A peek inside the then–9-year-old Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, a precursor to JCK
Before we were “The Industry Authority,” we were “The Recognized Organ of the Trade.” We were also “a Monthly Journal devoted to the interests of Watchmakers, Jewelers, Silversmiths, Electro-plate Manufacturers, and those engaged in the kindred branches of art industry.” Catchy, right? Just a few of the articles in this 20-page 1878 issue: “Manufacture of Jewelry” (Byzantine style is out, Merovingian is in!); “The Behavior of Steel During Hardening”; “An Ingenious Clock”; “Precious Stones and Gems” (it quotes ancient Roman scholar Pliny the Elder); “Horological Revivals”; and “Revival of Antique Jewelry” (conclusion: Italians do it better). In foreign news, “the artificial production of rubies and sapphires in France is regarded as highly successful.” A subscription to The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review was $2, “a rate far below that of any monthly publication of its size and contents.” Yes, it actually says that on page 1.
(Photograph by Nestor Cervantes)