The Sunday Paper

The weeks are passing by so quickly–everyday it gets darker a bit earlier, and a littler cooler than it was before.  Brooches are not a top pick for many jewelry collectors and they were never my favorite.  It was only until my first purchase of this Victorian brooch with enameling that I became an overnight fan. I like the immense versatility of brooches–you can seriously pin them anywhere you’d like.  So far I’ve used mine on button up shirts, to close a cardigan, pinned to a suede headband, and on purses (like above).  I’ve seen tiny Victorian bar pins that I think are so beautiful, I am on the hunt!

Do any of you have bar pins?  Any bar pin collectors out there?

My Pick of the Week:

The Fulvia ring from Wendy Brandes’ Jewelry Collection. This ring is done in 18k yellow gold with an exquisite 6.5 carat green tourmaline. Anyone who would wear this ring would put me under a spell–I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off of it! I love the architectural design of the ring, it goes so well with the tourmaline’s cut and color. Price: $5000

My eBay Pick of the Week:

I’ve had my eye on necklaces of this style: sort of like a bib but not that drastic. This one is from eBay seller: doverjewelry whom I’ve purchased from before, very reputable. The necklace is done in 14k rose gold with a single buttercup set diamond. Love the filigree work (sidenote: you can have a fun time typing in keyword: filigree into eBay). Only thing, I wish the necklace length were a bit longer. Wonder who the lucky high bidder will be?!

Happy Birthday America :: 233 years old

Happy 4th of July!  2009 marks the United States of America, 233 years!

Patriotic brooch from Lang Antiques, “V for Victory!” A truly retro era piece of jewelry, outfitted with rubies, diamonds and sapphires. It is done in 14k yellow and rose gold–very unique. I love the half-moon cut diamond at the top. Price: $2950.

A Trip to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market

Summer is all about antiquing and checking out flea markets–but I was in over my head with the added summer heat. I checked out the flea market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, in Nashville.  After enduring 95 degree haziness, lots of walking, lots of sweating, I spotted a beautiful antique brooch. The vendor was from Florida and had an amazing assortment of antique and vintage fine jewelry. Luckily his tables were extremely crowded, because when it was finally my turn to ask about the pin, he knocked $100 off of the pricetag!

My knowledge about jewelry led me to believe I got a really good deal, but to make sure I brought it to be thoroughly cleaned and checked out by a local antique jewelry shop. Turns out the brooch is circa 1890 and used to have a watch attached. It also has a folding bail that folds outward so a chain could be strung through, turning it into a necklace. Antique jewelry was often very versatile and came as 3-in-1, or 2-in-1.

A concern of mine before purchasing the brooch was the evident oxidizing of the gold. It almost looked dirty or tarnished. At first I was questioning the hallmark of 14k because I thought real gold never tarnishes. However, the antique jeweler informed me that because of its age, it had oxidized and most of it was removed after the brooch received a deep cleaning. If the brooch were 10k rather than 14k, the entire piece would have been blackened from oxidization.

Some interesting knowledge to pass on to my readers!

Hot on our Radar: Laine Jewelry

I have become enamored by this brooch–the faceted jet, the rose gold, the rough cognac and champagne diamonds–so beautiful. Laine is new to the jewelry scene, however her remarkable talent leads anyone to believe she is a 30 year veteran. Her Lillie brooch, made of 15k rose gold, dates back to 1890. The vintage piece has been reinvented through her artistic perspective, and this is the end result. And the price? Only $300. Just picture some skinny jeans, black solid tank, and a sea green scarf wrapped and secured with this brooch–niiice!