I’m often asked by women (mostly) if they had to pick one item of jewelry to purchase, what should that one item be? Ironically, I was reading an article in Harpers Bazar UK that suggested that it’s not about owning ONE piece of jewelry. There are TEN pieces every woman should have in her collection. As it turns out, with a few minor tweaks, we couldn’t agree more. Here are our collective suggestions:
How The Marquise Cut Got Its Name
Marquise Diamond Ring
Photo credit : Pinterest
Here come the royals, fiddling with our jewels again. This time they’ve got their hands in naming a particular gemstone cut: the marquise. However, it’s not the British this go round, but the French, their King and his Chief Mistress (yup – that was a title for one lucky woman).
Victorian Mourning Jewelry: Macabre Or Just Love?
Victorian Mourning Locket
Photo credit: Pinterst
Let’s say it’s the year 1861. You’re living in London and you’re enjoying all of the things that the new “Industrial Revolution” has brought with it. This revolution has made it much easier for commoners, like you and I, to afford some of life’s luxuries. Luxuries like jewelry, that had, up until now, been reserved for the well-heeled and wealthy. Just as you’re preparing to celebrate the Christmas season, terrible news sweeps the country. Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Prince Albert, has died with the Queen and five of their nine children at his side.
Ring Boxes Transformed
Shunga
Photo credit: Talwst
They sit in a drawer, forgotten and forlorn, their former contents more likely to see the light of day. They once held amazing treasure. Eliciting gasps of joy when revealing their contents. But now? Now what?
How To Care For and Clean Jewelry
So, you finally got that gorgeous rock. You know the one. That <you insert your new awesome piece of antique jewelry here>. And it’s beautiful. And sparkly. And clean. Very clean. Now the big question is, how do you keep it that way?! We’re here to help with a few quick and dirty (see what I did there?) guidelines for clean jewelry.
A Princess’ Guide To Building An Amazing Jewelry Collection
A Magnificent Emerald And Diamond Necklace by Cartier Photo credit: Christies
You love jewelry. Gorgeous, exquisite, expensive jewelry. But what’s a gal of somewhat modest means to do? How can you possibly create a drool-worthy, off the charts, amazing jewelry collection? Well, it doesn’t hurt to start off a with a pretty pedigree.
Does The Size Of Your Engagement Ring Really Matter?
It’s an age-old question. Is bigger really better? No, we’re not talking about that! Get this is a jewelry blog not Dr. Ruth’s website. We’re talking about engagement rings. Does the size of your diamond (or whatever stone you choose – last week we gave you X reasons why you might want to choose a colored stone engagement ring), really represent how much your future spouse loves you? Does it ensure that you’ll have a solid marriage and stay together forever? And if you have a “tiny” ring, should you upgrade later? All great questions and addressed in the backlash of a Facebook post that went viral a few weeks ago.
Secret Jewelry Fit For A Queen
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Bess. She was born into a pretty famous family. Her dad was a powerful guy and her mom? Well, women didn’t have much power in those days, outside of the one thing that had made them powerful for hundreds of generations. But let’s just say that powerful men could be fickle and a woman’s “power” was often found to be short-lived.
Mother’s Day Is Fast Approaching. We’ve Done Your Shopping For You.
It’s that time of year again. Spring is springing. April showers are soon to bring May flowers. And Mother’s Day is only a few days away. Wait. What!? Mother’s Day is only a few days away? Yup. And let me guess. You don’t have a gift for her yet do you.
I Don’t Think I Want A Diamond Engagement Ring. But What Else Is There?
That special someone has been asking what kind of engagement ring you’d like. And to be honest, you don’t really know. What you do know, is that you want something different. Not like all the other rings out there right now. After all, you don’t need it to scream, “I’m so 2016!” 20 years from now. But what’s a gal (or guy) to do?
What The Heck Is Art Deco Jewelry, Anyway?
A Georgian Diamond Necklace once belonging to Queen Amélie-Auguste. Photo credit: Pinterest
Ever wonder just how old that antique ring that grandma gave you really is? I mean, the jeweler told you it was an Art Deco piece when you had it sized to fit your finger. But just what exactly does that mean? Those of us at Katie Callahan and Co. are here to help!
Let’s be like the Sound of Music and start at the very beginning:
How To Catch A (Lady Jewel) Thief
Diamond Doris Payne
Photo credit: USA Today
Have you ever heard of the Forty Elephants gang? The Pink Panthers? Maybe Abigail Kemp? “Diamond” Doris Payne? How about Sofia Blyurshtein (aka Sofia Golden Hand)? What do all of these women have in common? Well, it might be safe to assume that they are drawn to sparkly things, for starters. Why? They’re all notorious jewel thieves, that’s why.
