I’ve decided to add another segment to Gem Gossip after getting LOTS of questions in my inbox and finding it difficult to answer everyone! Since I love to connect with my readers, I thought it was unfair that I couldn’t find time to answer everyone–so, Ask Gem Gossip was created! This will allow me to take the necessary time to get back to everyone’s questions, and letting others in on our conversations! Whenever I post an #AskGemGossip photo on Instagram, you can ask your question in the comment section. Or you can always fill out the Contact page, with the subject #AskGemGossip…Hope you enjoy!
@taniadundou writes: If you ever see a portrait ring similar to your blindfold lady, I’d be super interested! But maybe you don’t see those in your travels in North America? Do you have one era that you collect more than others?
Gem Gossip answers: yes! I rarely come across rings with painted portraits here in the States, that is why when traveling abroad I made sure to buy things that I knew I would never or rarely see here. That portrait ring was one of them! I do tend to be infatuated with the Victorian Era more than others, but also love Art Deco. Lately I’ve been on a 60s/70s kick, loving big bold all-gold designs.
@theoneilovenyc writes: I have way too many questions for this IG post haha, but alas, I’ll ask one. What is your favorite book on antique jewelry symbolism? I’ve been searching in every direction to find an encyclopedia of such…
Gem Gossip answers: I’m working on a compiled list of all the jewelry books one would need to create a nice library…more on that soon! But, yes…you’re right, there’s not really a book that focuses solely on jewelry symbolism–there totally should be! But the book, Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World
@brittchamp3 writes: What is the best place to shop for antique jewelry?
Gem Gossip answers: This is a tough question to narrow it down to one particular place, because I feel like there’s many stores out there I have yet to discover…but the one place I would say would be the World Wide Web! Sites like eBay, Etsy and Ruby Lane make it easy for a collector to find what they’ve been searching for right from the comfort of their home. I also recently became a huge fan of live auctions–some of my best finds came from an auction house. For a list of the best auction houses, click here.
@lisajshuler writes: What is the one piece that got away that you still think about? I know we insane jewelry lovers all have many, but what is the one that stands out?
Gem Gossip answers: Ughh…I can still remember the day and all that was happening. It was eBay of course, and the biggest, mossy green emerald and diamond ring had just alerted me on my phone that it was about to end. I was in the middle of an appraisal for a client and couldn’t really bid. I remember slyly typing in some ridiculous bid and having to put my phone away immediately after. I wasn’t able to check my phone until a few hours later, only to see I was outbid and that the ring was more perfect than ever!
@shopfiligree writes: What are your top 3 favorite pieces from your personal collection?
Gem Gossip answers: My antique engagement ring–my garnet, diamond and enamel ring from Skinner auction house–and my Gram’s gold and glass ring she gave to me. (pictured above)
