My visit to Erstwhile Jewelry Co.

It’s Election Day tomorrow in the US, and I don’t know about you, but I’m finding this particular presidential election VERY stressful. Therefore, today’s post is intended to be as relaxing as possible for all of us: I hope you find Erstwhile Jewelry Co.’s treasures as soothing as I do.

I’ve been a fan of Erstwhile Jewelry Co. for ages, and I know you feel the same way, because my posts featuring their rings are constantly on my most viewed list.

I finally had the opportunity to visit Erstwhile Jewelry Co. in person, and oh my goodness, my dears, it was everything I’d dreamed it would be. Their sunny Diamond District office is a treasure trove of rings: each more perfect and interesting than the last.

It was Erstwhile Jewelry Co.’s Art Deco pieces that drew me to them online in the first place, and I definitely went to town on the Art Deco tray.

These are all so special in their own ways – even this one picture (which is a small part of their selection) is like a visual lesson on the glorious variety to be found in antique diamond rings.

Now, going further back in time: this early Victorian engagement ring in yellow gold with its crisp enamel details takes my breath away.

It’s utterly perfect, too; soulful and romantic.

Turquoise and opals with diamonds.

Looking at these colors makes me feel like I just took a clean, deep breath. Beauties, beauties, beauties.

Rubies and diamonds!!

I jumped right on these when the rings came out. Trays upon trays of antique rings…it was the glorious navette-shaped ring with the long, skinny marquise in the center that I was drawn to first, and then I decided to make a little ruby and diamond gang so it wouldn’t be lonely.

Here’s an all-diamond lineup!

Look at these pieces: they each have such a distinct personality, even though each one of these designs uses the same stone. I especially love the one at the top of my middle finger. How great is that shoulder detail?

Here’s a closer look at that incredible 1.40 carat emerald cut ring with the baguette frame.

Could this piece be any cooler? It’s antique, but it feels so modern.

These two are Georgian era and utterly perfect.

For this picture, I made no effort whatsover to come up with a theme. I just grabbed everything I loved the most.

I’ve been pining for that buckle ring for some time. And the turquoise and diamond ring on the lower right!! Oh, for an infinite bank account.

Engagement rings are Erstwhile Jewelry Co.’s specialty, but they also offer other antique rings of exceptional quality. This is an antique mourning piece with hairwork and an exquisite diamond monogram.

And finally: these are all from Erstwhile Jewelry Co.’s contemporary line of engagement rings and wedding brands, all of which I adore.

The designs are all somewhat antique inspired: which is frequently code for “copies of antique pieces” but in this case, it makes for an utterly modern aesthetic informed by ideas most frequently found in antique jewelry. Each piece is unique and gorgeous. It was my first time seeing any of these in person, and I was seriously impressed.

I hope that you’ve found these pretty pictures as relaxing as I did. The Election is tomorrow, and then it will be over.

On that note: it would be remiss of me not to take a moment to ask you to please, go vote tomorrow if you haven’t done so already. Whichever candidate you support, this election is too important to throw away your opportunity to make your voice heard.

If you need extra inspiration, please click here to revisit my post on the jewelry of the suffragette movement.