Sunday, July 5, 2009

My Obsession~ Vintage Jewelry

Anyone who knows me knows how deeply in love I am with vintage and antique jewelry. My thirst for fine jewelry was born a few years ago when I was "loaned" (I say "given") one of my grandmother's diamond rings. I have worn it nearly everyday since and still take giddy pleasure in looking at it on my finger. My grandmother has some incredible jewelry, all of which makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up (in only the good way), but myself and my circle of girlfriends don't have or acquire jewelry in the way that women did "back then" (we're too busy paying rent in this ridiculously pricey city). Still, pretty shiny things are always alluring so instead we browse in Tiffany & Co. or Birks.  No crazy person would ever deny that these stores have beautiful things but they are not exactly unique. 

This is where my passion for antique comes in. Lately I've been on a search for a piece of jewelry I can buy that isn't too steep and that will be special to me in years to come. The simple act of searching Google produced the lovely website, Vintage Jewelry Online~ a treasure trove of Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces that had my heart pounding and my credit card sweating (just kidding). I'm still torn between several pieces but in the meantime I thought I'd share three of the absolutely gorgeous rings I love (all for cheaper than a Tiffany "bean" necklace, with far more character and history to boot). I can't wait to have something arrive for me one day and I can wear it, wondering about the woman who wore it before me, perhaps sixty or seventy years ago. Now that is what I call unique.

Aquamarine Art Deco ring from the 1920's with silver filigree band, $195US

1930's 5 Carat Coral cabochon and Marcasite ring, $165US

Top ring: Genuine 1930's Art Deco Pearl and Sapphire ring, $285US

1 comment:

  1. I love the Art Deco pearl ring! (The most expensive, of course-why is that always the way?) The other two are lovely too.

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