Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

April 25, 2009

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

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

March 14, 2009

We've seen mesh belts and bracelets, but the combination of those two things creates the retro buckle bracelet, popular in the 40s and 50s. Glam Hollywood starlets decked out their wrists with this look. The buckle motif is still trendy today. Below you'll find some amazing examples of the retro buckle bracelets. Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels with sapphires, diamonds and 18k yellow gold! This bracelet is all about the details: the round sapphires are set in a star setting on hexagonal links, the "buckle" part is bold, with 1.35 carats of diamonds. With 12.5 carats of sapphires to top it all off, any interested party is going to have to request a price check on this piece, from Beladora. Circa 1945, this buckle bracelet is done in 14k rose gold and platinum from The Three Graces. Although it is not an authentic Cartier piece, this one is almost identical. It can be adjusted to fit your wrist, with its largest size extending to 8.25 inches. The red stones are rubies, with 19 diamonds total. Price: $6250 This bracelet is stunning, from Connoisseur Antiques available at 1stdibs. I like how the buckle is floral, rather than a typical buckle. Everything is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of diamonds! Price: $6600 A great alternative to the more expensive and bold choices is this buckle bracelet. The sapphires and diamonds are minimal--the gold mesh is the main focus, which is done in 14k white and yellow. From Lang Antiques, priced at $1450. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Great Vintage Finds for Under $250

March 4, 2009

Every month I nearly die writing out that $550 check for my car payment. Do you realize how nice of a piece of jewelry I could have purchased with that kind of money?! Having a budget and bargain shopping have become everyone's reality. So how are Americans ever supposed to afford diamonds and gold? With that in mind, I have scoped out some amazing vintage finds that are all under $250. Antique jewelry is the way to go--not only is it "greener," but its quality and craftsmanship is like no other. Besides, $250 is totally doable if you save change over several months or sell some of your old stuff laying around. With your latest acquisition, it can lift your spirits during these harsh times everytime you look at it! This necklace is trendy and cute, would be great layered with other necklaces. Circa 1975, the black onyx hearts are totally 70s but would still be fashionable. The setting and chain are 14k yellow gold and priced at $137.50 from Beladora. Also from Beladora are these great statement earrings. You would never guess these cost $175.50! Such a great investment, and these can be worn with anything and everything. They have a nice twisted style to them, called a "doorknocker" done in 14k yellow gold. Need some luck? Or maybe even just another stackable bracelet to add to your collection? This is a great find for only $245. The buddha is carved jade, which dangles from a braided leather cord with 14k yellow gold clasps. Make this your everyday bracelet! From C.H.A.R.M. These are lion doorknocker stud earrings from Doyle & Doyle. From their contemporary heirloom collection, these are 18k white gold. I can picture these looking great with diamond studs and gold cross studs in as well, if you have multiple piercings. Price: $150 And finally, my last pick is this charming necklace from Beladora. I think it would look great layered with the heart necklace above. This is actually an antique bar pin converted into a pendant necklace. Three diamonds top it off, all set in 15k yellow gold (yes, 15k it is not a typo, it is of English origin). Price: $175.50 Check out Beladora's other pendant necklaces that feature a bar pin converted into a necklace. They are great! Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Beladora: Glitz from the Past

February 16, 2009

Don't have the time to strut your stuff on Rodeo Drive? Luckily Beladora is online and you can shop whenever without leaving the comforts of your home. Browse through hundreds of vintage and estate jewels, even designer pieces like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, David Webb and many more. Check back frequently for more additions, and check out their "mini-me" version called Beladora 2, with a more affordable, less ornate selection. These earrings are destined for the red carpet! 18k yellow and blackened gold, with turquoise and diamonds. Total diamond weight: 2.11 carats! And, hey everyone needs a good pair of chandelier earrings. Price: $1850 Bangles are always chic, but add some bright coral and you've got yourself a knock out piece! Circa 1965, this bracelet has 18k yellow and white gold with diamonds and coral intertwined. Price: $4250 Elegant emerald necklace--so delicate and truly a statement of its time. From 1965, it is done in none other than platinum. Beladora describes it as having a 'negligee' style. Price: $14500 Sometimes pearl necklaces all look the same to me! However, this pearl necklace is unlike any I've seen. The clasp is gorgeous, featuring a diamond and six sapphires. Now, if your necklace is on backwards, it will look better! Price: $535.50 Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Valentine’s Day, 2009

February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you love or loathe February 14th, these beautiful jewels will brighten your day! 12 carats of sparkle! Maybe you're celebrating 12 years, or 12 is a significant number in your life, this would be the perfect ring. The heart-shaped citrine is flanked by two round diamonds. From Ross-Simons Estate Collection and priced at $956. This sentimental necklace is from Doyle & Doyle. The heart is amethyst and features a triple ring of diamonds. So delicate and pretty! Price: $2800 What a treat this would be if this was a gift to be unwrapped for Valentine's Day?! This brooch has a romantic, whimsical quality and features 0.35 carats of diamonds. It would go great pinned to a scarf. Priced at $13600 and showcased as Ylang|23's Estate Collection. Beautiful diamond necklace...18k white gold...delicate chain...what more could you want? Well, there is more! This heart pendant doubles as a locket, making it the ultimate sentimental piece you will always treasure. Price: $5800 from Delamina. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

A Perfect Pair

January 28, 2009

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="3 Diamond Ring set in Jet, $65000"][/caption] Art Deco Onyx & Diamond Bangle, [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Art Deco Onyx & Diamond Bangle, $18500"][/caption]8500 Read More

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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

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Great Vintage Finds for Under $250

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Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Beladora: Glitz from the Past

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Valentine’s Day, 2009

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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

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

A Perfect Pair

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