Milestones in Jewelry History

Late 1700s- Push-in box clasp

1850- Tube safety catch patented

1840s- Swivel-style finding for pocket watch chains

1849- Safety pin invented

1868- Celluloid invented

1870- Kidney wires

1875- Celluloid jewelry first produced

1880- Platinum began to be used as settings for diamonds

1890- Trombone Clasp

1890- Screw/threaded posts

1890- Ball Hinge

1893- Cultured pearls first developed in Japan

1894- Screw-back earring findings patented

1895- Mass production of Swiss watches

1900- Spring ring clasp

1901- Lever safety catch for brooches patented

1909 - Bakelite Patented

1927 - Cartier patented spring system for double clip brooch