Gem Gossip has moved!

This jewelry blog has moved! Our web address is www.gemgossip.com

Bookmark the site! We have a whole new design and have added a jewelry store!

Gem Gossip has big news!

Gem Gossip only has two words to say today:

Big News!

[ALL readers, click the above link please]

eBay Sadness and Goodness

eBay seller: gemsymons

eBay is an exciting place–the search is riveting, the bidding is intense, and the win in triumphant.  But what about the bidding losers? Or the amazing finds that you miss out on?  It is sad when you find a piece of jewelry that is so perfect and beautiful, only to see a bidding war, followed by a “Bidding has ended on this item” alert.  This is exactly what happened to me with this gorgeous ruby and diamond navette style ring.  My search for the perfect navette ring has been a long one, and when I clicked on this little stunner I felt that it was a sure win.  Final bidding price?  $236.26  Still clearly below any retail or boutique would have marked on a ring like this, but man, just too much for me at the moment.  Oh well…the search continues!

>>Do any of you have a certain piece of jewelry that you have been searching for, but just haven’t found the perfect one?

Alexa Chung’s Jewelry at the Whitney Museum Gala

Alexa Chung looked gorgeous in the prettiest periwinkle minidress at the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala in New York. Fashion bloggers loved her look, but I was more concerned with her jewelry. Her choices were so subtle, and so perfect. I love the skull cameo necklace, with two antique rings worn on the pinkie and ring finger on her right hand. Below are two similar rings along with the exact cameo skull necklace.

The exact skull cameo necklace worn by Alexa Chung at the Whitney Museum Gala can be yours as well! This necklace is done in 18k yellow gold, designed by Iosselliani. It can be purchased at Aloha Rag by clicking here. Price: $992

On Alexa’s ring finger is a dark stone ring–not exactly sure what it is but I think this would be a good choice. It has a similar dark feel, but rather than a skull it is a lady. This ring is vintage Art Deco from Sylvia’s Antiques. It is done in 18k white gold with a black hardstone intaglio. Price: $595

As a contrast to the two “non-sparkly” pieces, a white gold antique diamond ring is perfect. The 1950s style of this ring is so collectible. These little rings from this time period are fun–this one’s done in 14k white gold with 1.2 carats of diamonds. From Beladora2 and priced at $1350. Beladora also has several others!

Gorgeous Necklaces from Phoenix Roze

Phoenix Roze. Have you heard of them? The jewelry world’s best kept secret, with impeccably talented designer, Guy Rozenstrich, behind the name. I was taken by the delicately beautiful necklaces within the collection. See for yourself below, and check out more necklaces along with other pieces here. You will love Phoenix Roze too!

This necklace is like a gorgeous tangled mess–makes me want to purposefully tangle my extra chains to create a similar look. This one is cool because it is 14k yellow and rose gold. The stones are pink tourmaline and priced at $475

Love the one-sided placement of the stones, but it doesn’t stop there, the stones also go from dark to light tourmaline. This one’s done in 14k gold, features a simple cross and priced at $425

The “Y-necklace” style is evident, but it doesn’t define the entire design. It is very subtle, just the small gold chain hanging in the center. Done in 14k yellow gold with blue and pink colored sapphires. Price: $275

This is a cute everyday staple piece–a delicate three ruby necklace. I like how the chain attaches to the pendant that way. Done in 14k yellow gold, priced at $365. Just think only $1 a day for a year!!

Antique & Treasure Hunting in Southern California

A fun portion of my trip to California was spent antiquing.  We went to two areas–Solana Beach and Ocean Beach, both near San Diego, both totally different. Solana Beach was sort of in an upscale area, while Ocean Beach was right on the ocean and had more of a surfer-dude vibe. It is interesting to compare the two after spending a day antiquing in each. I thought I would be able to find more jewelry in Solana Beach than Ocean Beach–but I was wrong!

Solana Beach has its own “Design District” full of amazing shops and boutiques.  In Solana, we focused mainly on one large antique place since time was limited. It is called the Antique Warehouse, known to have over 101 vendors inside. The amount of items was overwhelming, but in a good way. They have about ten large glass cases full of fine, antique jewelry. At the time, nothing jumped out at me and items that I did sort of like were priced higher than I was willing to spend. I always make sure not to buy for the sake of buying when it comes to jewelry–I have to REALLY like something before I purchase. That is the biggest tip I have when it comes to antiquing.

After looking for a whole solid hour, I went back to this velvet jewelry box from the ’70s that I thought was so amazing. I like the color and especially the golden puma on top. I loved that the bottom had “Made in Italy” in gold written, which sealed the deal for me. My grandparents would be proud.

Antique Warehouse
212 South Cedros Avenue
Solana Beach, CA 92075

The final antique trip was made to Ocean Beach a few hours before my plane was set to leave. At this point I had not purchased any jewelry yet! Newport Avenue is full of antique shops and neat places to grab a bite to eat. We started with several shops, and left disappointed at each one. My departure was quickly approaching, but we were told that Empire Enterprises had “a lot” of estate and antique jewelry.

And wow, did we hit the motherload! I was in heaven and it was nice to find out that this place had been owned for over 30 years by the same people who enjoy buying and selling items people don’t want anymore. The neatest thing was something I spotted and had to ask about. It was a large treasure chest full of rings–just piles of them, about 200 I’m guessing. If a customer would like, they can go to town looking through the entire treasure chest and “treasure hunt” themselves. Each item in the chest was priced incredibly well. It took me about 15 minutes to go through all 200 rings, but I came out with three that I love.

[10k white gold onyx ring
14k yellow gold, filigree rhodolite garnet solitaire ring
18k yellow gold curved diamond band]

Empire Enterprises Antiques
4926 Newport Avenue
San Diego, CA 92107

Vintage Finds at Erie Basin

Gorgeous sparkler from the 1920s, featured at Erie Basin. This is such a unique style which is done in 18k & platinum, with 1.5 carats total of diamonds. Price$3350, look for it later this week online.

I am really loving the garnet and onyx rings. The garnet has some beautiful filigree work going on, it is from the 1900s (unfortunately it is already sold). The onyx is from the 1900s and has a very pretty diamond, in white gold. Funny how I picked up two rings on my trip to California that are incredibly similar–look for a photo of them in tomorrow’s post!