Lockets

Often the most personal of adornments, a new batch of vintage lockets just came in. As they sat next to each other on a tray in the studio waiting to be revived, we couldn't help be struck by their gorgeous yet subtle variations of form & design. When the engravings, stones & enamels are all cleaned up they'll begin again - ready to acquire a new history.

 

12 Days of Gifts, Day 10

What's old is new again - take brooches. These gorgeous emblems are badges of style. They may seem antiquated but in truth are significantly more modern than given credit for. Though less utilitarian than a necklace or earrings, they're no less useful in creating a splash. We've got a lovely collection - an all-seeing eye framed in pearls, a sterling spider, a basket of fruit set with precious stones, a cameo forged from lava! See what I mean - unique, daring & beautiful - just like you.

12 Days of Gifts, Day 3

The holiday whirlwind has been in full effect here & as a result Day 3 of our gift posts is a bit belated - but totally worth the wait! Shopping for that special someone in your life can be a serious challenge. You want to hit the mark with something unique & meaningful. Well, what could be better than beautiful vintage cufflinks! These are a subtle yet undeniable statement of style. They work well with someone who likes adornment, or doesn't. They're cool. They encourage getting dressed up. We've got a lovingly curated selection of them you won't find anywhere else. What more could you need?

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. 

Georgian Jewelry (Circa 1714-1835)

Georgian Jewelry (Circa 1714-1835)

We covet any treasure from this elegant era of jewelry history! Tastes and style changed considerably over the span of this era. The start of the period was mainly gold and silver with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Later though, the fall of the aristocracy and neo-classicism led jewelry designs into a different world altogether - one of less costly materials and semi-precious gem stones. During this time, a rising middle class began to afford the luxury of jewels and finery. Paste jewelry came into vogue as a substitute for diamonds by a growing middle class that couldn't quite afford them. Pastes (which are glass composites) are softer than ordinary glass but have a higher index of refraction and dispersion that give them great brilliancy and fire. Quality paste stones from this era were faceted & polished in the same way an actual diamond would've been cut - and often, no less beautiful.

 This stick pin is a simple example of paste jewelry from the end of the Georgian era.