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The first ever New York City Jewelry and Object Show.

I have two fantastic pieces of news for you today, darlings: first, I had the BEST time at the inaugural New York City Jewelry and Object Show, and second, the event is happening again just a few weeks!!

So don’t despair if you missed these treasures in November, because you’re about to get another chance in April!

How was the November New York City Jewelry and Object Show, you may ask? Don’t worry, I’m going to show you.

I went up to NYC for the first ever New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS)!


The first ever New York City Jewelry and Object Show.

Why is the New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS) unique and exciting? Unlike most big jewelry shows today, the NYCJAOS was created by a jewelry lover, for jewelry lovers. Its founder, Konstantinos Leoussis, is a jewelry collector himself, as well as a respected antique jewelry dealer and talented jewelry designer.

As a show designed by someone who exhibits and shops at shows, NYCJAOS truly takes both the dealer and shopper experience into account in its design. Lower booth fees and the possibility of booth sharing means that a much wider range of small time dealers are able to participate, and delicious food sold on site means that shoppers can stay and browse all day.

I spent three days at this the November New York City Jewelry and Object Show, and there was one piece of feedback I heard over and over from both dealers and shoppers: this show had the best vibes of any show anyone had attended in a long time. It was friendly and chill, of a manageable size, and felt truly welcoming to all.

Enough talk!! I will show you the jewelry now.

I loved this antique diamond tiara that I tried on at Ishy Antiques during the New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS).


We’re going to kick things off with TWO TIARAS, just so that you immediately understand how great the New York City Jewelry and Object Show was (you know how much I love a tiara).

This antique beauty is a classic small tiara, complete with hairpin to anchor in your glamorous updo. Thank you to my friend Ishy Antiques for handing this to me immediately upon my arrival at your booth. You do understand me.

A remarkable antique pearl and carved malachite tiara from Ishy Antiques during the New York City Jewelry and Object Show


The second tiara was more unusual and absolutely required a closeup. This remarkable piece features a design of alternating pearl drops and carved malachite heads (!!!) atop a textured golden swirl.

This piece was also from Ishy antiques and I have never ever seen anything like it. Who are these tiny malachite men and why are they on this tiara??? I’m utterly delighted and I am dying to know who created this piece back in the day and why.

An extraordinary antique Victorian era snake necklace, with enamel detail, gemstones, and diamonds. From Halle's Jewels at The New York City Jewelry and Object Show


While we’re on the subject of antique jewels so good that I’ve never seen anything like them before (of which there were several at the New York Jewelry and Object Show), how about this Victorian era snake necklace from Halle’s Jewels?

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Victorian snake necklaces in this style before, but I’ve never ever seen such a pristine, opulent one in person. Look at that flawless blue enamel, the enormous, lush colored gemstones in the snake’s head, the perfection of its sinuous gold scale-like links! Big swoon.

Eyeba makes jewelry out of real prosthetic eyes - the results are eerie and beautiful. Seen at the New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS).


The New York City Jewelry and Object Show also welcomes contemporary jewelry and art dealers alongside antique jewelry vendors, for a diverse and exciting shopping experience.

Eyeba NYC was one of the contemporary brands that really caught my eye (heh). This contemporary designer makes jewelry out of real prosthetic eyes – both vintage blown glass eyes and more modern prosthesis – and the results are both eerie and beautiful.

A stunning antique Arts and Crafts era brooch with colored gems, a large pearl, and enamel. From DK Bressler.


And now for something completely different…what do you think of this incredible piece?

It’s a bit of an enigma, so while the dealer, DK Bressler, thinks the majority of the piece dates to the Arts & Crafts movement, it’s possible that parts of it may be earlier or later – the amethyst briolette was likely a later addition and I do wonder if that stunning enamel-adorned pearl could be from an earlier piece.

How wonderful are all those glowing, foil-backed gems? I love this kind of beautiful jewelry mystery.

An incredible antique monogram pendant with the letter S in turquoise and pearls. At Sandy Jacobs Antiques.


Yes, S is the first initial of my last name, and no, I can’t remember why I didn’t buy this absurdly beautiful S monogram turquoise, diamond, and pearl pendant from Sandy Jacobs Antiques.

It’s spectacular. And may have originally been even more spectacular? Do you see those empty loops at the bottom of the two longest turquoise swags? I wonder what originally dangled there. Pearl drops, perhaps?

I love these two antique sapphire and diamond rings from Jewels by Grace! Seen at the New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS).


The November New York City Jewelry and Object show was the first time since the pandemic that I’ve gotten to see a lot of my favorite antique jewelry dealers, including the inimitable Grace of Jewels by Grace. She greeted me with a huge hug, plonked her diamond headband on my head, and let me fondle everything in her case.

Of course I found some Art Deco rings to fall in love with. Who could resist these two beauties?? The only drawback is that it’s nearly impossible to choose between them. Perhaps that’s how I managed to walk away without them.

