Jewelry Archives

Your favorite jewels of 2017.

December 29, 2017

All right, my darlings. It’s here: our final post of 2017.

What better use for such a momentous occasion than to review what you loved the most this year? I’m talking, of course, about our limited context: which Diamonds in the Library posts you shared the most frequently and read the most often in 2017.

It’s a great mix of antique and contemporary jewelry, show recaps, how-to’s, and designer features. So many of my favorite posts of the year are on here (including both my suffragette post and my feminist jewelry post!). Take a gander at the list below and let me know what you think.

Is there anything in particular you’d like to see more of 2018? I’m always open to suggestions.

I’m going to take a few weeks off to celebrate the new year and get some great stuff ready for you for the upcoming months. I’ll see you in 2018!

xoxo,
Becky

15. Meet Apollo and Artemis, the world’s most expensive earrings.

I’m not at all surprised to see this one on the top list. I mean…look at those earrings!! If any of you are visiting this post on a daily basis, I wouldn’t be shocked.

14. How I make money blogging: peek behind the scenes.

I wasn’t sure about this post when I was writing it, but it’s become one of the posts that people ask me about the most frequently when they meet me in person.

I want to do some more content about the business of blogging in 2018 – I personally find it really interesting, and I think it’s good for the jewelry industry as a whole if we keep discussion open about how all of this works, how we want it to work, and what’s possible with new media.

13. Treasure hunting at the 2017 Original Miami Antique Show.

Woohoo! I’m glad to see this here, because the 2018 Original Miami Antique Show and I hope to go again and write you another big, juice recap like this one.

12. Dark and true: the jewels of Acanthus.

I love Acanthus’ designs and I’m glad you do, too.

11. Jewels for votes for women: let’s talk suffragette jewelry.

I’m so excited that this post is here! It’s one of my own favorite posts from the past year and I’m so glad that it resonated with so many of you too. I adore you, my smart, strong, bold readers.

Same for the next post:

10. Feminist jewelry to wear while you smash the patriarchy.

Hellllll yes, readers.

9. Ethereal chic with Ruta Reifen.

Apparently many of you are mermaid goddesses with excellent taste!

12 vintage engagement rings from Victor Barbone.

December 19, 2017

Are you familiar with Victor Barbone, my darlings? They’re vintage engagement ring specialists: all vintage engagement rings, all the time.

In other words: they’re our kind of people.

There isn’t much I love more than a vintage engagement ring. The romance, the unique details, the soulful sense of history and individuality!

Another bonus of vintage engagement rings – and one that isn’t discussed enough, in my opinion – is the total clarity of conscience that they offer. If you want to make sure your engagement ring has as low an environmental impact as possible, why not choose one that already exists, instead of going for new production? It’s hard to make a more sustainable/ethical choice than recycling!

Now we’re going to look at a dozen of Victor Barbone’s vintage engagement rings one by one and drool happily all over our screens.

Ready?

THIS is Mira. She requires occasional all caps, because HOLY MOLY.

Her vibe is Art Nouveau, but Mira is early Edwardian, from 1905. Are you a wood nymph who dreams of a shimmering antique diamond wreathed in golden flowers? If so: this is your perfect ring.

You’ll never see another vintage engagement ring like this one. If she feels right to you, you should buy her immediately.

Have we talked about my ruby feelings recently? I never used to appreciate rubies, but somehow they’ve become one of my favorite gems.

This ring – the fiery Everly – is a low-profile Art Deco platinum setting with a 1.06 carat transitional cut diamond and 17 rich, rosy rubies. An outwardly simple design made unforgettable by the glowing pop of color. Rubies represent passion, which couldn’t be more perfect for a proposal.

Oh hello, beautiful. This is September, a platinum seductress made in the same year as my own engagement ring: 1930.

Look at those elegant scrolling sides, nimble openwork, and of course that irresistible 2.18 carat old European cut diamond in its sleek bezel setting. This ring is quiet elegance personified, with a heavy dose of glamour on top of that.

Bezel settings are having a moment in contemporary design, but September is gorgeous proof that the concept is a classic, rather than a trend.

This is the luminous Catalina. That’s a 2.21 carat old European cut diamond in the center with another 1.75 carats of diamonds surrounding it.

There’s nothing like a diamond cluster ring for pure volume on the finger. From afar, every one of those facets will catch the light and this baby will blaze like a 5 carat stone.

29 antique jewelry gifts to buy right now!

December 16, 2017

It’s December 16th. If you’re planning on buying someone jewelry online for the holidays and you haven’t done it yet, your hour has come.

Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up some fantastic, currently-available antique jewelry for you right here. Just a few clicks of the mouse or taps of the screen remain between you and that warm “Yes I DID remember to buy that gift” feeling.

Art Deco onyx marquise ring ($340) / Vintage cameo ring ($345)
Art Deco simulated topaz ring ($270)

We’re going to look at a wide range of styles and prices here today – starting at pieces around $100, because jewelry doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to be spectacular.

And remember: you deserve gifts too! Treat yourself, darlings.

Antique Art Nouveau locket ($160) / Antique star and moon locket with diamonds ($895)

Buying antique jewelry as gift can feel intimidating if you’re not a jewelry nut yourself, but as long as you buy from a reputable dealer and pay attention to all the details of the piece before you purchase there’s no reason to be nervous.

I’m only linking to dealers here that I know and trust. If none of these pieces strikes your fancy or you want more options, click through and check out what else they may have.

Antique pearl and diamond ring ($450) / Late 1800’s amethyst ring ($345)
Victorian conversion ring ($205)

Please note: while these pieces were all available when I wrote this post, remember that antique jewelry is one of a kind and once these babies are gone, they’re gone! If you fall in love, don’t wait – and remember to ask about shipping times.

Silver Art Nouveau locket with daisies ($245).

I think this locket is fantastic. The design has such a dynamic feeling of movement and because it’s silver with a paste gem, you get a whole lot of unique antique style for your dollar here.

< Newer
1
…
50
51
52
53
54
…
293
Older >