,...

Egyptian scarab amulet row — ancient Egyptian jewelry scarab beetle in lapis and gold, scarab jewelry detail

What Is an Amulet? Protection Symbols Across th...

Amulets have fascinated humanity for centuries. These small objects are believed to hold protective powers. They are often worn or carried for spiritual protection. Across ancient civilizations, amulets played a...

What Is an Amulet? Protection Symbols Across th...

Amulets have fascinated humanity for centuries. These small objects are believed to hold protective powers. They are often worn or carried for spiritual protection. Across ancient civilizations, amulets played a...

Ancient Egyptian scarab swivel ring in gold, the first talisman jewelry worn for protection

Talisman Jewelry: The Ancient Symbols of Protec...

Discover the meaning behind talisman jewelry, from the Eye of Horus to the Tuareg cross... and why ancient symbols of protection endure as heirlooms.

Talisman Jewelry: The Ancient Symbols of Protec...

Discover the meaning behind talisman jewelry, from the Eye of Horus to the Tuareg cross... and why ancient symbols of protection endure as heirlooms.