Good morning, my darlings! It’s been a while since we’ve done a good old fashioned store profile, but I’ve got a great one for you here today. We’re going to be taking a look at the fantastic A Brandt and Son, a family-owned antique and vintage jewelry store outside of Philly.
I was in Philly for a weekend away with my husband (a weekend that I do admit was supposed to be jewelry-free) when the patient Mr. DitL agreed that sure, we could stop by just one jewelry store. I’d been following A Brandt and Son online for a while and had seen some of their treasures once at the NYC Big Flea, so I was thrilled to have a chance to go visit them in person.
A Brandt and Son‘s online description is “A. Brandt + Son offers an extensive collection of Antique and Estate Jewelry, specializing in pieces from the Georgian era through the Contemporary period.” This sounds vague, but I assure you it’s completely accurate.
They do specialize in everything between Georgian and Contemporary. Their selection is exceptional, and it ranges evenly across all of those eras. I saw exceptional antique chains, Georgian necklaces, Edwardian pendants, engagement rings from all eras, mourning rings, and more – not to mention the swoonworthy motherload of Victorian lockets (see please above and drool).
Let’s take a look at some of the treasures I saw there.
A Brandt and Son had one of the best in-store selections of midrange Art Deco engagement rings I’ve seen anywhere. The kind that the majority of people will actually be able to afford: bigger than a twinkle but smaller than a boulder, and with plenty of knee-weakening detail. But I admit I’m biased; my own ring would fit into this stack perfectly.
One of my favorite things about A Brandt and Son is that they really did have excellent examples of pieces from all categories, from the most accessible – classic Art Deco engagement rings – to the unusual, like this Victorian skeleton key pendant.
Each key features a retractable hidden function. The left key hides a small knife blade and the right, a pencil.
One of the best man-in-the-moon rings I’ve ever seen!
This beauty is Victorian, and the man in the moon is actually carved rock crystal rather than moonstone, which is more commonly used in pieces like this. It reflects light in a ghostly glow, ethereal and captivating.
Starting strong with the most wonderful antique English ruby and diamond double heart ring. From Bell and Bird. I can’t really talk about this one because I love it too much.
This is one of the loveliest Georgian foiled-back topaz necklaces I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Look how perfect the condition is, and how lovely the color! The flowers are centered by pearls and set in gold.
One of the coolest fede rings I’ve ever seen! This antique piece from The Spare Room features a carved central turquoise piece flanked by textured gold and other gemstones. So unusual, and in ridiculously good condition.
This magnificent thing from Terry Lucy jewelry is a late Victorian silver-topped gold necklace with rose cut diamonds and 80 carats (!!!) of no-heat Ceylon sapphires.
This massive 5-day event draws dealers, buyers, and enthusiasts from all over the world to create one of the most dynamic, treasure-filled antique shows out there – in a location that’s delightful in late January, especially when one has 
Thanks to my antique jewelry fairy godmother, the one and only 
These antique diamond earrings of my dreams are better known around Instagram as the legendary Olsen twins, property of the incandescent