COLLECTING
The jewels we gift ourselves
I am hopelessly romantic about jewelry. I am also an avid self-purchasing woman and have been for over 20-some odd years and have also written articles on the topic for approximately that long. But since I first saw the inkling of women confidently buying their own jewelry, I have also witnessed a boom of modern…
Read MoreThe meaning and symbolism of heart jewelry throughout history
For those of you whose significant others are planning chocolate-shaped hearts for Valentine’s Day, the thought is (literally) sweet. But, as we all know, these gifts would be more meaningful, read: desirable if they came in precious metals and colored gemstones. While some of us have always had a passion for hearts, others have found them…
Read MoreAntique Week in New York City
January in New York: it’s cold, dreary, gets dark way to early and we tend to layer more in sweaters and scarves than jewelry—but there is one week that always puts a smile on my face—when The Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory comes to town. Sure, I will be in Miami…
Read MoreVintage Men’s Timepieces – A Smart Purchase for Contemporary Women
Today, when “smart watches” double as keepers of memories and personal information, there is something authentic, intimate and rare about timepieces that are linked to the past. You might even say: timeless. There is also a trend in women’s watches that prevailed at the 2016 Basel (major international watch show) and continues to hold it’s…
Read MoreCircling Around Again: The Staple of Statement Necklaces
Sometime in 2016, I became obsessed with owning a rivière necklace from the Georgian era. Like many collectors of antique jewelry, I am enamored by the character and craft of jewels from this period. I love the cut down collet settings of this necklace that translates into river… of gemstones. Whether to invest in one…
Read MoreRing Leaders: Designers, Antique Dealers and Retailers talk about the rings the bejewel their own fingers
More than any other category of jewelry, rings act as visual celebrations of the most memorable moments and emotional connections in a woman’s life, They can be worn stacked or singular and statement making, or in mixed metals and themes. Due to the popularity of all types and time periods, we continue our series entitled…
Read MoreThe Stuff of Dreams: Sotheby’s December 2016 Jewelry Auctions
One of my favorite outings during the holiday season is attending the large auction house previews and Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Fine Jewels proved exceptional this year. Instead of sugar plum fairies dancing in my head, there are brooches from Boucheron and Cartier and a few of the jewels from The Property From…
Read MoreSeven Meaningful Motifs in Victorian Jewelry (As Popular Today As They Were Then)
Whether you are spiritual, sentimental or superstitious, there are certain motifs in jewelry that you might want to add to your collection to bring luck, love, protection and empowerment to your life. These pieces reflect symbolism to which many women can relate: expressing your beliefs, representing your experiences or motivating change. And, they are as…
Read MoreJewels To Covet: Wartski’s Lucien Falize’s medieval manuscript brooch
Long before the legendary love story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor was told through the secret messages and codes inscribed into the renowned jewels Prince Edward VIII gave to Wallis Simpson before he abdicated his thrown for her, the adornment of romance and affection were a huge part of jewelry’s history. Secret codes…
Read MoreTEFAF debuts in New York with Museum Quality Jewels
Walking into The historical Park Avenue Armory to view any show feels like entering a prestigious event. The prominent, renovated yet preserved landmark building’s architecture creates an impressive venue in which you feel as special as the exhibition you are visiting. The first edition of TEFAF New York, which opened to the public on October…
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