An Unexpected Combination…

After my trip to California, I arrived home with a lot of new, little goodies.  The sad part is almost always when I purchase a ring, it needs to be sized before I can wear it–that means I have to part with the new jewels for a week.  Just when I was about to get excited to wear them!  More about those soon.

Luckily one of the rings that I picked up was actually my size.  It is the bottom band in the stack–the 5 diamond, slightly curved band ring. These types of rings often get overlooked or stereotyped as “anniversary bands” or “wedding bands.”  I hardly see them as so.  They are great for stacking, like seen how I did in the photo.  I was only playing around with different ring combinations, and when came up with this it became my new favorite.  Do you like it?

[14k yellow gold
chocolate & white diamond
swirl ring from
Ross-Simons
purchased in 2004]

[18k yellow gold
slightly curved diamond
band ring from
Empire Antiques, San Diego]

[14k white gold
sapphire eternity band
from DoverJewelry]

[14k yellow gold
textured band
from QVC]

My Jewel Box: My very own Serpent

I was running a few last minute errands before heading to California last week.  Stopped by Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry to get a few rings cleaned, trying hard not to look at the jewelry in the glass cases.  I had a plan to keep my eyes above the glass, but failed miserably.  Not only did I peek, but I also accidently saw a sign that advertised a small section to be 40% off.  And I had to open my mouth and state–”Wow, you guys never have sales?!”  Which was only then affirmed and made things that much more appealing.  Not sure what happened next, however I found myself driving home with this little guy around my neck!  Aye, forbidden fruit and temptation have won yet again!

[top photo: Victorian 14k yellow gold serpent pendant
converted from a stick pin, nestled on top
chunk of amethyst and herkimer diamond]

[bottom photo: special thanks to my dad
for letting me use his vintage Planet of the Apes
doll as a model]

Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry  ♦ 410 Main St. Franklin, TN  ♦ (615) 790-0244

My Jewel Box: A Heap of Hearts

Hearts are an incredibly popular motif in jewelry, mainly because hearts symbolize love. And I do love hearts! My family knows that well, seeing as the only kind of Christmas ornaments I own are all hearts!  (And I get made fun of for having a Valentine’s Day Christmas tree).  I wouldn’t say it is my favorite jewelry motif, but for some reason I have amassed a nice little collection. They are seen here resting on a mother-of-pearl seashell dish purchased at a boutique in Laguna Beach.

Most of my heart charms are either 18k or 14k yellow gold. A few are from Italy given to me by my grandparents on their frequent trips. The puffed heart that has been dented pretty badly was worn for months straight, dangling from a bracelet. I think the dent gives it character, I like it even more than “pre-dent” heart. Love the heart-key charm, I like to wear it on a gold chain with the heart furthest to the left.

And I ended up choosing…

…the square! So, a few weeks prior to my birthday I asked everyone if I should go with the round or square shaped ring from Zoë Chicco’s Spike Collection.  I initially was going to go with the round–but then I thought it would be fun to ask everyone’s opinion.

Thanks to many great comments and opinions, I ended up choosing the square!  I am very happy with this choice, I love my ring!  I also am glad that I chose a Matte finish rather than a Polished finish.  Not too many jewelry pieces have a matte finish, which makes it even more unique.  The onyx was a no-brainer for me–it is such a striking color against the yellow gold.

Now that I look in both my closet and jewelry box, I am realizing an overwhelming abundance of black. Didn’t even mean for this to happen either…I think the next piece of jewelry I am going to purchase is going to be bright and vibrant!

{inquiries about the specifics on any jewelry items I’m wearing, feel free to leave a comment, I will answer your questions}

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you

Had a wonderful birthday yesterday. Leaving you with some shots I took with almost my entire ring collection. If you have questions about particulars on any of these pieces, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you! Thanks to all my readers–especially those who leave comments and fun emails! And yes, I like to help out in any way that I can if you are in a jewelry dilemma.

I will post soon to let you know if I chose the square or round version of this ring. Let’s just say all your input helped! Thanks!

