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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

Jewelry Trendsetter: A Necklace of Rings

Ever find a ring that was breath-taking, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, had-to-have-it, and then when you politely ask to take a look at it, it either engulfs your tiny finger or won't budge your pudge? Well here's a solution! Rather than being disappointed and walking away--go for it! Take out that Visa and buy it! You could build up a nice collection of rings that don't fit and then make a great statement necklace like the one above featuring rings. It will be beautiful--check out the ones I've picked for my "necklace of rings." First and foremost, you need a long 14k gold chain. I think the chain-style has everything to do with making or breaking this look. So, opt for a bead chain like this one in a long length. The 24 inch goes for $150 at Heavenly Treasures. The Ocean Band designed by Manon von Gerkan is a good one to start off with. It has rose cut diamonds which give it a chunky, vintage feel with just enough sparkle. This ring is done in 14k yellow gold. Check out Manon Von Gerkan's jewel box gallery. Next, add a dark and oversized ring--a signet or intaglio perhaps. This large circular ring from Rowan & Rowan is good because of the black enameling. It features an urn done in diamonds (it is a Georgian mourning ring). Circa 1780, so this piece is extremely unique and a bit pricey: £2200. To balance out all the chunkiness--add a few plain bands. Either wide or narrow, it is up to you I have chosen one wide and one narrow. This wide version has some detailing to it, as well as one star set diamonds. Priced at $850 from Doyle & Doyle. Wanted to add a thin band that was black, so I found this black diamond band from Ice.com It is great because it is affordable and for some reason, they never have normal sizes in stock. At only $225 you get 14k white gold and teeny tiny black diamonds. Perfect for this necklace of rings. Lastly, add a ring that is totally unexpected. Something that has a bold color or bold choice of gemstones. Here I chose a ruby dome ring. This ring is designed by Manon von Gerkan in 14k yellow gold. Read More

Obsessions

Vintage Words & Vintage Jewels: Birds of Paradise

Untitled The glow of the sun peeks and dabbles upon your Tall           Thick stems.   The bush birds peek their heads through  your boat-like blossoms.   South African winds convulse your confident  stalks and as they  whip around, birdwatchers search frantically for their binoculars.   As the sun climbs you patiently wait for a winged friend to unknowingly continue your reign of beauty.   The coolness of nightfall hovers over the Cape. A photographer captures the portrait of dependence--               You                And your birds. Two species, One name: Birds of Paradise. ©daniellemiele Fluorite, peridot and coral earrings in 18k yellow gold. These are contemporary, designed by Tony Duquette. They can be found on 1stdibs for $18000. Multi-colored sapphires with diamonds, done in 18k yellow gold. These are contemporary as well and designed by Caroline Nelson. Found at 1stdibs for $4000. Read More

Obsessions

Hot on our Radar: Sarah Davida Cuff Rings

If you're like me, and have always felt that the top portion of your finger could use some accessorizing, then you need to buy a Sarah Davida Cuff Ring. These rings are unlike others since they are custom made to fit the upper portion (in between your top and middle knuckle) of your finger. I like the cuff-style as well, along with the large width--both features are perfect for this sort of ring. Anyone wearing a Davida Cuff Ring is sure to get compliments and I'm sure many questions! What is fun about these rings is that you can get them stamped (both outside and inside) with any word, phrase, name, initials you want. I would choose roman numerals of a special date--maybe add a heart on the inside. The point is to make it fun and meaningful! Sarah Davida's jewelry line has just been released this summer and has already picked up much talk in the jewelry biz. Be sure to check out the website as more is being added to this growing business. **Ordering information:** Link to Sarah Davida website Prices: $42-49 for sterling silver , $140-147 for 10k gold Choose from 3 different widths: small, medium or large Important contact info: customerservice@sarahdavida.com Read More

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Obsessions

Shark Week 2009 on Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is a favorite, but Shark Week is a must! Inspired by these fascinating creatures, it would only be appropriate to wear one glistening from your neck. This necklace is designed by Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, which specializes in nature-inspired jewelry that is made from recycled gold. The Endangered Collection is very special and unique. The shark necklace is from the Nature Collection and is done in 10k recycled gold. You can choose from having a Fair-trade sapphire, ruby or recycled diamond for the eye. Price: $290-295. Read More

Obsessions

Obsession: Egyptian Inspired Jewelry

The mystery and allure of Ancient Egypt has inspired many and will never stop enchanting curious historians.  It is interesting to see how this ancient civilization has influenced fashion and jewelry throughout hundreds of years ago, and even into today.  The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb is fascinating...if you haven't read about it since high school history, you should revisit some informational websites.  I have personally discovered a newfound appreciation for history, and I think it has to do with not having to read a textbook. A diamond and emerald cuff bracelet here which depicts Egyptian scenes all the way around, with a large bird in the center. This bracelet is from the 1980s and done in 18k yellow gold. You can find it featured at 1stdibs provided by Neil Marrs, and priced at $15000. There are many versions of the Egyptian cartouche pendant--I like the open version best, done in 18k yellow gold. Any piece of jewelry that you can personalize is fun, and doing a word in hieroglyphics is even better. Even if the word is spelled totally wrong, no one would notice! Usually the prices are based on the number of letters you want, the one above is from Nilestone. Their prices are 1-4 characters: $135, 5-7 characters: $150, and 8-9 characters: $160. The Art Deco Era was wild about Egyptian revival--wouldn't anyone be with this ring? Circa 1935, it is fine craftsmanship from Rene Boivin. The ring features emeralds and diamonds, done in 18k yellow gold. It is featured at 1stdibs from Primavera Gallery. Price: $22000 Read More

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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

Obsessions

August 2009: Jewelry LookBook

"Lonely ghosts uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear.  But so long, as he uttered it, in some obscure way the continuity was not broken. It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage" (George Orwell). This insane necklace resembles the one above, done in 18k blackened gold from ASSIL New York. Fancy to make a guess as to how many sapphires make up this piece? {answer: nine hundred twenty eight} A diamond tennis bracelet perfects this look, this one here is similar. It has an Art Deco style to it with the graphic circles and open links of diamonds. In total, this bracelet features 3.5 carats of diamonds! It is from Israel Rose and is priced at $3450. Featured on the right hand is a round cocktail style ring featuring turquoise. This one from Doyle & Doyle is very similar and is very gorgeous. Done in 18k yellow gold, it has a big, round citrine in the center with turquoise and a few diamonds. The twisted gold work on the shank is pretty--looks sort of like it creates the illusion of two serpents maybe? Price: $2400 Now we go to the left hand, a pinkie ring is a tough find. It has to look just right in order to be worn on the end like that. This ring is great for a pinkie ring--it is dainty yet unique. Sapphire rings from the 1920s are my favorite. From Erie Basin, which describes the side set diamonds as almost "wing-like" love that! Set in 18k yellow gold and priced at $425 Every antique jewelry collector has seen these single stone diamond rings before, and every one has to have at least one in their collection. Each is a bit different, with the filigree work and setting being unique in some way, this one being exactly that. The inspiration photo seems to be featuring one of these rings on the left hand, ring finger. This particular ring is from Lang Antiques and goes for $1395. Check out eBay for others very similar at a steal of a price. Opt for a smaller size in carat weight to make the ring even more affordable. This one is 0.3 carats. Read More