Category: Vintage Jewelry

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:

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.

Continue Reading

Can it really be Fall already? Crisp biting air, the thick smell of leaves burning, bubbly pots of stew on the stove. Yes, Fall has certainly arrived. Donning hearty sweaters, your favorite skinny jeans, and boots may have you feeling the Fall vibe. One of the most effective ways to spruce up last year’s waredrobe is with this year’s accessories. Here are our top 5 picks of the season:

1. Soft, Sweet Hues

We love a soft pink or mint green accessory paired with cream or winter-white. Or, go for a matchy-matchy look with a pastel sweater and accessories in the same color. Imagine our Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring paired with a fluffy pink cable knit and your favorite pair of jeans.

2. Dark Romance

Emily Bronte’s classic dark romance, Wuthering Heights servers are inspiration of this Fall/Winter 2013 trend. Think baroque beauties draped in dark metal jewelry and rich colored gemstones. No you have it. Better yet, picture this vintage amethyst number poised just at the right spot to bounce color light around your face.

Or, throw these vintage sapphire drops on like you wear them everyday. Nothing is sexier than a woman who knows how to wear her jewels. Hello, Heathcliff!

3. Hats off…or rather, hats on

Bad hair days have met their match, because hats are hot for Fall. Oh yes, ladies, fedoras are not just for the boys anymore. We love this look with a crisp, starched oxford, corduroys in an autumnal hue , and riding boots.

And, what looks better that you under a sassy hat? You under a sassy hot with a strategically perched vintage brooch perched above! How about adding a little whimsy with this guy:

Or, go sophisticated with a classic piece that easily transitions to your favorite LBD. Nothing says it quite like platinum, diamonds, and sapphires in a beautiful graphic shape.

4. Unique Gemstones

“My, what type of stone is that?” This is what you want to hear from strangers and friends alike. We love the classics, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst. Heck, how could Elizabeth Taylor have been wrong all those years? No, please do not mistake our obsession with the rarely seen as a dismissal of the rare and beautiful. This season classic designers such as Oscar de la Renta to Matthew Williamson showed rare gems on the runway. A little something like this might be just the ticket:

Or, perhaps a Jade piece to keep them guessing.

5. Structured, architectural metals

Consider pairing loose flowing layers or crepes and soft cashmere with structured metal jewelry. It’s this juxtaposition of soft and hard that designers return to year after year.

Chic.

Pop in the store to find all the pieces we featured in this Fall/Winter Accessories Trend Report. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think and which trends you’re loving this season.