Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Kellan of @kellancourtingcarats. She is someone I began following after seeing her posts from one of my challenges. I was blown away every time by the jewelry as well as the photo-taking skills, so obviously it was an instant follow for me! I’m so excited to get to know her a bit better, let’s dive in:
“I’ve been a jewel-hoarding dragon for as long as I can remember. It all began around the age of five, when my great-grandmother, Nana, first showed me the contents of her jewelry box. I was completely awestruck by the jewels and the stories behind them, and this quickly became my most requested activity during our visits. She’d indulge my fascination, and I would lose myself in the glittering diamonds, the moody Bohemian garnets, the bold electric pink ruby, and the cool depths of aquamarine, hoping one day to have these pieces in my own jewelry box.
Soon after I began collecting rough gemstones—those humble treasures from tiny shops where you could fill a bag for just a few dollars—and any pretty rock I could find in nature, antique coins and bills found at weekend auctions, and a few rings. I was particularly enamored with onyx and opal stones, and Claddagh rings.
In high school, I dove deep into sterling silver and accumulated a collection of rings (mostly blue moonstone and labradorite), earrings, pendants, and bangles. I’d pile on more pieces until even the slightest movement would result in a satisfying symphony of metal clinking against metal.
In my early 20s, I became obsessed with antique engagement rings, easily losing hours scrolling through images online, saving my favorites for what I imagined might one day be the perfect engagement ring (big diamond target ring with sapphire halo was my favorite at the time!). I couldn’t pass by a jewelry shop without peeking in the window and often popped in to try on rings just for fun. (Add coffee and snacks and this is still by far my favorite activity!) Around this time I also took an intensive silversmithing course and set up a little workshop at home. I made a few pieces; most to keep but I sold a few, too.
Fast forward a couple of decades to the end of 2020 when I discovered a few Instagram accounts dedicated to antique jewelry, and the joy of participating in the annual Jewel Advent. I acquired my first antique Victorian diamond ring from a trusted seller soon after and the rest, as they say, is history.”
“I have always been fascinated by the night sky, never missing an opportunity to gaze at the glowing moon and twinkling stars. No surprise then that the delicate starbursts and crescent moons of the Victorian era resonate deeply with me. They capture the quiet wonder of all things celestial—timeless, serene, and magical.
The ethereal beauty of Art Nouveau with its graceful, organic lines best captures my vibe, and the style is reminiscent of one of my favorite artist’s work, Alphonse Mucha. I am equally drawn to the bold elegance of Art Deco, with its icy white metals, sharp symmetry, and often larger-than-life presence. Every era has its unique charm and I can always find something to appreciate about a piece.
As a sentimental romantic, I’m drawn to jewels that carry personal meaning with a numerical reference: a 23-stone piece to commemorate our wedding date, a 13-stone design to represent my husband’s birthdate, and a 20-stone ring to celebrate our anniversary. This is also an excellent way to justify a purchase—another ring for every year of marriage!!!
“I’m also irresistibly drawn to blue and green stones, no surprise given my love of nature. Vivid green chrysoprase like new Spring leaves, dark green tourmaline like pine trees shrouded in mist, while velvety blue sapphires contain the night sky, blue moonstone glows like its namesake, and aquamarine glitters like the tropical seas. The moody blues and greens calm me, while the brighter hues invigorate and excite me.
And then, of course, there are diamonds—that’s a motif, right? In truth, most of my collection revolves around diamonds in nearly every shape, cut, and size. I’m particularly enamored with the old cuts, their perfectly imperfect hand-cut facets and open culets, the gentle sparkle of rose cuts, the sharp precision of step cuts… There’s something about knowing they were cut by candlelight, that gives them irresistible character and allure. Modern machine-cut stones just don’t compare.
I love uniquely beautiful and balanced pieces, whether it’s symmetry in the design or the contrast between dark onyx or sapphire next to bright diamonds. Comfort is paramount for me, so smooth and hefty rings that gently hug the finger are most welcome to join my collection. I have a soft spot for toi et moi rings, navette rings for their flattering elongating effect on the hand, softly worn engravings and sentimental inscriptions, bezel settings, and low-profile rings. I’m still searching for the perfect diamond tourbillon ring–such a satisfying and mesmerizing design!”
“Jewelry is the most exquisite form of wearable art—tiny, perfect expressions of self. One’s style and vibe, one’s mood even, can be expressed through jewelry. These portable little treasures accompany us through life, marking momentous occasions, celebrating milestones, and honoring the memories of loved ones lost along the way. Each piece carries a deep, personal meaning, unique to its wearer.
As an artist, I am in awe of the delicate details and exceptional craftsmanship woven into every piece. How skilled those hands must have been to shape such beauty! There is something deeply humbling in knowing that these pieces have endured for decades, sometimes centuries, surviving the passage of time.”
“I have found most of my treasures from trusted sellers on Instagram: Vintage What, Vintage Gems NH, Dolwenbelle, Luna Merchant, and Pebble & Polish, to name just a few. I also love hunting for jewels in antique shops, vintage markets, and estate sales. There’s always that delightful unpredictability of never knowing what you might stumble upon, tucked away waiting to be discovered. That sense of adventure, of serendipity, is a thrill all its own.”
“I have a special piece with a fascinating backstory!
In the late 1800s, my maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Camille Louis Brandt (1859-1930), was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, a town known for its fine watchmaking traditions. Camille became both a watchmaker and jeweler, and he loved to joke that he was the illegitimate son of Louis Brandt, the famous founder of Omega, as they shared both a name and hometown. Camille handcrafted jewelry for our family and had a shop on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.
We knew of one particular creation: a stunning old pear-cut diamond snake ring. My mother and I had heard about it but never actually seen it. We assumed it had been lost to time, perhaps vanished in the passage of generations; it was quite a perplexing mystery. That is until my maternal grandfather passed away in 2023.
While my mother was sorting through over 150 years’ worth of family heirlooms in our ancestral home in upstate New York, the ring appeared, almost as if it had been waiting for her. Hidden away for decades, it had nearly been lost forever. In true magpie fashion, she rescued it, and now, this beautiful piece continues to grace hands—spending summers in Vermont with my mom and winters in Florida with me. A timeless treasure, forever linked to our family’s legacy.”
“Jewelry storage is a challenge! I’ve often thought I should design my own box, as I’ve yet to find one that satisfies my vision and storage needs. For now, I rely on stackable trays from The Container Store, which do the job, though they are more function than beauty. I have a few small antique multi-ring boxes, each with its own charm, but they are far too small to house all my rings! One day, I’d love to adopt a large velvet-lined antique box that truly reflects the beauty of the pieces it will house.”
“I’m a creature of habit and tend to gravitate toward pieces that are comfortable and versatile—ones I can wear every day without thinking twice. Low-profile bezel- or flush-set diamond rings and bands are my daily companions.
My most sentimental piece is a humble little heart locket with a tiny seed pearl on the front. Inside is a photo of my dearly departed Nana, the most wonderful, caring, sweet, kind, and thoughtful person I have ever had the great fortune to know.”
