Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Interesting Idea for Stick Pins

I came across an interesting idea while browsing jewelry news, that I just loved. If you are a jewelry collector, more specifically a stick pin collector, you will love this idea! A woman from the Palm Beach area has collected stick pins over the years, and decided to have them all fashioned onto a solid gold cuff. This was done by assembling the heads of the stick pins, as you can see in the accompanying photo. Such a great idea and an even better way to get use out of her entire collection. She probably gets so many positive and inquiring comments. That bracelet is sure to be treasured for years to come. Her collection consists of a platinum and diamond violin, an emerald encrusted pet, a pearl and turquoise tennis racket, gold golf club and many more...a total of 50. Story courtesy of Firstwater News. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting? This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten--10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle. Known as a "gypsy" ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces. Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525. For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Hanut Singh

Hanut Singh designs jewelry that will surely catch your eye, along with everyone else's gawks.  His talent is tremendous, with roots that go back to his grandparents,  along with a family jewel vault filled with inspiration.  Many of his pieces have art deco or past influences, with a new twist.  The website features his entire collection, along with press articles and a section devoted to displaying his celebrity clientele that have been seen wearing his designs.   Check out my favorites below from Hanut Singh's jewelry line, and you will understand why celebrities like Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Beyonce, and Penelope Cruz love his work! Read More

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Obsessions

Obsession: Emerald Cut Earrings

The Emerald Cut has always been a favorite of mine, especially when it comes to earrings.  It compliments the face and adds that extra pop of style.  Anyone and everyone has a pair of round diamond studs, but a pair of Emerald cut diamond studs?  That is another story! Check out some of the amazing vintage finds featuring Emerald Cut earrings.  Since this style was popular during the Retro Era, most are from that time period. This pair features large emerald cut aquamarines, totaling over 10 carats! The added diamonds on top give the illusion, to me at least, that there is a tiny bow on top. These are from the 80s although they look very retro. Priced at $1450 from Beladora. Citrine is a classic retro gem. This pair of earrings even has the 18k rose gold, which was popular during the 30s. From Lang Antiques and priced at $495, with over 10 carats of citrine--so pretty! Another pair of aquamarine earrings, but this time a lot smaller. These come from Doyle & Doyle and are priced at $450. The gold scrollwork is beautiful and it gives away what time period they are from. Read More

Designer Jewelry

I <3 this <3 Ring

...It's true! I love this heart ring! The color combination of the turquoise, pink sapphires and yellow gold is so beautiful. It makes you wonder why we don't see this combination more often. I think that is what sets Elisa Solomon a part from other jewelry designers--she can take an iconic symbol and give it a fresh look. Whether it is with unique gemstone combinations or different gold textures, her jewelry stands above the rest! The heart ring is currently $468, and is available in sizes 4-7.5  Only for a limited time, spring savings and free shipping!  Check it out here. Read More

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: Retro Era

Bold gold, Hollywood starlets, huge gemstones and cocktail rings, all characterize the Retro time period of jewelry. Spanning from 1940-1945, this coincides almost exactly with World War II. With that said, platinum use in jewelry was no longer available. Gold made a comeback, this time in rose and even green gold. Everything in regards to retro jewelry was oversized. Rubies were the most prominent gemstone, followed by large, rectangular cut citrines, aquamarines and amethysts. Hollywood glamour, as depicted in movies, was popular and let Americans escape from their thoughts about the war. As a result, people tried to mimic the bold jewelry seen in Hollywood spotlights. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were looked upon for their large collection of bold retro jewels, often decked out in Van Cleef & Arpels or Cartier. After this period ended, jewelry during this time period was often used as scrap gold, being melted down, while destroying its rich history. As a result, Retro jewelry is highly collectible and will continue to be sought. Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: bows, florals, scrolls, fans, ribbons, ruffles Hollywood glamour; oversized jewels, cocktail rings huge, rectangular cuts of aquamarines, citrines, amethysts, with ruby or sapphire or diamond accents Patriotic themes; flags, eagles, military post earrings, no dangle; flower earrings birds, baskets, sprays of diamonds, shells, hearts Retro mesh buckle bracelets Cartier's animal jewelry Yellow, rose and green gold Important People of the Time: The Duke & Duchess of Windsor French jeweler, Mauboussin Read More