Category: Vintage Jewelry

Art Deco diamond bracelet.

Art Deco, emblematic of the glamour and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age, left an indelible imprint across various artistic domains. Emerging prominently from the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, France, Art Deco became the defining aesthetic of its time. Among its most enchanting expressions is Art Deco jewelry, a fascination that still endures.

As Argo & Lehne Jewelers traces its roots to this era of innovation and daring creativity, we embrace the vintage charm of Art Deco more passionately than any other. Here, we embark on a journey to rediscover the elegance and allure of Art Deco jewelry, delving into its distinctive characteristics, iconic pieces, and enduring influence.

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Jewelry has always been rich in symbolism. What better way to express your feelings this Valentine’s Day than a unique vintage gift for your beloved? If you appreciate the romance of the past, you most certainly will love these beautiful gifts of affection.

Butterflies –

The charming and whimsical butterfly has always captured our imagination, often symbolizing freedom, love and the rebirth of the soul. The feng shui tradition of China uses it to encourage success in love and romance. Jade is thought to promote luck, trust, fidelity and maturity in love relationships. What a combination for this adorable vintage butterfly pendant with 11 carats of nephrite jade accented by 2 diamonds!

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As a purveyor of estate jewelry, we find that our most sought after pieces pre-date 1940 and go all the way back to the Georgian era, spanning 5 eras. It may be hard to distinguish one from the other if you haven’t been trained to do so but they each have distinct characteristics. Here we delve into each era and explain the design behind the time period. If you would like to view more examples of vintage pieces, visit our website and view our vintage collection.

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As 2020 has been a year to reflect, we anticipate an uptick in personalized jewelry gifts this holiday season. This month we will dedicate each Friday to inspire and advise on thoughtful gifts for all your loved ones during our 9am Fireside Chats. So, kick back, get cozy and enjoy our chats live or at your convenience on our Facebook page. Jump to the bottom of the post to find out how to be entered to win one of four fabulous prizes to include an Argo & Lehne gift card.

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Do you have your eye on one of our pieces of jewelry for either yourself or a loved one this Holiday Season?

This Black Friday you may be able to have the piece at a discount as high as 20% off! 

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The Victorian Era

If the Victorians were anything, they were thoughtful and symbolic. Every action and image had its place in sending a message. When courting a woman, a young man would have gone through a series of small trials before even sitting in the same room with a woman and her chaperone. We’ve departed from some of these customs, but some things never fade.

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Vintage jewelry is timeless and beautiful. In the fast-paced and heavily manufactured world we live in, it’s no wonder we search for pieces of authenticity and meaning. Gorgeous objects from long ago speak to us of past loves, struggles, triumphs, and enduring value. There’s something deeply satisfying about owning a piece of history—a tangible connection to the past that stands the test of time. Each item, whether it’s a delicate ring or a bold necklace, carries a story, a memory, and an essence of a bygone era.

What makes vintage jewelry even more special is its ability to transcend the years and remain relevant. These pieces are more than just accessories; they are treasures, imbued with character and craftsmanship that is often hard to find in modern creations. In a world dominated by mass production, vintage jewelry provides a refreshing alternative—one that embraces uniqueness, sustainability, and artistry.

Though vintage jewelry has a definite aura of substance, it can also be fun and whimsical. Rediscovering vintage allows you to breathe new life into something old, creating a sense of novelty and excitement. When we put on a vintage piece, it’s as if we’re reimagining the past and giving it a new place in the present. It becomes new again! Here are the top five reasons we love vintage:

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Authentic retro jewelry is jewelry from about 1945-1960. Jewelry from this time period was inspired by the ostentatious style of Hollywood and was colorful, bold, and elaborate. The most common types of jewelry from this time period were large cocktail rings, bracelets, earrings, watches, brooches, necklaces and charm bracelets. The surge in popularity of retro jewelry can, in part, be attributed to the success of shows like Mad Men and icons of ‘50s style such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

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Here are 36 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent 

1. What kinds of jewelry insurance are there?

2. Is my policy all risk?

3. Against what risks is unscheduled jewelry protected?

4. Against what risks is scheduled jewelry protected?

5. What risks are not covered?

6. What is the cost per thousand for full coverage?

7. What is the cost per thousand for partial coverage?

8. What are the limitations of partial coverage?

9. What is the deductible?

10. How much can I lower my premium by increasing my deductible?

11. What security precautions are required?

12. How much can I lower my premium by increasing precautions? (home security systems, special door locks, fire detectors, fireproof in-house safe, items stored in safety deposit box, etc.)

13. What proof is needed to justify a claim?

14. Am I still covered if there is negligence or carelessness?

15. Can I opt for cash instead of replacement?

16. Is cash out for full value? If not, how is it determined?

17. Is depreciation imposed? When, how and to what is it computed?

18. What types of property are not covered?

19. What exclusions are there?

20. Who is covered?

21. What is the difference in limitation between jewelry and silverware?

22. Can I replace a damaged piece or am I limited to repair?

23. What geographical limitations are there to my coverage? Is my children’s jewelry covered for the same risks when they are not at home? (college, summer job, travel in country, travel out of country, etc.)

24. What is coverage if an item is lost, stolen, or damaged while in another’s possession?

25. What is coverage if part of an item is lost, stolen, or damaged in another’s possession?

26. If I lose part of a set is coverage for full value or limited to the percentage of loss?

27. Is an appraisal needed for full coverage?

28. How often should an appraisal be updated?

29. Am I limited to the appraised replacement value if there has been an increase or is coverage for full replacement value at time of loss?

30. How is value determined if an item is irreplaceable?

31. Do any circumstances void my coverage? (flood, lightning, war, nuclear disaster, fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, etc.)

32. Can I use my jeweler for replacement?

33. Can I verify proper replacement with my jeweler if an insurance company source makes the replacement?

34. Will my claim and the replacement value be more readily accepted if an AGS Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, Certified Gemologist Appraiser does the appraisal?

35. If I have a lab report or laser identification on my diamond or gem will it enhance my coverage or improve my premium?

36. What is the actual language in the policy for each concern I’ve expressed?

We love to educate our customers. So, in the spirit of education and in response to this intense cold snap we want to be sure you know how to care for your jewelry in the cold. One stone that is particularly vulnerable to the extreme cold are opals.

Jennifer explains in her “Did You Know” video.

http://youtu.be/_W2OGketPfQ

This unique cushion-cut pink opal and diamond ring is a stunner.

Mesmerizing black opal and diamond ring.

A floral-inspired diamond and opal cluster ring.

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