Come To Life

September always signifies a time to realize ideas that have been stirring over the Summer. Here in the studio there are a bunch of new pieces in the works for Fall. Last week when Rebekah left her sketchbook out on the desk we couldn't help snap a few pictures of the pages coming to life..

 

Rebekah's Jewelry Box

I feel so lucky to have the job of buying the antique jewelry we sell and now and then I just can't part with it. Truly, I've been collecting pieces over the (almost) 20 years I've been a jeweler. Sometimes it's the rarity of a piece that catches my eye, or a style or stone that I've always wanted. Jewelry continues to be an excellent investment so that helps me justify a growing collection, as well as the desire to pass on these incredible examples of timeless design for my kids to enjoy with their own families someday. I plan to unearth more treasures from my collection soon, so stay tuned. Best wishes and Happy Summer! -Rebekah

The above were a Mothers Day gift from my husband. A perfect example of early paste (1880's-turn of the century). The bows actually look like drooping fabric, almost abstract. The paste stones are cut by hand (in this period and before, crystal was often cut to mimic diamonds in quality, and did - see previous posts on paste jewelry history). The rings holding the chain were worn away so we laser welded the natural Victorian coral back in place.

 

These are a really cool, rare example of antique Gilt, handmade in France sometime circa the 19th century. Gilt is an overlay of Gold (14k in this case) on any metal, typically Silver. These earrings look so good on & I always get compliments whenever & wherever I wear them. To this day I've never seen such unique metalwork and the coral cabochon's compliment it beautifully.

Antique Aquamarine Ring

This antique Aquamarine ring - just finished with it's restoration today - is surely one of the most amazing rings we've ever had! This 6.5-7ct Aquamarine is set into a 14kt yellow and rose gold, hand engraved Victorian setting with a chased (sculpted) bezel of leaves allowing you to see inside the setting. It is so beautiful the ladies at the studio couldn't stop looking at it through a loupe because the detail is so fine. The ring has a band with our favorite Victorian wheat pattern, a symbol of fertility and abundance. This is a one of a kind piece we won't ever see the likes of again and the ultimate Holiday gift!

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Our newest engagement ring is an antique Victorian sapphire and rose cut diamond Cluster. Currently we don't think of Cluster diamond rings or sapphires as being traditional engagement rings but, it was quite common in the Victorian era. Diamonds are a more modern engagement ring stone choice than Sapphires and many say that 'something borrowed something blue' was referring to the sapphire. The Ceylon Sapphire here is surrounded by 15 glittering rose cut diamonds. This style of ring has persisted for over 100 years and is both classic & timeless in every sense. This is a rare beauty of a ring, soon to find it's way to the hand of a very lucky woman...

Victorian Jewelry (Circa 1840-1890)

Victorian Jewelry (Circa 1840-1890)

The second day of our 'Antique Jewelry Primer' brings us to the Victorian era. Probably our collective favorite & the period which inspires us most in terms of our own aesthetic sensibility. Delicate, intricate motifs (often inspired by nature) prevailed with floral motifs and symbolic themes found on rings, lockets, brooches and earrings. 

 Victorian Cameo Necklace

Queen Victoria influenced much of the fashion of the world.  By the mid century, and with the death of Prince Albert, the Queen went into a long period of mourning and black jewelry came into fashion.  Jet jewelry is timeless and strikingly contemporary as it goes with so many of our own (current) fashion trends. Later in the century, silver jewelry again took its place as diamonds and pearl set jewelry were once more in style. The end of the Victorian Era saw a move towards color & light with jewelers invoking more feminine styles &  brightening their designs with emeralds, sapphires & spinel. 

New Antiques Available Online!

We have been working hard to collect some more amazing antiques, and have only now had enough time to post them to our web store. There is a small collection of new antiques posted on the site, you can check them out here. These are some photos to show you some of the great pieces that are now being offered. Of course, because they are all one of a kind be sure to grab them quickly! And check back often for more antiques or stop into one of our stores.

Antique Sale in Northampton Store!

Come to our Northampton Location this weekend and get 15% off our Antique Jewelry! We will also be having a drawing for a chance to win a free pair of earrings, so be sure to stop by.

Love Is In The Air

Just in time for the coldest month of the year as the days begin to grow ever so slightly longer and brighter - love is in the air. Valentines Day is fast approaching and we wanted to showcase some inspiring finds that will make great gifts for a beloved or just for yourself. Here we have a Victorian locket that trumps all with it's 'I Love Only You' inscription. The front of the locket has some nice Champagne Paste Rhinestones set into 9ct pinstripe Rolled Gold. The pictures here show it as it came to us but we're cleaning it up & putting it on an 18" chain - it's going to be absolutely lovely! Keep an eye out here for upcoming in-store & web promotions as Saint Valentine approaches..

Antiques, Day 6

This is a rare beauty. 14k Victorian Rose Gold cradling a smoky Black Opal. The stone has some fire to it with a subtle but deep array of colors within - bits of blue, purple & orange mix with a greyish black glow. The setting perhaps even outdoes the stone with it's gorgeous arched points & hand carved steps up the side. Almost like a crystal ball for your finger! We've never had one like this, very unusual & quite lovely.

Antiques, Day 4

Here we have an extremely fine Victorian Seed Pearl Necklet in it's original leather bound case. The graduated Pearls are natural with an incredible luster. It measures 16" and we're just in the process of re-stringing it. This is a really delicate & elegant alternative to your typical string of Pearls, a beauty.

Antiques, Day 3

We've gotten a bunch of new (vintage) lockets we're working on getting into the shop in time for Valentine's Day. This one is really stunning & a rare find in this condition. It's Victorian with natural Turquoise set in Gold plate Sterling. Inside are two glass faced frames for pictures of your beloved!

Antiques, Day 2

For our second installment of new antiquities we've got something really special. Dating all the way back to 1870 is an original Victorian Whitby Jet Necklace in beautiful condition. For the unfamiliar, Whitby Jet is a semi-precious stone mined in Whitby, North Yorkshire on the English coast in the mid to late 1800's. It is actually fossilized wood which when polished takes on a rich, glowingly opaque sheen. The way you know you have real Jet & not Onyx or Vulcanite is by it's weight, despite the size of this necklace it's very light. The pendant on this features beautifully set paste rhinestones. Jet has become highly collectible & this piece is particularly nice as it's on the original cord with the velvet tie intact - very wearable! 

Antiques, Day 1

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers the Holidays were incredibly busy & left our cases looking a little spare. No longer! Each day this week we'll be posting some of the new antiques we have coming into our stores. For today, a beautiful example of Victorian Micro Mosaic work in a large Sterling Cross Pendant. We're busy making this into a necklace, expect to see it in the shop soon..

Victorian Engraving

During the Victorian Era it was very common for rings to be inscribed on the inside with small sayings or expressions of love.  These rings, known as "posey" rings were often used as symbols of engagement or as wedding bands.  The 22K yellow gold posey ring featured below reads "Time Shall Tell I Love You Well."

Engraved Victorian Ring

We just sold this beautiful engraved Victorian band made with green, white and yellow gold.  We're sad to see it go but happy it went to a good home!