Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Designer Jewelry

Thanks from Gem Gossip & Billy!

Billy is smiling because here at Gem Gossip we've helped a lot of unfortunate animals due to your help from purchasing charity bracelets!  We got some great colors in--like Cobalt Blue and a pretty Emerald Green.  Make sure to order yours today and donate toward Rutherford County PAWS.  I have on a Red wrap Charity Bracelet and a Pink single cord Charity Bracelet.  They are fun to stack! Read More

Obsessions

August 2009: Jewelry LookBook

"Lonely ghosts uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear.  But so long, as he uttered it, in some obscure way the continuity was not broken. It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage" (George Orwell). This insane necklace resembles the one above, done in 18k blackened gold from ASSIL New York. Fancy to make a guess as to how many sapphires make up this piece? {answer: nine hundred twenty eight} A diamond tennis bracelet perfects this look, this one here is similar. It has an Art Deco style to it with the graphic circles and open links of diamonds. In total, this bracelet features 3.5 carats of diamonds! It is from Israel Rose and is priced at $3450. Featured on the right hand is a round cocktail style ring featuring turquoise. This one from Doyle & Doyle is very similar and is very gorgeous. Done in 18k yellow gold, it has a big, round citrine in the center with turquoise and a few diamonds. The twisted gold work on the shank is pretty--looks sort of like it creates the illusion of two serpents maybe? Price: $2400 Now we go to the left hand, a pinkie ring is a tough find. It has to look just right in order to be worn on the end like that. This ring is great for a pinkie ring--it is dainty yet unique. Sapphire rings from the 1920s are my favorite. From Erie Basin, which describes the side set diamonds as almost "wing-like" love that! Set in 18k yellow gold and priced at $425 Every antique jewelry collector has seen these single stone diamond rings before, and every one has to have at least one in their collection. Each is a bit different, with the filigree work and setting being unique in some way, this one being exactly that. The inspiration photo seems to be featuring one of these rings on the left hand, ring finger. This particular ring is from Lang Antiques and goes for $1395. Check out eBay for others very similar at a steal of a price. Opt for a smaller size in carat weight to make the ring even more affordable. This one is 0.3 carats. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Trend Spotting: Lucky Horse Shoe Jewels

I'm not sure if it is the abundance of horses and farms here in Nashville, or spotting a few celebrities wearing horse shoe jewelry--but I am loving this motif.  Horse shoes actually have been around for many years, as they are seen in many pieces of antique jewelry (a few great examples are below).  Theories of where the "good luck" folklore originated date back to the year 959 AD!  Whether you believe it to be good luck or not, one thing is for sure--if you are a jewelry lover you need a piece in your collection which features this timeless motif. A great pair of horse shoe earrings that feature diamonds from Ross-Simons. They are done in 14k white gold and would look good alone or with other earrings if you have multiple piercings. I like how the description says "good luck will be galloping your way." Price: $206 Such a bold ring that could be anyone's statement piece. The horse shoe features rubies and diamonds done in 18k yellow gold. This ring dates back to the Edwardian Era and is priced at $1550, from Israel Rose. Excalibur Jewelry has some amazing finds featured on 1stdibs. This horse shoe brooch is no different, all done in platinum and 18k gold with sapphires and diamonds. I think it is funny that the brooch features 13 sapphires, which make up the "lucky" horse shoe. Price: $1950 If you want a small token of this trend, this pearl charm is just for you. It is from C.H.A.R.M. and is done in 14k yellow gold. This can easily be interchangeable on a necklace or bracelet, and is small enough to add to and layer with. Price: $200 Read More

Shop My Picks

ShopGemGossip.com

My Jewel Box

Reader Response: Where did you get that ring?

I got a great question from a reader named Marissa. Here is what she asks: "wow im in love with the plain diamond ring on your index finger its gorgeous where did you get it and i wanted to know where i can get really pretty jewlry superrrr cheapp if you have any clues thanxs" The ring is an antique quarter carat diamond ring with two triangle shaped sapphires. The prettiest part of the ring is the filigree work done in the setting. The ring is from an old watch shop in upstate New York that had a small selection of antique rings. At the time I had no extra money whatsoever, but I knew they bought "old gold jewelry." I loved the ring so much that I asked if they would accept a trade. I had an old diamond cluster ring from the 80s that I didn't like anymore and it always seemed to have loose stones. I got a $200 trade-in price for my old ring, and gladly put the antique diamond ring on layaway. I paid the difference in price over time. My advice on finding good jewelry deals is to go to local flea markets, old jewelry shops that sell vintage and antique jewelry, and scanning eBay weekly. Two quality online jewelry websites that have nice jewelry for low prices are Ross-Simons and Beladora2. You have to be willing to bargain for a better price. You also have to understand that if you want fine jewelry, it is not going to come extremely cheap. A pricetag of at least $100 is typical. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Treasure Trove Spotlight on Erie Basin

Love this photo!, Erie Basin If you can't hop on over to Brooklyn, NYC anytime soon, the world wide web pulls through yet again bringing you Erie Basin's hand-picked jewels on your computer. I love how the selection is always changing--an aspect you don't often see with other antique shops' online items. New arrivals are broadcasted live through twitter feeds, making it feel as if you've just arrived from a flea market in France with a find of a lifetime. I know I am always clicking to check out the latest, because the selection is always unique and fresh. If you want to as well, check out Erie Basin for yourself! 1920s White Gold Bloodstone Signet, 1890s Opal Band, 1880s Pyrite Ring, 1910s 1.7ct Diamond Ring Read More

My Jewel Box

Best Spots for Treasure Hunting in Tennessee

Free days from work are few and far between, and I have taken advantage of those that seem to suddenly come up by antiquing and treasure hunting.  Can’t forget about a favorite that has become easier, at least for me, to scoop up a deal: eBay!  I’ve been… Read More