Vintage Trend: Lovebirds

Photo taken by lempel_zev

Not sure where that saying “two lovebirds” came from, in reference to two people in love, but it is quite endearing. And anytime birds are cuddling rather than dive bombing people is a moment worth noting. Can’t say birds are my favorite creature, but they sure make great appearances in vintage jewelry. There are so many vintage pieces that feature all sorts of breeds–eagles, lovebirds, swallows, flamingos–but my favorite are the doves. Doves are the image of everlasting love and fidelity as they mate for a lifetime. When one passes, the surviving dove will remain alone for the duration of its life; it will never seek another mate.

Such a pretty band, with the lovebirds almost camouflaged within the gold. This is a French Victorian piece from the 19th century. The band is crafted in 18k yellow gold, from The Three Graces.

These little guys are so cute, especially their little turquoise bellies. This bird necklace is from the 1950s, done in 14k yellow gold. Each lovebird has ruby eyes. Price: $1702 from Broken English.

These lovebirds are found on a brooch circa 1880, of Belgian origin. They are mainly etched, with seed pearl bodies, done in 18k yellow gold. Price: $357 from Adin.

Card Motif Jewelry: Spades, Clubs, Hearts & Diamonds

Vintage Casino chips transformed into Jewelry, designer: Page Sargisson

Heading to Las Vegas? Or the high roller table? Or maybe just having some friends over to play some cards? I have always loved the four symbols on cards: the spade, club, heart, and diamond. Over the years these motifs have worked themselves into clothing, fashion, jewelry and accessories. Here are some great picks below, maybe any of these will bring you good luck at the Casino.

The club motif done here is so great with the two diamonds and ruby. This ring is done in 18k yellow gold from Fay Cullen. Price: $1495

Can’t forget about the Queen of Hearts, this antique ring is a great example. Done in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, total carat weight is a half carat. Circa 1915, from The Three Graces and priced at $1950.

From Doyle & Doyle, this ring is delicate and perfect for everyday wear. It features a club motif with single cut diamonds. Price: $195

Another great card motif ring from Doyle & Doyle, this one is done in 14k yellow gold and has a ruby, sapphire and diamond forming the club. Price: $950

This ring is called the “Pair of Threes” from The Three Graces. I love the twisted band, which is done in 14k yellow gold. There is a row of three rubies and a row of three diamonds. This ring is circa 1880 and is priced at $725.

This ring screams deck of cards, it reminds me of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. It is actually an Art Deco piece from Fay Cullen, featuring a 0.91 carat diamond. The ring is set in platinum with the red and black enamel embellishments. Price: $4500

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting?

This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten–10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle.

Known as a “gypsy” ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces.

Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525.

For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle.

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

We’ve seen mesh belts and bracelets,  but the combination of those two things creates the retro buckle bracelet, popular in the 40s and 50s.  Glam Hollywood starlets decked out their wrists with this look.  The buckle motif is still trendy today.  Below you’ll find some amazing examples of the retro buckle bracelets.

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels with sapphires, diamonds and 18k yellow gold! This bracelet is all about the details: the round sapphires are set in a star setting on hexagonal links, the “buckle” part is bold, with 1.35 carats of diamonds. With 12.5 carats of sapphires to top it all off, any interested party is going to have to request a price check on this piece, from Beladora.

Circa 1945, this buckle bracelet is done in 14k rose gold and platinum from The Three Graces. Although it is not an authentic Cartier piece, this one is almost identical. It can be adjusted to fit your wrist, with its largest size extending to 8.25 inches. The red stones are rubies, with 19 diamonds total. Price: $6250

This bracelet is stunning, from Connoisseur Antiques available at 1stdibs. I like how the buckle is floral, rather than a typical buckle. Everything is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of diamonds! Price: $6600

A great alternative to the more expensive and bold choices is this buckle bracelet. The sapphires and diamonds are minimal–the gold mesh is the main focus, which is done in 14k white and yellow. From Lang Antiques, priced at $1450.

Hot Gemstone: Turquoise

Turquoise makes a bold statement when set in yellow gold–the crisp blue stands out with the buttery yellow of the gold.  This gemstone, often used as December’s birthstone, should not always be associated with Southwestern Jewelry (sterling silver only).  I think people should add more turquoise and yellow gold jewelry into their wardrobe, and I’ve noticed that designers are creating more and more pieces with this in mind.  Check out what I’m talking about below!

These earrings use the turquoise and yellow gold combination, while adding the white mother-of-pearl. The heart motif makes them fun and flirty, and they dangle 1.25 inches. They are from Heavenly Treasures, and sell for $198.

I’ve seen many of these necklaces with the same style, however this one is unique because the turquoise stone is carved. These necklaces are often called “chicklet” style necklaces. The flower carving makes is stand out above the rest. The necklace can be ordered in sterling silver ($65), 14k Goldfill ($85) or 14k solid yellow gold ($135). I like when that choice is available. From Lunessa!

Here is a vintage ring that uses the turquoise and yellow gold combination. This ring hails from England and dates back to 1903. This type of style is called a bypass ring. The diamonds are rose-cut and the ring is a size 4 1/2. From The Three Graces which has some beautiful antique and vintage jewelry. The price on this piece is $495.