Happy 4th of July! 2009 marks the United States of America, 233 years! Patriotic brooch from Lang Antiques, "V for Victory!" A truly retro era piece of jewelry, outfitted with rubies, diamonds and sapphires. It is done in 14k yellow and rose gold--very unique. I love the half-moon cut diamond at the top. Price: $2950. Read More
Summer is all about antiquing and checking out flea markets--but I was in over my head with the added summer heat. I checked out the flea market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, in Nashville. After enduring 95 degree haziness, lots of walking, lots of sweating, I spotted a beautiful antique brooch. The vendor was from Florida and had an amazing assortment of antique and vintage fine jewelry. Luckily his tables were extremely crowded, because when it was finally my turn to ask about the pin, he knocked $100 off of the pricetag! My knowledge about jewelry led me to believe I got a really good deal, but to make sure I brought it to be thoroughly cleaned and checked out by a local antique jewelry shop. Turns out the brooch is circa 1890 and used to have a watch attached. It also has a folding bail that folds outward so a chain could be strung through, turning it into a necklace. Antique jewelry was often very versatile and came as 3-in-1, or 2-in-1. A concern of mine before purchasing the brooch was the evident oxidizing of the gold. It almost looked dirty or tarnished. At first I was questioning the hallmark of 14k because I thought real gold never tarnishes. However, the antique jeweler informed me that because of its age, it had oxidized and most of it was removed after the brooch received a deep cleaning. If the brooch were 10k rather than 14k, the entire piece would have been blackened from oxidization. Some interesting knowledge to pass on to my readers! Read More
The following excerpt is contributed by Bernadette Morra, Editor-in-Chief of Firstwater News, a premiere website covering news about fine jewelry. Every time I look at my right hand, I think of my mother, and will even more so now that she has passed away. Of the trio of rings I wear on my ring finger, the centrepiece is a gold band that I used to admire on her. The other is a Cartier rolling ring – the first piece of jewelry my husband ever gave me. The third is a simple gold band I bought for myself in high school. But the star of the grouping is the ring that my mother hasn’t been able to get over her arthritic knuckles for years. It’s actually a man’s ring from Birks - a ridged wedding band with diamond chips stuck between the multileveled striations. I am sure there is more technical terminology to describe the design. It reminds me of the Grand Canyon. I hate to think of the type of man that might wear such a thing. But on the hand of a stylish woman like my mother was before her first massive stroke more than 20 years ago, it looked right. Better than right, in fact. And oddly, though my taste in jewelry is more minimalist than hers was, the ring suited us both. I don’t know how much my mother paid for the ring, purchased back in the ‘70s. But I do know that she got more than her money’s worth. And that is just one of the things that is so marvelous about buying fine jewelry. Jewelry endures – both in terms of lifespan, if it is properly cared for, and in terms of appeal. This one ring has been enjoyed on a daily basis for more than 30 years. And it doesn’t look any the worse for wear. It’s not an important ring, in terms of the quality of the design or stones, but it’s become a family heirloom and what could be more important than that? And when the day comes that I can no longer get the ring over my knuckles, I’ll go back to admiring it on someone else’s hand. by: Bernadette Morra Read More
I have become enamored by this brooch--the faceted jet, the rose gold, the rough cognac and champagne diamonds--so beautiful. Laine is new to the jewelry scene, however her remarkable talent leads anyone to believe she is a 30 year veteran. Her Lillie brooch, made of 15k rose gold, dates back to 1890. The vintage piece has been reinvented through her artistic perspective, and this is the end result. And the price? Only $300. Just picture some skinny jeans, black solid tank, and a sea green scarf wrapped and secured with this brooch--niiice! Read More
"Joannes Treasure Hunt" jewelry items have recently been added to the amazing jewelry lineup at Ylang|23. Each piece has been brought back from various travels completed by store owner Joanne Teichman. With all the jewelry she has seen throughout her lifetime and experiences, it is certain that the pieces that are in the Treasure Hunt line are extremely unique. Each boulder opal is color coordinated with a cotton cord that compliments the stone nicely. Each is about 30 inches in length and sell for $325. Read More
Vintage Casino chips transformed into Jewelry, designer: Page Sargisson Heading to Las Vegas? Or the high roller table? Or maybe just having some friends over to play some cards? I have always loved the four symbols on cards: the spade, club, heart, and diamond. Over the years these motifs have worked themselves into clothing, fashion, jewelry and accessories. Here are some great picks below, maybe any of these will bring you good luck at the Casino. The club motif done here is so great with the two diamonds and ruby. This ring is done in 18k yellow gold from Fay Cullen. Price: $1495 Can't forget about the Queen of Hearts, this antique ring is a great example. Done in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, total carat weight is a half carat. Circa 1915, from The Three Graces and priced at $1950. From Doyle & Doyle, this ring is delicate and perfect for everyday wear. It features a club motif with single cut diamonds. Price: $195 Another great card motif ring from Doyle & Doyle, this one is done in 14k yellow gold and has a ruby, sapphire and diamond forming the club. Price: $950 This ring is called the "Pair of Threes" from The Three Graces. I love the twisted band, which is done in 14k yellow gold. There is a row of three rubies and a row of three diamonds. This ring is circa 1880 and is priced at $725. This ring screams deck of cards, it reminds me of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. It is actually an Art Deco piece from Fay Cullen, featuring a 0.91 carat diamond. The ring is set in platinum with the red and black enamel embellishments. Price: $4500 Read More
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