Victorian Archives

The hottest lots of Fellows’ Nov 9th auction!

November 1, 2017

You’re familiar with Fellows, aren’t you, my darlings? They’re a well-respected London auction house known for its spectacular selections of jewelry. Many of us follow them on Instagram, despite the severe temptation that sometimes presents. We’ve looked at a Fellows sale at least once before here on DitL, the day we talked about alternative engagement rings.

Lot 414 / Lot 213 / Lot 137 / Lot 477

Fellows has a jewelry auction coming up next week, and it’s a fantastic one. This is particularly great news for any of you who may be planning ahead for holiday season jewelry gifting. (It’s still gifting if you buy it for yourself! You deserve a treat.)

How fantastic is Fellows’ November Antique and Modern Jewelry Sale? I’m talking spectacular pieces from many eras and ranging across many price points. Pounce-worthy pieces for both serious collectors and the newest of newbies to adore.

Let’s take a look!

Lot 527: A late Georgian ‘Evil Eye’ diamond, turquoise and agate ring.

This is my favorite piece in the entire auction. I usually have a few favorites, but this ring is the be all and end all of Fellows November sale for me. I swoon for the creamy agate, the bright turquoise, and the warm gold in that elegant shank. This ring unusual, charismatic, incredibly cool, it’s in beautiful condition and I’ve never seen another one like it.

I actually considered trying to hide this one from you, to keep the bidding low…but I respect you too much for that. I knew you’d love it as much as I do, and what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t share?

Lot 298: An early 20th century peridot, diamond and seed pearl necklace.

I’ve been on a peridot kick lately. It’s an underappreciated gem – verdant and soulful, often subtle but so lovely!

Next week’s Fellows sale excels in the category of beautiful, wearable antique necklaces with estimates in the $500-$3,000 range. I have to point out that this category is absolutely perfect for anyone who may be planning ahead to make a big splash with holiday gift giving this year. (Only if you’re looking to give the best gift EVER.)

For more in this category, check out Lot 544, Lot 478, Lot 306, Lot 253, Lot 236, Lot 207, Lot 206, Lot 187, and Lot 204.

Lot 176: Two mid 20th century gold and silver, diamond and enamel 1939 Northolt racing brooches.

I don’t know anything at all about horse racing, but I know that these two 1939 Northolt brooches are fantastic.

They’re even cooler than you might suspect: they’re not just random designs, they actually depict two specific individual 1930’s jockeys from the Northolt races. You can learn more about these two remarkable pieces here.

Rings galore at The Three Graces jewelry store.

September 18, 2017

Are you familiar with The Three Graces?

I’ve followed them for years, both through their website and on Instagram. Their specialty is antique, vintage, and estate jewelry; particularly rings.

We’re going to look at some of those rings today, and if you’re not excited about that yet, you will be soon!

Emerald / Pink tourmaline / Man in the Moon / Opal

This handful is a perfect example: four stunning pieces, each starring different gemstones and exemplifying very different styles in pristine condition. They’re actually all from the same 10 year span, 1920-1930.

How is it possible that there are so many exquisite and varied pieces in one place? Knowledge, my dears.

The Three Graces’ owner, Lisa Stockhammer-Mial is a widely respected expert in the field of jewelry. It’s Lisa’s eye and expertise that keeps The Three Graces selection so exceptional. I’ve spent time with her at antique shows, and it’s incredible to see what she can know about a piece of jewelry from just a few moments looking at it.

This Georgian era emerald and diamond ring is so beautiful, it hurts my heart a little to look at it. It dates to 1830 and it’s flawless. Look at those side details!!

There aren’t very many rings from that era in condition this good. They just don’t exist.

Sapphire / Tourmaline / Diamond

Any one of these would be a ridiculously perfect engagement ring. You know I’m a sucker for side details.

Top picks from the Leslie Hindman September sale!

August 23, 2017

It’s that time again, my darlings! Time to peep the goodies in Leslie Hindman’s September sale, that is. If you remember the spectacular and diverse treasures of Leslie Hindman’s past auctions, you’ll know that this is an excellent reason for excitement.

Lot 27: A Victorian Silver Topped Gold, Turquoise, Garnet and Diamond Serpent Necklace, Circa 1840.

If you know me, you know that a classic Victorian era snake necklace is high on my personal jewelry bucket list. This baby right here, with its vivid turquoise scales, bewitching ruby cabochon eyes, sassy diamond eyebrows and sensuously articulated body, makes me want to swoon.

There just aren’t that many antique snake necklaces of this caliber in existences. If you have the resources to buy this treasure, DO IT. And then please let me be your friend so I can stare at it.

Lot 47 An Art Moderne Blackened Steel, White Gold, Cultured Pearl Diamond Brooch, Marsh & Co.
Lot 48 A Pair of Art Moderne Blackened Steel, White Gold, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earclips, Marsh & Co.
Lot 49 A Platinum and Diamond Ring, Spaulding & Co., with Blackened Steel Jacket Ring, Marsh & Co.

These are iconic Marsh & Co blackened steel; a strange, extremely cool collector’s item. Antique Jewelry University has a great article about Marsh & Co, but here’s the short version: they had a jeweler who also loved shotguns and their distinctive blackened steel fine jewelry is the result.

I saw my first Marsh steel pieces last summer and I couldn’t stop touching them. The contrast of the textured steel with sparking diamonds or lustrous pearls is totally irresistible in person. They’re also understated; this is a collector’s item you really could wear every day. I’d love to own one myself someday.

Lot 16 An Egyptian Revival Yellow Gold, Amethyst and Enamel Necklace.

I couldn’t resist including this gorgeous Egyptian Revival amethyst pendant. The giant purple gem is obviously beautiful, but it’s the enamel detail that makes my jaw drop. The overall shape is vaguely floral, but the embellishments are actually winged scarabs.

Even better news? This beauty’s estimate is well under $1,000. That’s a lot of look and a cool historical aesthetic without too much of an investment.

There’s lots more lots* to love in Leslie Hindman’s September Sale, so be sure to take a look at the full catalog! They have showings coming up in Chicago and NYC in late August, and then the auction itself is September 10-13.

* I know I make that joke too frequently when I write about auctions but I can’t help myself.

This sponsored post is brought to you by Leslie Hindman.