Top

A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.

You are here: Home / Archives for Jewelry / Rings

The antique opal ring of your dreams.

Opals are so magical. The fiery play of color, they way they seem to change from every direction: it’s no wonder these captivating gems were once considered to be aligned with evil forces. They’re also pretty delicate, as gemstones go, which always makes me feel like antique opals are a little extra special, because of the particular care their owners must have taken to keep the pieces in good condition.

This particular antique opal ring is all that and MORE. It was originally going to share this post with one other piece, but I love it too much to divide its spotlight.

Victorian opal and diamond ring in 18k silver-topped-gold heart setting with a diamond-set bow; front view
Here it is: the antique opal ring that stole my heart (today, anyway). This incredible thing, which is for sale at A Brandt + Son, dates to the mid-Victorian period, circa 1870. It is beautiful beyond comprehension.

Victorian opal and diamond ring in 18k silver-topped-gold heart setting with a diamond-set bow; four views
As you can see, this glorious opal – which is in perfect condition, not a chip or a crack – is set in a mounting of 18k yellow gold topped with sterling silver. The yellow gold shank is embellished by fabulous carved detailing on the shoulders, which makes me swoon completely. The 18k gold gallery is also adorned with a lovely, simple scalloped design – a beautiful touch that adds to the whole of the ring without feeling fussy. Although you can’t see it in these photos, the ring shank is stamped “C&S Co.”.

Victorian opal and diamond ring in 18k silver-topped-gold heart setting with a diamond-set bow; on a hand
Here it is on a lucky hand.  The front of the ring, of course, is further embellished with a heart-shaped surround of diamonds ringing the opal and – my utterly favorite part – a perfect diamond set bow in silver-topped gold. The opal itself is luminous, resplendent with white, orange, gold, blue, and green fire.

I think its proportions are utterly perfect. The large opal and the rich color of the silver-topped gold prevent the heart and bow combo from feeling saccharine.

Victorian opal and diamond ring in 18k silver-topped-gold heart setting with a diamond-set bow.
If you hadn’t guessed by the perfect color contrast and custom fit, the antique ring box in the photo above is this antique opal ring’s original box from 1870. I know –  just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, right? The inside top of the box is stamped “JAMES GAULD JEWELLER ALFORD & KEMNAY.”

Victorian opal and diamond ring in 18k silver-topped-gold heart setting with a diamond-set bow; three views

Do you love this as much as I do, my darlings? Maybe we could arrange some kind of time-share situation if enough of us pitch in for it? Tell me your thoughts.

This antique opal ring is for sale by A Brandt + Son.  All images and info are thanks to A Brandt + Son.

The lovely jewels of Lori McLean.

Lori McLean’s work has been on my radar for a while, but I don’t thiiiiink I’ve shared anything of hers with you yet. She has a fabulous store that carries a range of pieces, both antique and new, but we’re going to focus just on Lori’s own work today.

Large Paraiba Flower ring by Lori McLean with paraiba, sapphire, and diamond in 14k green gold.

Let’s kick things off right with this Paraiba tourmaline beauty. This is a motif Lori uses for a number of pieces; I think it’s gorgeous.

Lori McLean Flower Cross earrings with turquoise, emeralds, and sapphires in yellow gold.

As you can see, the flower cross design also makes beautiful earrings. These have turquoise, emeralds, and sapphires.

Gold signet rings by Lori McLean jewelry.

Are these not some of the most wonderful signet rings you’ve ever seen? The proportions are so pretty.

Lori McLean Paraiba Pear Halo ring with paraiba tourmaline, sapphire, diamond and 14k green gold.

This Paraiba pear halo ring just knocks my socks right off. The shape, the colors, the warms gold against the oceanic perfection of the paraiba….sigh.

Lori McLean Wonder Woman's crown ring in black or white diamonds.

Here’s a gorgeous diamond band ring fit for a superhero: it’s based on the design of Wonder Woman’s crown.

How badass is this design in black?? I liked this design when I saw it online, I fell head over heels for it when I saw it in person earlier this year at the GlobalDESIGN show. So delicate and interesting.

BTW, here’s the display from Lori McLean’s booth at the GlobalDESIGN show. Everything about it was pretty.

A gold and diamond oval locket by Lori McLean jewelry.

A lovely gold locket with a small diamond in the center. Very simple, but so beautiful.

Beautiful gold and diamond engagement rings by Lori McLean jewelry.

How unique and lovely are these diamond rings? Each so distinctive and simple. What a gorgeous choice any of these beauties would be as an engagement ring.

Lori McLean diamond and 14k yellow gold pendulum earrings.

I have a pretty serious crush on these earrings. They would be perfect with almost everything.

Gold, diamond, and gemstone rings by Lori McLean jewelry.

And a whole big pile of rings to end with, because I can’t help myself.

What do you think, my dears? Who else out there is lovin’ on Lori McLean’s jewelry as much as I am? She just moved to a fabulous new store, so if you’re in the NYC area, go see the pretties in person and say hello for me!

All of these beautiful designs are currently available through Lori McLean. All images and info are thanks to Lori McLean.

Glorious long Art Deco dinner ring at Lang Antiques.

I have a very important thing to tell you before you read any further, darlings. Do you hear me? DO NOT look at this ring before you read my warning. You’ll end up with a broken heart.

WARNING: the following Art Deco dinner ring of extreme beauty has already been sold. You can’t click through to Lang Antiques and buy it. You’ll want to, but you can’t.

Ready?

Front view of a beautiful antique Art Deco dinner ring at Lang Antiques. Sapphires and diamonds in platinum filigree, circa 1920s.
Don’t mind that noise, it’s just choirs of angels singing.

Shoulder view of a beautiful antique Art Deco dinner ring at Lang Antiques. Sapphires and diamonds in platinum filigree, circa 1920s.

As I mentioned above, this magnificent platinum confection of a ring is Art Deco, circa 1920’s. The ring is original, not a converted bar pin. Its glorious filigree is set with 2.35 carats of diamonds and accented with antique synthetic sapphires, all original to the piece.

A magnificent antique Art Deco dinner ring at Lang Antiques. Sapphires and diamonds in platinum filigree, circa 1920s.
Oh man. I should have read my own disclaimer more carefully, because I’m feeling a genuine sadness that I’ll never see my hand wearing this spectacular beauty.

Who else is in love?

A spectacular antique Art Deco dinner ring at Lang Antiques. Sapphires and diamonds in platinum filigree, circa 1920s.

This beautiful Art Deco dinner ring was sold by Lang Antiques and may be admired in their archive. All images and info are thanks to Lang Antiques.

Follow along with me on Instagram