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How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

How to Clean Antique Jewelry — The Important Do’s & Don’ts

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Ten Reasons — What Makes Customers Buy Jewelry from Specific Designers

Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

Obsession: Vintage-Inspired Necklaces

My favorite kind of necklaces or pendants are ones that have a vintage-inspired look to them. They look more intricate and have a unique style of their own. The above picture has two great examples. They often have a chandelier look to them or dangles of diamonds. Some prominent symbols are bows, hearts, or drops. Many jewelry stores carry brand new pieces that have the estate-style to them, while other times you can buy the real thing at antique stores or online. Here are three examples of my top choices: This 14k white gold necklace has round and baguette diamonds that weigh a total of 1/3 of a carat. It is from Reeds Jewelers, which has stores located in the upstate New York area, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Price: $399. This necklace I have been eyeing for quite sometime! I love the bow at the top and the two pear-shaped sapphires dangling. This is a true vintage piece from 1910. It is priced at $7395 from Ross-Simons. Their estate selection is always amazing! This last one comes from Fay Cullen. It is from the Art Deco time period and is a pear-shaped citrine hanging from 18k white gold scrolling. So beautiful and for a price of $780. Read More

Engagement/Wedding Rings

Engagement Rings

I came across a website which specializes in antique and estate jewelry.  As I was checking it out, I realized what a great selection of engagement rings they had to offer!  I think a lot of people underestimate the Internet when ring shopping.  Right away one might think it would be too risky or a rip-off.  However, these sellers have been doing this sort of thing for years, and if they did happen to sell you a fake diamond, you could probably get them in a lot of trouble.  Anyway, my advice to you is to shop around!  It won't hurt to look on the Internet.  And you never know, there might be that special ring somewhere in cyberspace waiting--the perfect one!  Remember, you will be wearing this baby "til death do you part."  So make it a good one! My top two picks from the website I found, Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry, are shown above. The first one being a rose cut, which is unique because it is more like 3-D, where it juts out alittle ways, rather than being flush with the prongs. I like the style of it and the cut. It is 1.35 carats, which is big but not too overwhelming, and is priced at $7950. The Emerald cut ring is breathtaking! This one is 1.89 carats and set in platinum...so right there sets the bar pretty high. I like how the center stones and the side stones match and I also like how the side stones are set with the bezels instead of prongs. Are you ready for the price? $14750! Which one do you like better? Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Ivanka Trump

Many of you may know her famous father, but did you know Ivanka Trump is not only a famous daughter but a jewelry designer? Her line of high-end diamonds, embellished in enamels and gold prove that she means business. Take, for example, her "bridal bar" where brides-to-be come to choose amongst large diamonds of many shapes and different styles. Below is an engagement ring from her collection, with a classic oval shape--which she uses throughout many of her pieces as a motif. Another signature look she offers is the black and white enameling. Her store is just as luxurious as the jewelry inside. If you are ever in the Madison Avenue area in New York City, you should stop by and experience it. I wish I could! http://www.ivankatrumpcollection.com/ Read More

Shop My Picks

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Obsessions

How about some gold bracelets?

Stack 'em high!  A trend that is pretty glamorous, is happening right now.  Gold and diamonds are the perfect combination for a glittery wristful. The picture above could act as inspiration--here are some gold bracelets for you guys to check out. This chunky 18k gold and diamond bracelet is actually a vintage piece from Dover Jewelry. It is priced at $12500, so you can see that this trend comes with a price. I could see this bracelet being passed down through generations, and well worth the pricetag. This bracelet has an interesting bamboo link look to it. The diamonds add some glam to an otherwise organic bracelet. The designer is Henry Dunay, and can be found at Neiman Marcus. Gold Palace has always been a favorite of mine. Their bangles made in India, usually are made of 22k gold. Make sure you click on the help section to figure out your correct size of bangle--standard inches are not used. This one is actually a baby bangle, but would probably fit me since I have such tiny wrists! Read More

My Jewel Box

I miss…

  One thing that I miss is my Lori Greiner mirrored jewelry box.  We just moved 12 hours away and I was forced to part with it.  It kept all my jewelry so organized and the mirror was an extra bonus.  I chose the cherry finish, although now I wish I had gotten the white. I recommend it highly, although it was not fun taking it out of the huge cardbard packaging.  Large pieces of masking tape were placed across the front of the mirror, and when I first got it, I couldn't get all the residue off from the tape.  Not even Goo Gone worked!  With the help of a razor blade and a lot of Windex, it was good as new.  The jewelry box can be purchased at QVC. As for now... I have this tiny travel case. :( Read More

Most Popular

How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

Education & Advice
How to Clean Antique Jewelry — The Important Do’s & Don’ts

How to Clean Antique Jewelry — The Important Do’s & Don’ts

Education & Advice
Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Where to Sell Your Unwanted Jewelry

Education & Advice

Auctions

eBay: Pick of the Week!

Searching on eBay for jewelry can be fun and exciting.  It is like having an antique mall at your fingertips--and a very large one at that!  I usually look every other day, using the categories: Jewelry & Watches > Vintage, Antique > Fine > Diamonds.  From there, you can narrow your search even more by choosing a specific time period, like Art Nouveau or Edwardian.  Since I don't have a favorite time period, I usually leave it broad.    This week's top picks come from member: ashland_investments.  Both are lots of vintage bar pins, which are in excellent condition and at a great price.  I like the sapphire and diamond ones.  I might have to make an offer on these! A great idea to wear these vintage bar pins is for all the brides-to-be out there.  If you have a silk ribbon or sash going around your waist of your wedding dress, pin one of these to the very front or even in the back.  It will look stunning and it could even work for "something old." Read More