This is the last article I write for Foundations Revealed before the magazine closed. Please enjoy. Introduction History enthusiasts of all types have experienced these scenarios. Getting immersed into a fun show, movie or other event, only to get pulled out by a modern detail. White diamond jewelry from The Tudors or Reign are a prime example. Diamond cuts during this period created dark gems. [i] Another issue is assembling the perfect outfit from the skin out, choosing th

The second part of my George Kunz inspired article series. Diamond Made of pure carbon, diamonds are born underground through tremendous heat and pressure. Since ancient times, the stone was known for its exceptional hardness. Its name originates from the Greek “adamas,” meaning unbreakable. From the 17th century onward, diamond cutters started faceting the jewel to achieve brilliance within the stone, leading to the diamond's reputation for shine. The first known diamond c

I'm reposting a series of articles I wrote years ago, inspired by George Kunz's 1913 book " The Curious Lore of Precious Stones ." Preamble Jewels are items, usually minerals, that humans cut, polish, and use to adorn themselves. Gemstones come in a broad spectrum of colors, may be opaque, translucent or transparent, and interact with light in a number of ways. Some jewels are so hard that almost nothing can scratch them, while others are able to withstand powerful blows. Sti

Resposting my old article. Due to technical issues, I couldn't edit the original post. This is my first paid published article, originally published in Your Wardrobe Unlock'd. Enjoy! Introduction As fun as planning, drafting and creating costumes are, it’s so satisfying to put on your finery and show it off to like-minded people. Getting asked to have your picture taken is also gratifying. To spend a day or weekend surrounded by others who enjoy so many of the same things as

Reposting an old article of mine, originally posted on Your Wardrobe Unlock'd. Please note this article references images that aren't in this repost. Introduction for Part 2 In the first half of the article, we examined the origins of the sailor suit and how Victorians adapted the style to meet a variety of wearers and occasions. The 20 th century played even more with the idea of the sailor suit, finding even more ways it could be used. The sailor aesthetic was still used

Reposting an old article of mine, originally posted on Your Wardrobe Unlock'd. Please note this article references images that aren't in this repost. Introduction Looking through fashion plates form the Victorian era onward, one may find the occasional outfit which sports a V neckline, a large collar or an oceanic theme. The sailor aesthetic may appear on apparel for boys, girls and even adult women. Depending on the era and type of garment, the style may fade in and out of u

Here is another repost of an article I published back in 2017. Introduction People come in different sizes, abilities and other traits. This extends to how we experience the world. What is comfortable to one person, like a radio playing, may be inadequate to another person and dreadful to a third. Finding a balance where one is getting enough input isn’t always easy. While certain conditions are known for their effects on the senses, this is a concern that impacts everyone. A

Reposting an old article of mine, originally posted on Your Wardrobe Unlock'd. The Question of Bulk No matter what era we choose, costuming requires large amounts of research. With the internet and interlibrary loans, information is plentiful, easy to access and often cheap. The mountains of data also mean that there is a lot of data to process, with some details that are hard to understand at first or third glance. Articles and sewing diaries are popular ways to learn abou