Jewelry Collection Stories: Mia from The One I Love NYC

Undoubtedly in love with jewels, Mia launched The One I Love NYC in 2013, a place where fellow jewelry lovers can go to shop for fine vintage and antique jewelry all from the comfort of their home. Her jewelry collection story is shaped by the people she loves, both family and friends, and even people in the biz who have become her family and friends over these past few years. Excited to share Mia’s personal collection story with you today:

“Ever since I can remember I‘ve had a love affair with jewelry. As a child, I would rummage through my grandmother’s jewelry box and try on every single piece, until there was no more room left around my arms, fingers or neck. This infatuation carried on into my adulthood, when I began collecting antique rings during college.

That being said, I’ve always had more of a dealer’s mentality when it came to my own purchases, meaning that I barely ever buy pieces for myself. My love of jewelry stems from an appreciation of its sentimental value before all else. I fell in love with the rituals of the Victorian and Georgian era, and the belief that every milestone, happy or sad, should be decorated with adornment. Antiques are a piece of history; a legacy that carries on the story of those before us, and our story, long after we’re gone.

My jewelry obsessions tend to mature over time. I have a strong admiration for Georgian era jewelry, particularly pieces that are embellished with flat top garnets and rose cut diamonds, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t? The workmanship of this era is beyond comparison: being forged by hand, and under candlelight no less! It’s impossible to look at a piece of Georgian jewelry with all its intricate detail, and not be amazed that these pieces have withstood the test of time.

As for motif, I am drawn towards snakes, skulls, and pretty much all symbolism of eternal life. I have an affinity for cards, which most definitely comes from my grandfather, who taught me every game in the book.

One basic theme throughout all my jewelry is that every single piece holds the memory of a moment in time, and was given to me as a token of love and friendship by someone I hold dear to my heart. Jewelry memorializes those we love, as it has for centuries before now, and that’s what has always driven my passion for adornment.

Of course, my love of all things jewelry grew into a need to understand the details of stones, metals, and fabrication. Understanding the details of such things adds not only to the personal value of each piece, but the ability to truly respect its creation.

When it comes to modern jewelry, I tend to be geared towards designers who are inspired by my favorite eras. The majority of our Designer Collection at The One I Love is filled with pieces I saw and loved, then wanted to carry. Almost every designer piece I own, I also sell, because I honor and respect the craftsmanship of the designs and the history they symbolize.”

Pictured above: My grandfather’s wedding band & my grandmother’s class ring. Their bond symbolized the sweetest love I’ve ever known. Alongside it is my grandmother’s diamond necklace, given to me right after she passed. It is the only piece that never leaves my body.”

I love watches, and my Rolex Daytona was a gift from my family when I graduated college. On the back it is inscribed with “You Are My Sunshine”, a song my grandmother would sing to me as a kid. Pictured beside it is a French Victorian sterling silver chain bracelet.

Pictured is a Victorian onyx and turquoise Figa with gold detail. This was given to me by Edon (@littlewolfcollective), my dear friend and photographer. Also, a Victorian agate specimen set in 15K gold, once a brooch turned into a pendant. Lastly, an antique coin found by my friend Elizabeth, who fabricated the 14K gold setting herself.

These two pieces are my every day necklaces. The Pave Ruby Wishbone is a staple piece from The One I Love, and the pave lightening bolt is from my friend and designer, Christina Albina.

Ahh, the cards! Perhaps my most swoon worthy pieces. The bracelet is a Georgian era charm bracelet, hand fabricated in 22K gold with cards painted on ivory. The detail on this piece is absolutely incredible. A gift from a wonderful friend and colleague, and since it’s too delicate to wear I’m actually having it framed in a shadow box. Call me crazy but I could literally stare at it for hours; that is art! The necklace is a vintage card charm that rarely comes off my neck.

The skull eternity band (by @vulpeculajewelry) was also a gift from my friend Elizabeth. She had it engraved with “E.K. to M.M. with love.” Something I did not realize until far after it was given to me! The @Nvitblanche All Seeing Eye Ring is a piece I’ve been obsessed with for a long time, and was designed by my friend and mentor, David Hines. Funny story: There is a super talented little old man who does the enameling for the eyes, and let’s just say that asking him for specific colors should be considered a suggestion rather than an requirement. You may go in there with a vision, but you never quite know what you’re leaving with. Somehow, it always comes out looking perfect in its own right. The Art Deco emerald eternity band is set in 14K gold, and was a birthday gift from two of my closest girl friends. The Ouroboros ring, a friendship ring between me and my BFF (people still do that, right?), is adorned with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. She shares my love of pretty much everything, but particularly all things shiny and old.

Pictured are pieces that were given to me by Angela (@gemstonegypsy). She’s a very talented designer, and created the rad snake ring and safety pin earring. She gifted me the safety pin earring on my 29th Birthday, and I wear it almost daily. The vintage J.O.B. ring was given to me because I’m “married to my job,“ and to know me is to know that this holds more truth than I care to admit! Something I laugh about every time I wear it.

The Victorian turquoise and rose cut diamond flower ring was given to me by my parents, and is one of my favorites because the craftsmanship is incredible, especially on the petals! This was purchased from one of my favorite stores, @metierSF. The Georgian flat top garnet ring was given to me by a client, and at my own trunk show too! This was a purchase from @vulpeculajewelry. I love how the stones are all set at different angles.

*All Photographs by Little Wolf Collective