I had to try on these antique old mine cut diamond earrings from Jewels by Grace. 14 carats of diamonds in one ear!


Grace of Jewels by Grace was also kind enough to let me try on the stunning old mine cut diamond earrings she was wearing that day.

I think they look badass worn on the same side. I have 14 carats of diamonds on one earlobe in this photo! Can you even?

Also, aren’t they perfect with my own antique paste riviere? That’s a personal collection piece I’ll be taking to my grave.

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Sweet springtime jewels from A La Vieille Russie.

I’m so happy that spring is here! And I’m not the only one enjoying the season: high-end antique and vintage jewelry store A La Vieille Russie has curated the prettiest spring-themed edit of jewels for us to enjoy.

There’s even a tiara!! It’s incredible.

1920's swan brooch and circa 1905 starburst brooch from A La Vieille Russie

Sweet springtime jewels from A La Vieille Russie

I’ve had the honor of visiting A La Vieille Russie‘s NYC brick and mortar store twice, and both occasions were extremely memorable – even though one visit was just a frantic 10 minutes before I had to go catch my train home. If you ever have the chance to go visit them IRL, definitely do it.

I haven’t met these spring-themed pretties in person, but the lovely folks at ALVR were kind enough to send over these photos for us to enjoy.

Antique ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant from A La Vieille Russie

This beautiful butterfly is an antique that can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant. It features rich, red rubies and sparkling antique diamonds.

Up at the top of the post, we have a French 1920’s diamond swan brooch by Hartz. I paired it with this Howard & Co starburst brooch from 1905, because the two together make me feel like I’m taking a sunny walk by a lake.

A gold and enamel orchid brooch, circa 1900, and a demantoid garnet frog brooch from A La Vieille Russie

What’s a fictional springtime stroll without lots of glorious green?

Here we have the prettiest a gold and enamel orchid brooch, circa 1900. How lovely is that delicate, exquisitely detailed enamel? It’s not a flashy design, but its subtle beauty is quietly stunning.

And, of course, a darling demantoid garnet frog brooch to keep the orchid company. Demantoid garnets are one of my favorite green gems, and this little amphibious fellow is just too adorable to resist.

Antique micromosaic earrings and a Jean Schlumberger caterpillar pin with sapphires and turquoise, circa 1950. From A La Vieille Russie

Who said creepy crawlies can’t also be chic?

Here we have a pair of exquisitely detailed antique micromosaic earrings with a motif of flowers and two beetles. If you’re not familiar with micromosaic jewelry, it’s literally a tony mosaic: those images are formed from countless itty bitty fragments that are fitted together to form images. It’s a very tricky technique that requires skill and patience. It blows my mind to know someone made these over 100 years ago, by hand, with no computer-generated schematics to follow.

The earrings are accompanied by an exceptionally charming critter, a caterpillar pin by Jean Schlumberger. I’m not a fan of real life caterpillars (they’re one of the only insect-like creatures that gives me the ick) but this one is welcome to my shoulder anytime. It features sapphires and turquoise and dates to 1950.

Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. With emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie

I promised you a tiara and here it is!!! I have a weakness for foliate tiaras and this one is a perfect example of why I love them: it’s so romantic and whimsical and dramatic and elegant. It’s giving major Titania vibes, with its emerald oak leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. Put this on and you’re an instant fairy queen.

This one-of-a-kind English tiara is from the Victorian era, circa 1850. It has been in the same family since the 1970’s, when it was previously sold by A La Vieille Russie to a father who was buying it for his daughter to wear on her wedding day. Now it has returned to ALVR’s collection and is looing for a new owner!

Antique French wasp brooch, circa 1875, with diamonds and emeralds and an Art Deco dragonfly brooch by Janesich, circa 1940. From A La Vieille Russie

Two final winged blings to see us out! Here we have antique French wasp brooch, circa 1875, which might actually be my favorite non-tiara piece here. I just love the drama of its wings and its delicate antennae. It’s accompanied by an Art Deco dragonfly brooch by Janesich, circa 1940.

And that’s it for today! What did you think of this collection, my darlings? Do you feel like you’ve been strolling through a bejeweled meadow?

Thanks to A La Vieille Russie for putting together this delightful spring-themed collection of beauties for us to enjoy! You can see these treasures in person at the upcoming Philadelphia Show.

Images c/o A La Vieille Russie.

