Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Engagement/Wedding Rings

The Quest for the Perfect Engagement Ring

Photos via Ariel Gordon's Blog Some days I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to pick out an engagement ring--then there's other days where I'm like "I definitely just want an Emerald cut solitaire." But then a week later, that idea is out the window. I recently was reading some fellow jewelers' blogs and couldn't stop admiring the above photos. Each and every one of those rings is truly beautiful in their own way. I think myself and any other woman out there, would be completely proud if she owned one of the above. Sentiment over style is a good thing to keep in mind. Jeweler Ariel Gordon is on the quest for her perfect ring, which is even harder to do while trying to match up an 80 year old heirloom wedding band! Hey Ariel, when you find it, send us a picture--we'd love to post it here on Gem Gossip! And good luck!! Here are some engagement rings that stood out to me--of course the real test would be trying them on to see if it truly "fits" you. This one is a beautiful Edwardian Era ring, with a 1/2 carat cushion cut diamond in the center, 14k white gold. There are old mine and rose cut diamonds surrounding the center stone, which give this ring a lot of character--and .70 carats worth! Price: $1650 from Israel Rose. I love this option because it is simple (the solitaire) yet has some beautiful scrollwork in the setting. This is from the Victorian Era, and is very unique with the diamond being an Old Mine cut. Can't find that anymore! The setting is 10k yellow gold and total weight of .80 carats. Price: $2850 from Israel Rose. I find the baguette cut, as well as the emerald cut, to be so intriguing. It looks like sharp ice to me. That is why this ring is so great, not only does it have a classic, fiery round diamond, but some baguette accents that really give it an Art Deco feel. This one is from the 1950s, all set in platinum. The center round is 1 carat, Old Mine cut. Price: $6300 from Israel Rose. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Trend: Lovebirds

Photo taken by lempel_zev Not sure where that saying "two lovebirds" came from, in reference to two people in love, but it is quite endearing. And anytime birds are cuddling rather than dive bombing people is a moment worth noting. Can't say birds are my favorite creature, but they sure make great appearances in vintage jewelry. There are so many vintage pieces that feature all sorts of breeds--eagles, lovebirds, swallows, flamingos--but my favorite are the doves. Doves are the image of everlasting love and fidelity as they mate for a lifetime. When one passes, the surviving dove will remain alone for the duration of its life; it will never seek another mate. Such a pretty band, with the lovebirds almost camouflaged within the gold. This is a French Victorian piece from the 19th century. The band is crafted in 18k yellow gold, from The Three Graces. These little guys are so cute, especially their little turquoise bellies. This bird necklace is from the 1950s, done in 14k yellow gold. Each lovebird has ruby eyes. Price: $1702 from Broken English. These lovebirds are found on a brooch circa 1880, of Belgian origin. They are mainly etched, with seed pearl bodies, done in 18k yellow gold. Price: $357 from Adin. Read More

My Jewel Box

Drape Chain Charm Bracelet

{14k yellow gold drape chain bracelet 14k yellow gold St. Anthony Medallion charm} {14k yellow gold textured band 10k yellow gold antique panther ring} A Gem Gossip "Do-It-Yourself:" How to get the drape chain, charm bracelet look: 1. Get three very fine 14k gold chains (these came with pendants I've purchased that seem too thin to wear on a necklace alone) 2. Clasp them together, so that one clasp connects to the other's end ring, and do the same with its other end 3. Wrap around your wrist and add a round medallion charm Read More

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Obsessions

Glimpse into the Past: Large, Button Earrings

Nothing is prettier than having your hair pulled back, showing off a pair of large, button earrings. And in this case, size does matter, because the perfect look is having them about the same size as your ear lobe. A nice round pair, featuring pearls, coral, or enamel are great choices. Actress of the 1960s Tippi Hedren is seen above portraying this look exactly. These earrings are 18k yellow gold and embellished in enamel, with center diamonds. They are from Beladora, and are contemporary--black, white and gold is a classic color combination. Price: $995 Mabe pearls are perfect for the round, button earring look. These are done in 14k yellow gold, at a great price of $295 at Beladora2. The color of these are described as a bronzy grey and are circa 1980. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, these button earrings are done in a rare natural coral, which is such a pretty color. This pair was purchased by Beladora from a prominent California estate, and is now for sale for $4250. Circa 1980, a necessary designer collector's piece for any jewelry collection. These are designed by Tiffany & Co. and feature stunning Mabe pearls in 18k yellow gold. They are contemporary, can be purchased on 1stdibs--provided by seller Hollis Reh and Shariff. Read More

Obsessions

A Bracelet LookBook//2009

{skull elastics JessicaMcCormack} Read More

My Jewel Box

Snapshots of my Antique Jewels

[top photo] 14k yellow gold knot brooch with enamel circa 1890 from Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry featured at the Nashville flea market at the TN State Fairgrounds 14k white & yellow gold diamond & sapphire filigree ring from Steve’s Pawn Shop 113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 14k yellow gold black enamel panther ring with diamond eyes from Steve’s Pawn Shop 113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 14k yellow gold sapphire & diamond pendant circa 1950s from Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry 410 Main St., Franklin, TN 14k rose & white gold brooch with diamond & seed pearls from eBay seller: barbara*s-lost-and-found [bottom photo] 14k white gold ring ruby & 2 diamonds circa 1930s from eBay seller: mrwatch 14k white gold sapphire eternity band from Dover Jewelry 14k white gold quarter carat diamond with 2 triangle shaped sapphires from an old watch shop in Upstate New York Read More