Five Vintage/Antique Mens Wedding Bands:

Early 1900s 14K Band, 3.7mm, Size 9, $395
1920-30s 14K Band, 3.4mm, Size 8.5, $395
1930-40s 14K Migrain Edge Band, 4.5mm, Size 11, $490
Mid 1900s 18K Band, Italian, 3.8mm, Size 9.5, $385
1930-50s 14K Band, 3mm, Size 8, $295

1890s Victorian Signet Ring with Art Deco Diamond Cluster Top
10K Yellow, 14K White Gold, ~0.60ctw Single Cut Diamonds, $1950

This is a 19th century signet ring that was modified in the 1920-30s to have a cluster of diamonds on its face.  It’s quite well done, and quite a lot more spectacular in person than it is in this photo. It reminds me of pyrite rings we’ve had in the past, except than instead of fool’s gold in the center, it’s a big cluster of really nice diamonds.

19th Century Large Anglo-Indian Vishnu & Kali Locket, Silver, $425

I always love the overlap of Indian and Victorian jewelry in the 19th century.  This locket is something that probably came back to England as a souvenir of India.  But in spite of the Hindu motifs on either side of the locket, it probably has more in common with English Victorian jewelry than with Indian jewelry.  Lockets of similar construction with raised figural motifs were popular in the mid to late 19th century in England.  An Indian jeweler likely modeled this one after an English example.  

It’s hard to relay in a photo, but the scale and depth of relief in the design are really amazing.  It’s huge.

P.S. I believe that’s Kali and Vishnu pictured, but if I’m wrong, do let me know!

P.P.S From the same estate, we also have a bracelet with similar motifs.

We have just added a large number of opal jewellery pieces to our website and even more in our shop. Opal is a very popular semi-precious stone, possibly because of the way nature has created it with stunning colours which are different too every piece, and because Opal is October’s birthstone.

One unfortunate myth that puts some people off purchasing opal is that the stone is unlucky. In fact this myth was as a result of the book Anne of Gerstein, written by Sir Walter Scott in 1829.  In this book the main character dies and her death is attributed to the wearing of opal. Prior to this book’s release the multicolored opal was considered to be a gemstone of good luck, beauty and fascination.

Opal as a birthstone symbolises Purity, Hope & Health
According to gem lore, opal is believed to soothe depression and help the wearer find true love! It also promotes creativity, spontaneity, happiness and improves memory. White opal is a milky white stone with mysterious, iridescent qualities. A gift of opal is said to be symbolic of faithfulness.

Opal is a precious, beautiful and unique gemstone. It was formed over 60 million years ago from silica and water filtering through rocks, and eventually solidifying in seams and cavities.

No two opals are ever exactly the same. The colours and patterns within each stone change with the angle of view. However it is a delicate gemstone and should be treated with the same respect given to emeralds and pearls. Opals should not be subjected to extreme changes of temperature. (so do take off opal rings before doing the washing up!) Opals should only be cleaned with a dampened cloth. Opal doublets in particular should avoid all immersion in water.

1920s French Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring, 18K
(in the online shop next week)

One of the cooler Deco rings I’ve seen in a long while.

1890s Victorian Pearl Axe Brooch, 14K, $295

Don’t know the symbolism here exactly.  We’ve had plenty of axe pins over the years, but never one quite so fine as this, and never with a pearl being chopped.

In the shop this evening. That Erie Basin banner on the table was a present from a friend, who found it in Baltimore. It’s on canvas and was part of one of those rolling bus stop signs.  Back when Red Hook was called Erie Basin.

New arrivals.

We’re just open by appointment now, until July 11th.  No baby yet, so happy to take appointments for this week.