A&L Blog

Wide 18K yellow gold link bracelet.

When we think of vintage jewelry, we often picture the geometric elegance of Art Deco or the delicate romance of Victorian designs. The Retro period, circa 1935-1950, offers something entirely different: bold glamour, oversized gems & a sense of optimism forged during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

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This is a update of an original post of June, 2025.

14K yellow gold earrings with 12 cultured pearls & 2 sapphires.

One of the few organic gems (others are amber, coral & jet), there’s something undeniably magical about pearls. Elegant, luminous & steeped in history, these treasures from the sea have captivated wearers for centuries. The pearl is one of the gems for June, along with alexandrite & moonstone. Whether you’re drawn to their romantic glow or their classic versatility, pearls are always in style. In this article, we’ll touch on their fascinating past, explore different types, discover how to wear & care for them & how to evaluate their quality.

“A woman needs ropes & ropes of pearls” – Coco Chanel

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Vintage jewelry should almost never be cleaned the same way as modern jewelry.

That is one of the most important things to understand before using ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, polishing cloths, or even common at-home jewelry cleaners. Older pieces often contain softer gemstones, antique settings, hand engraving, delicate filigree, aged solder joints, or patina that can easily be damaged by aggressive cleaning methods.

The safest approach is usually gentle cleaning with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and careful drying — but even that depends on the piece. Estate rings from the Art Deco period, Victorian lockets, antique opal jewelry, old European cut diamonds, and vintage platinum mountings all age differently and require different levels of care.

In Columbus, we often see clients unintentionally damage heirloom jewelry simply by treating it like a modern everyday piece. Proper maintenance is less about making vintage jewelry look “new” and more about preserving the character, craftsmanship, and structural integrity that make it valuable in the first place. (more…)

This Mother’s Day season, we invite you to join us in making a difference for mothers in our community. Argo & Lehne Jewelers and the UA Public Library – Tremont Road Branch have once more partnered with Bottoms Up Diaper Bank to host The Mother’s Day Diaper Drive—part of the World’s Largest Diaper Drive!

From May 1 – 30, you can help local families by donating diapers at two convenient locations:

 Argo & Lehne Jewelers – 3100 Tremont Road
 UA Public Library – Main Branch – 2800 Tremont Road

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Building a vintage jewelry collection is about more than age—it’s about personal style, craftsmanship, and intention. Start with pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s a timeless diamond ring, a delicate pearl strand, or a meaningful pendant, and build gradually from there. Focus on quality details like unique stone cuts, hand-finished metalwork, and balanced design to create a collection that feels cohesive and truly your own.

A well-curated collection isn’t built overnight—it evolves over time. By choosing pieces you’ll actually wear and refining your style with each addition, you create not just a collection, but a reflection of your taste and perspective.

Art at Argo’s presents

“Personal History”

a retrospective exhibit by preeminent local artist Linda Langhorst

April 1 – June 29, 2026

You’re invited to a champagne reception

Saturday, April 4th, 1 – 3 pm

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The most iconic vintage engagement ring styles are from distinct design eras—Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, and Mid-Century Modern. Each period introduced recognizable shapes, metalwork, and gem arrangements that still influence engagement rings today.

If you are drawn to vintage engagement rings, these styles help explain why certain rings are so captivating. Each era reflects a different philosophy of design—romantic, architectural, or minimalist—and these design ideas continue to inspire modern jewelers.

At Argo & Lehne Jewelers, helping clients explore vintage engagement rings is one of the joys of our work. With over a century of experience in fine and estate jewelry in Columbus, we often find that once people understand the design language of these eras, they quickly recognize which vintage style speaks to them.

1. Victorian Engagement Rings: Romance and Symbolism

Victorian engagement rings are among the most romantic of all vintage styles.

During the Victorian era, jewelry design drew heavily from nature, sentiment, and symbolism. Rings from this period often feature delicate motifs such as flowers, leaves, and vines—designs representing growth, love, and devotion.

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White gold emerald-cut & tapered baguette diamond ring.

Every year, bridal ring styles evolve a little bit as couples bring in new ideas, inspirations, and personal stories. One of the things we love about working in a local jewelry store is seeing those trends unfold in real time—right across our counter.

So far in 2026, we see couples lean toward rings that feel more personal, meaningful, and expressive. From larger elongated diamonds to redesigning family heirlooms, today’s bridal jewelry is all about creating something that truly feels like yours.

Here are some of the biggest bridal trends we’re seeing this year.

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Authentic vintage jewelry is not defined by age alone—it is defined by integrity. Integrity of design, of materials, of craftsmanship, and of historical truth. To identify a truly authentic vintage piece, you look beyond surface charm and into the details that anchor it to its era. The construction must align with the time period. The gemstones must reflect the cutting techniques of the day. The metalwork must reveal the hand that shaped it.

In our showroom at Argo & Lehne Jewelers, a Columbus institution since 1924, this conversation unfolds often. A client arrives with a family heirloom. Another falls in love with an Art Deco ring and wants to be certain it is original. Others simply want to understand the difference between “vintage-inspired” and genuinely vintage. Identifying authenticity is less about romance and more about discernment—and that is where experience matters.

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Originally published and thoughtfully updated for 2026.

Few gemstones carry the mystique, history, and sheer beauty of amethyst. Combining the passion of red and the calm of blue, purple conveys balance, clarity, and a hint of mystery — qualities that have captivated royalty, clergy, collectors, and jewelry lovers for centuries.

Once considered equal in rarity and value to diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, amethyst was true crown-jewel material. That changed in the early 19th century when major deposits were discovered in Brazil. Increased supply made this magnificent gemstone more accessible — and we see that as a gift.

The stone itself hasn’t changed. If anything, today we have an even broader range of exquisite examples from which to choose. What was once reserved for royalty is now available to all who appreciate its regal beauty.

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