Well the auction hammers have been heard, and the estate jewelry auction has come to a close yesterday. Looks like the economy has affected this jewelry auction as well, since many lots sold for half of its expected price. The lots that I featured on my blog, however, went for more than expected. Whoever was the highest bidder for any of the auction lots is lucky to get such high quality estate jewelry. Did any of my readers bid? Win??
This edwardian ribbon necklace, featuring diamonds, jade and pearls, auctioned off for $3500 yesterday. That was $1000 less than expected end price. Read More
Chains aren't just for your neck...your fingers can now rock the chained look thanks to this great trend! This type of ring is able to be layered with other rings or worn alone for a delicate feel. I've found some great examples and they are featured below!
Designer Dana David works her magic with this ball-chain ring. Done is 18k white gold with diamonds, here you have the graffiti star and it also comes in the graffiti heart design. Check them out at Dana David's website, where you can browse more of her work.
These rings are both designed by Moritz Glik and can be found at auto. Here, Glik creates the illusion of the stones floating--beautiful green and blue stones! The white gold ring is done in 18k with an emerald in the center and two diamonds on each side--price is $1580. This yellow gold ring is done in 18k and features blue/green diamonds. The price is $1340.
If you are looking for a chain ring without any stones, this one's for you. Just a plain, 14k gold ball link chain, slightly faceted to give you that extra sparkle. Each costs $64 and can be purchased at CatBird. Read More
The treasure hunting in the Nashville area is unreal! There are so many great antique shops and flea markets. The Tennessee State Fairgrounds has flea market event dates set for five times a year. Here are the dates:
November 21-22-23 Holiday Preview
December 19-20-21 Last Chance
January 23-24-25 Winterfest
Feb 27-28-1 Spring is the Air
March 27-28-29 Spring Fling
I have to admit, I've never been into a pawn shop before. However, after stubbling upon one which had a large sign that said "Estate Jewelry" I was intrigued and decided to have a look. The musty, old shop had two long cases filled with some amazing vintage finds! I had fun looking through, and trying some pieces on.
After admiring/wishing/wanting, I decided to purchase! Check out the two rings I picked in the photo. The Victorian, filigree ring on the left is set in 14k gold, with sapphires and diamonds. This is a bold ring, and definitely makes a statement. I like how it elongates any finger it is on, and feels delicate as well. The other ring I purchased is a trendy panther ring said to have come from an estate in Louisiana. The panther's eyes are two tiny diamonds and its spots are black enameled.
I was able to talk down the prices, and get a great deal since I bought two items. Treasure hunting is definitely fun and you never know what you will find! I will have to put my adventures on hold though, since I am all out of money! Read More
The Rago Arts auction house has another Estate Jewelry auction scheduled for December 7th. The company has many years of experience dealing with antiques, decorative arts and furnishings. Something fun and exciting to do is browse the archives. They have a complete catalogue of past auctions, including what the predicted estimate was for each item, and what the final bid price ended up as. These results give you a good generalization of how to price estate jewelry, and are great "study guides" if you are interested in bidding in the future.
The next estate jewelry auction at Rago is set for December 7, 2008. The items are currently up to browse...and there are some amazing estate pieces! Below are a few lots of auction items that are my favorites! These are sure to get high bids. Read More
A ring is a ring, is a ring. I love it when I see diamond companies creating unique settings that show off a diamond's true beauty. There are too many times where we see the same old, same old. Coming across the brand isee2 Diamonds is a breath of fresh air! As you can see below, their designs are interesting and are not something you see everyday, in every jewelry shop. They would catch people's attention and get compliments forever! Whether used as a right-hand ring or the engagement ring, any of these would be beautiful--all live up to the company's slogan: Beauty Beyond Compare. Read More
If you are wanting a website that not only showcases jewelry but will transport you to another world, Van Cleef & Arpels website will do just that! Make sure you have your volume turned on, because the soothing music will have you in a relaxed trance. The Jewellery Collection tab has a drop-down list of clickable collections, each are fun to explore. Their jewelry has been worn by celebrities, featured in movies, and has walked down red carpets. I like the trinket boxes that are bejeweled in diamonds and sapphires. Luxury overload! Read More