The Evolution of The Engagement Ring
photo credit: DeKaraDesigns on Etsy
Are you married? Take a look at your left hand (or right hand if you’re in some European countries). Chances are, there are two rings on your finger. One that you got the day you were married. And another that you’re beloved gave you prior – when they asked you to be theirs. Most of us call that an engagement ring. Be it antique, vintage, retro or modern, it matters not. You see, you’re a part of history. The history of the engagement ring.
You may not know it, but the engagement ring hasn’t always been around. Nope. Rumor has it that the Egyptians started the trend and the Greeks later followed along. But we can really only reliably trace the engagement ring as we know it today back to the ancient Romans. And even then, the rings (there were two of them, one for when the bride was out and about (in gold) and the other (made of iron) for when she was home slaving away at the household chores of the day), were simple bands made of metal. [Read more…]
Cameos, Intaglios and The Left Facing Ladies
I’ve been a little obsessed lately. With women. Women carved in shell, stone and/or resin, to be exact. To say I’ve always had a love for vintage Cameos would be an understatement. The delicate features carved into gorgeous shells and other material seem so magical. I once had a very good friend several decades older that had an unbelievable Cameo collection. One day, as she felt she was nearing the end of her life, she offered me my pick. I chose an antique 14kt gold and diamond Cameo ring that I have, wear and treasure to this day. What’s not to love about Cameos. After all, they are rumored to posses mystical powers in the form of good health and wealth for those that wear them.
The Brooch Is Back, Baby!
Gone are the days of blue-haired women in the 70+ age group, tottering around in their St. John or Channel suits with a vintage pin on the lapel. Well, they may not actually be gone, but they need to move over for the new kids on the block. Why? The brooch is back, baby!
So You’re About To Get Engaged . . .
You’re pretty sure that the one you love is about to get down on one knee. But is it going to be a Carrie Bradshaw moment with Aidan and “the ring”? (If you don’t remember or didn’t see that episode of Sex In The City – here it is on YouTube. Samantha saved the day (and ensured they actually got engaged) by helping Aidan find “the right ring”.)
It’s Not Just April Showers That Bring May Flowers
Sotheby’s
It’s April (the 6th to be exact) and we’ve in fact had some lovely April showers here in the Carolinas already. But it’s not just a little rain that can bring out the May flowers. You know what else helps produce bouquets? Weddings. And most weddings start with a ring. A diamond ring, to be exact. And diamonds just happen to be the birthstone for those born in April. Bring on the diamonds.
How To Throw A BILLION Dollar Wedding
What kind of wedding can you expect when attending that of a Russian oligarch multibillionaire’s son? An over the top wedding, that’s what. And not just any over the top wedding. A wedding with real life stars, fancy cars and more than one over the top wedding dress.
Elie Saab creates your custom wedding dress.
The Shirley Temple Blue Diamond – Auction Bound
The Shirley Temple Blue 9.54ct Diamond
Once in a while, a diamond unlike any other rears its head and roars. Not a tiny lion cub roar. A head of the pride kind of roar.
We’re Up and Running!
Whew. Well, like anything great, this was worth waiting for! We’re finally up and running and adding new items to our shop every day. If you’re a lover of vintage and/or antique (yes, there’s a difference) jewelry and accessories, you’re in the right place.
You’ll find engagement rings, wedding rings, pendants, brooches (the brooch is back and TOTALLY hot right now), bracelets, earrings and much more. And new items are added almost daily.
Stop by the shop (there’s a big gold button on your right that will take you there). Share this site with your friends (sharing is caring) and by all means, let me know if you’re looking for something in particular. I’m out scouring the world for new pieces every day.
Getting Closer!
We’re getting closer to the official “opening day” for the blog and our Etsy storefront. These vintage emerald and diamond rings will be posted in the storefront by next week. Until then, if they’re making you green with envy and you just have to have one (or two or three) for your personal collection, message us and your wish will be our command. We love making folks’ vintage jewelry dreams come true.
Three Vintage Estate Emerald and Diamond Rings
Coming Soon!
We’re feverishly working on the website behind the scenes and will have the new and improved site up soon. Until then, go check out The Library (on this site) to learn more about Vintage, Estate and Antique Jewelry, how to collect it and see examples from the masters of the craft. I’ve hand-picked some of my personal favorite resources for you.
xoxo,
Katie Callahan and Co.