Vintage swan brooch, Art Deco era, by Hartz. French, circa 1920. From A La Vieille Russie.
A gold and enamel orchid brooch, circa 1900, from A La Vieille Russie
Vintage Jean Schlumberger caterpillar pin with sapphire and turquoise, circa 1950. From A La Vieille Russie
Victorian era snake brooch, American, circa 1900. From A La Vieille Russie.
Victorian era snake bracelet with diamonds and rubies, circa 1880. From A La Vieille Russie.
Victorian era pearl and diamond snake brooch, circa 1860. From A La Vieille Russie.
Victorian era diamond butterfly brooch, circa 1880. English. From A La Vieille Russie
Victorian era diamond butterfly brooch, circa 1880. English. From A La Vieille Russie.
Pineapple earrings by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., circa 1950. From A La Vieille Russie.
Peridot and diamond bombe brooch by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., circa 1950. From A La Vieille Russie.
Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. With emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie
Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. With emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie.
Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. Detail view of emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie
Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. Detail view of emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie.
Magnificent antique Victorian oak leaf tiara, circa 1850. Detail view of emerald leaves and natural pearl and diamond acorns. From A La Vieille Russie!
Art Deco horse brooch from 1920. From A La Vieille Russie.
Art Deco dragonfly brooch by Janesich, circa 1940. From A La Vieille Russie
Art Deco dragonfly brooch by Janesich, circa 1940. From A La Vieille Russie.
Antique Victorian micromosaic earrings. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant worn as a pendant. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant in brooch form. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant in antique box. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique French wasp brooch, circa 1875, with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. From A La Vieille Russie
Antique diamond starburst brooch, circa 1905, from A La Vieille Russie
Antique diamond starburst brooch, circa 1905, from A La Vieille Russie.
An antique diamond and pearl jellyfish or flower brooch from A La Vieille Russie
An antique demantoid garnet frog brooch from A La Vieille Russie
A vintage ring with two ducks, by Van Cleef and Arpels. From A La Vieille Russie.
A pair of Etruscan revival gold flower earrings, circa 1870. From A La Vieille Russie

Yes, Queen! 50 historic tiaras in new Sotheby’s exhibit.

Hello, my darlings. It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I didn’t mean to leave you for so long! I have been busy taking care of myself and I am happy to tell you that after years and years of mysterious health issues, I have finally found both my true diagnosis and a doctor who is actually able to help me feel better. It is still going to be a long road but I’m so happy to have answers and support. If you’re interested, you can read my health update on Instagram.

I couldn’t think of a better way to return to this blog than with a glorious parade of historic tiaras, and the universe has provided! So without further ado, let us go down to tiara town.

Three more historic tiaras from the upcoming Sotheby's exhibition

Sotheby’s London to exhibit historic tiaras

In honor of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a celebration honoring the Queen of England’s reign, Sotheby’s has gathered together a display of nearly 50 extraordinary tiaras, including many examples with British and European royal provenance. The exhibition is called Power & Image: Royal & Aristocratic Tiaras and it opens to the public in just a few days, so pardon me while I frantically Google flights to London.

This will be the largest exhibit of tiaras to be held in the UK for 20 years. Highlights include the rarely-displayed Spencer Tiara, which Lady Diana wore on her wedding day 40 years ago; and Queen Victoria’s emerald and diamond tiara, which was originally purchased for her by Prince Albert in 1845.

I don’t have a photo of every single one of the exhibition’s historic tiaras, but I can show you 17 of them!!! Shall we dive in?

A diamond tiara, Carrington & Co., early 20th century,Tiaras exhibition at Sotheby’s, June 2022

First we have an extremely lovely, romantic tiara that would be perfect for a royal wedding. Look at that heart motif! My favorite element is actually the little geometric arches beneath the bottom of each heart. It’s such an elegant use of negative space and the perfect foil to the elaborate designs above.

This tiara was created by Carrington & Co. and dates to the early 20th century.

A gold, cameo and enamel diadem, Jacques-Ambroise Oliveras, circa 1805, some cameos possibly ancient,Tiaras exhibition at Sotheby’s, June 2022

This is one of the coolest historic tiaras in this entire exhibit, IMHO. It was made by Jacques-Ambroise Oliveras in 1805. It’s gold with absolutely stunning braided detail highlighted with blue enamel and featuring several exquisite cameos.

Experts suspect that some of these cameos actually predate the tiara’s creation; they may even be ancient artefacts that the jeweler incorporated into his design.

A diamond tiara, circa 1830, Tiaras exhibition at Sotheby’s, June 2022

This diamond tiara has such a wonderfully dramatic silhouette that it almost has a kokoshnik feel to it. It’s formed as a wreath of diamond leaves holding up a large center diamond, framed by a border of diamonds on each side.

This late Georgian beauty dates to 1830.

An amethyst, sapphire, onyx and diamond bandeau, Cartier, 1920s,Tiaras exhibition at Sotheby’s, June 2022

This is one of my personal faves, which makes sense, because it was made by one of my favorite jewelry houses at the height of one of my favorite aesthetic eras. Yes, it is 1920’s Cartier. And it features colored gems! It has amethyst, sapphire, and black onyx, in addition to diamonds. Technically the way this piece sits on the head means it’s a bandeau, but we’re calling everything tiaras today.

It’s just the right amount of tiara for casual princessing. I’d want a more dramatic one for my own wedding or an important event, but I could see this being a fave for occasions of medium importance.

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