My Jewel Box: Gold Etchings & Cameo Rings

{10k rose gold
flower ring
from Ruby Lane

10k rose gold
onyx cameo ring
from eBay user: grandmomsattic

14k yellow gold
0.60 carat pear cut
champagne diamond ring
made/designed by Gem Gossip

14k yellow gold
cigar band
from jewelry television}

That cameo ring is the newest addition to my jewel box. I’ve always wanted a cameo ring, but didn’t really like them–I think the pinkish colored ones that we normally tend to see is what turned me off. This one however is tiny, delicate, and the contrast of the black and white is pretty. The setting is pretty unique too. And yes, I got it for a steal of only $31 on eBay--best deal yet! (It may have to do with the fact that it is a size 3.5 so it is super tiny)

On a side note, I picked up a gold foil etching kit at a craft store and recently completed this fox picture. It took a lot of concentration and time, but was great to do anytime I was bored or in between commercial breaks. It looks great when it is all finished too!

[I am wearing a HOORSENBUHS white tee--if you think they make great jewelry, just take a look at their clothing line]

Drape Chain Charm Bracelet

{14k yellow gold drape chain bracelet
14k yellow gold St. Anthony Medallion charm}

{14k yellow gold textured band
10k yellow gold antique panther ring}

A Gem Gossip “Do-It-Yourself:”

How to get the drape chain, charm bracelet look:

1. Get three very fine 14k gold chains (these came with pendants I’ve purchased that seem too thin to wear on a necklace alone)
2. Clasp them together, so that one clasp connects to the other’s end ring, and do the same with its other end
3. Wrap around your wrist and add a round medallion charm

Snapshots of my Antique Jewels

[top photo]

14k yellow gold
knot brooch with enamel
circa 1890 from
Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry
featured at the Nashville flea market
at the TN State Fairgrounds

14k white & yellow gold
diamond & sapphire
filigree ring from
Steve’s Pawn Shop
113 E. Side Square,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

14k yellow gold
black enamel panther
ring with diamond eyes from
Steve’s Pawn Shop
113 E. Side Square,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

14k yellow gold
sapphire & diamond pendant
circa 1950s from
Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry
410 Main St., Franklin, TN

14k rose & white gold
brooch with diamond &
seed pearls from
eBay seller: barbara*s-lost-and-found

[bottom photo]

14k white gold ring
ruby & 2 diamonds
circa 1930s from
eBay seller: mrwatch

14k white gold
sapphire eternity band
from Dover Jewelry

14k white gold
quarter carat diamond
with 2 triangle shaped sapphires
from an old watch shop in
Upstate New York

I’m just tryna change the color on your mood ring

[right hand]

14k rose gold
diamond & sapphire
antique stick pin
converted into a ring
from eBay user: jgoldilox

10k yellow gold
heart ring
given to me by
my sister ALisha

[left hand]
10k rose gold
flower ring
from Ruby Lane

Becoming a Southern Belle

Free days from work are few and far between, and I have taken advantage of those that seem to suddenly come up by antiquing and treasure hunting.  Can’t forget about a favorite that has become easier, at least for me, to scoop up a deal: eBay!  I’ve been spending nights lately looking for steals in the Fine subcategory of Antique and Vintage Jewelry.  

I came across this ring sold by seller name: jgoldilox and was so surprised that I was the final bidder at the last moment (I always lose!)  What is interesting about  a few of her rings is that they actually used to be antique stick pins.  The seller has turned them into rings by carefully bending the stick portion into a ring.  So clever!  I am wearing the ring on my middle finger in the photo below. Be sure to check out her jewelry she sells, she is great!

As far as antiquing, I’ve narrowed down the top places to find the best antique jewelry in the Nashville area.  Yes, they are ranked in order, #1 being the best.   If you have any suggestions of other places around here, let me know!

1. Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry, 410 Main St., Franklin, TN 

2. Steve’s Pawn Shop  113 E. Side Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

3. Joseph & Company Estate Gold Jewelry featured at the Nashville flea market at the TN State Fairgrounds

4. Arbor Antique & Estate Jewelry, 202 S. Margin St., Franklin, TN

5. Lysbeth Antiques at the Factory in Franklin TN

6. Gas Lamp Antiques, 100 Powell Place, Nashville, TN

A Peek into Gem Gossip’s Jewelry Armoire

• Jewelry Armoire: The Lori Greiner Jewelry Cabinet in white, available from QVC
• I added black & white photographs of my grandparents taken when they were younger, to add to the vintage vibe
• My rings are organized as so: 
•                top row- bands that I mix and match, 
•                2nd row- all antique white gold,
•                3rd row- all yellow gold, both vintage & new

How do you organize your jewelry?  Feel free to email pictures of peeks into your jewelry box by emailing charitybracelet@gmail.com 

Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry: Franklin, Tennessee

I checked out Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry in Franklin, Tennessee this past weekend, after the frightening tornado outbreak minutes away from my house! A well-deserved trip after the stressfulness of all the weather. Take a look at my pendant purchased as a gift for me below. It is a 14k yellow gold pendant from the 1950s, with a diamond and four sapphires.

It is an amazing store, with a vast selection of antique jewelry. It was a pleasant surprise to see such amazing jewelry in a small shop like this. Their antique engagement ring selection is great–about a four-foot long case full. They also have many bar pins and brooches, several Art Deco cocktail watches with diamonds, great antique bracelets and much more. I highly recommend this store.

My Newest Addition to my Collection

eBay is always a fun site to browse during spare time, and even more so a vintage jewelry enthusiast’s dreamland. My list of items I am watching is usually three pages long. I only bid if it is really a piece that is unique and different from what I’ve seen. I also like items that do not have a reserve price and start out very low. It is good to have a price in mind that will serve as what you feel the item is worth, averaged with how much you are willing to pay. I was able to get this great Art Deco ring at a price of $79. It is 14k yellow gold with green jade and lapis stones. The ring came from a great seller [bre-chlo] and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my eBay purchase!

Pawn Shop Treasure Hunting

The treasure hunting in the Nashville area is unreal!  There are so many great antique shops and flea markets.  The Tennessee State Fairgrounds has flea market event dates set for five times a year.  Here are the dates: 

November 21-22-23 Holiday Preview
December 19-20-21 Last Chance
January 23-24-25 Winterfest
Feb 27-28-1 Spring is the Air
March 27-28-29 Spring Fling

I have to admit, I’ve never been into a pawn shop before.  However, after stubbling upon one which had a large sign that said “Estate Jewelry” I was intrigued and decided to have a look.  The musty, old shop had two long cases filled with some amazing vintage finds!  I had fun looking through, and trying some pieces on. 

After admiring/wishing/wanting, I decided to purchase!  Check out the two rings I picked in the photo.  The Victorian, filigree ring on the left is set in 14k gold, with sapphires and diamonds.  This is a bold ring, and definitely makes a statement.  I like how it elongates any finger it is on, and feels delicate as well.  The other ring I purchased is a trendy panther ring said to have come from an estate in Louisiana.  The panther’s eyes are two tiny diamonds and its spots are black enameled. 

I was able to talk down the prices, and get a great deal since I bought two items.  Treasure hunting is definitely fun and you never know what you will find!  I will have to put my adventures on hold though, since I am all out of money!

XI XXIII MMVIII

Tattoos and jewelry: two loves of mine…and both are actually very similar. I’ve heard people often describe their tattoos as a form of jewelry because it adorns your body. Only thing is, you can’t quite change it up as easily as real jewelry. All photography was done by my sister ALisha.

Update: My ring is finished!

UPDATE:
Picked up my what I dropped off last week–a diamond–and now I have a beautiful ring! The first look is always the best, it definitely took my breath away and I felt it was even better than I expected. Bell Jewelers did a great job and I highly recommend them if you are looking to have a diamond set, or even if you need broken jewelry repaired.

So here is the diamond I brought again:

And here is the result:

I miss…

 

One thing that I miss is my Lori Greiner mirrored jewelry box.  We just moved 12 hours away and I was forced to part with it.  It kept all my jewelry so organized and the mirror was an extra bonus.  I chose the cherry finish, although now I wish I had gotten the white. I recommend it highly, although it was not fun taking it out of the huge cardbard packaging.  Large pieces of masking tape were placed across the front of the mirror, and when I first got it, I couldn’t get all the residue off from the tape.  Not even Goo Gone worked!  With the help of a razor blade and a lot of Windex, it was good as new.  The jewelry box can be purchased at QVC.

As for now…

I have this tiny travel case.