Vintage Jewelry is a Girl’s Best Friend..

And so the song goes that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend..” But, in MY reality, it goes, “Vintage Jewels are a girl’s best friend..” And as a vintage lover I’m sure you would agree! Check out some of the amazing jewels I found over the last couple of weeks!

Blood Milk	Johanna Vintage	Riordan Studio
“Swan Song” What the Seller Says: A emotive ring featuring two unique components, a vintage feather ring has been married to an inverted “diamond”, both cast immortal in stunning sterling. the temple has been polished to achieve a satin finish: matte and pale and ethereal, while the extraordinary ring shank has been oxidized to the gloomy gray/ black	Vintage Art Deco Ring What the Seller Says: Vintage art deco cocktail ring, black plastic oval center, gold fill metal base. Delicate scrolled detail on the backside of the ring. Circa: Art Deco Period/1920s Vintage condition: excellent, there is some slight wear to the black oval center,some fine scratches but still an amazing piece. size: 8 1/4 USA	Vintage Engagement Ring What the Seller Says: This is a beautiful Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring from the Edwardian Period. It was such a romantic and carefree time (1901-1910) and the jewelry reflected that sentiment. Diamonds and platinum were all the rage, used in delicate floral inspired designs. Zoom in and enjoy! This diamond was graded (as always at RiordanStudio) by a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Accredited Jewelry Professional.
Basement Safari	JessJamesJake	The Greedy Seagull
Vintage Rose Ring What the Seller Says: This ring is done in the early Faberge style. It may also be part silver, as well as rose gold This is a breathtaking ring. It is possibly as old as the 1700’s but perhaps the 1800’s It’s set on rose gold, with 37 diamonds, one large, all the rest are white, bright, and stunners!!! These diamonds are cut uniquely, maybe an ‘old style’ brilliant cut in very bright white, with the center one being rose-cut.	Vintage Cat Eye Ring What the Seller Says: Fabulous yellow cocktail ring, in a classic deco styling, with a lovely brown cat-eye stone, adjustable sizing and stamped ©Vogue on the interior. Adjustable Fit, ideal for ring sizes: 6 1/4 – 8 1/2 Signed: © Vogue Circa: 1970s In great vintage condition, with only minor signs of age, with 3 missing stones. The gold has slightly rubbed down in certain areas exposing the silver under-layer.	Vintage Edwardian Brooch What the Seller Says: Antiqe circa 1910-1920 sterling silver and dragon’s breath opal (also called a jelly opal) small little pin with a safety catch closure in back. An unusual find in excellent condition, measures 1 1/8″ and unsigned..
Heirra Vintage	Shop Vintage Revival	Jean Jean Vintage
Vintage Stone Bracelet What the Seller Says: Vintage oval bracelet with gold watch stretch band. Unique inlaid crushed stones – moss like texture. Pretty brick & olive tone. Label: U.S.A Vintage Condition: Great Imperfections: gold metal shows signs of age and wear.	“Vivian” What the Seller Says: From the “Distorted Time” collection, metal inner clock workings stacked on top of each other mounted on a brass adjustable ring to give you…Distorted Time! Adjustable brass ring	Vintage Cocktail Ring What the Seller Says: A flapper-era cocktail ring set with a black glass cabochon and complemented with sparkling marcasites. The ring is set in pot metal, or “white metal,” which was a popular jewelry metal before WWII. The face of the ring is wide and showy with a classic Art Deco design. A ring of marcasites frames the black glass feature stone, with scalloped corners (also set with marcasite) adding another border to the setting. The stone itself is cabochon cut with a flat, open back. There are a couple of chips on one edge of the cabochon, as well as some light nicking on the dome, but the stone is absolutely secure (no wiggle) and the overall appearance is outstanding. There are no marcasites missing and the band of the ring is well-shaped.

Still In Love With: Chunky Rings

MarcbyMarc Jacobs

I don’t care if the Fashion Gods tell me that this trend is dead and gone forever, I will ALWAYS love my chunky rings!  There will NEVER be a day when I walk into a store and turn my back on a huge stoned beauty!  It would be impossible! The minute I spy rings, the game is over.  Even if I’m supposed to be shopping for a specific item, I loose all concentration when I see stoned or over sized rings.  My boyfriend always laughs at me about this.  What can I say, it’s like Kryptonite to Superman; they’re my total weakness.

BCBGMax Azria

So what’s the infatuation with these jewels?  I don’t know really.  I’ve always been drawn to them ever since I played in my mother’s jewelry box.  Which, a hippie by nature, she had a lot of!  So, maybe that has something to do with it.  But, in my opinion, when it comes to an accessory of this nature, especially if it has a stone center, I feel the bigger the better.  Why not appreciate the beauty of amber or turquoise and wear a piece that actually does the stone justice?  That says, “Hey! Look at me! I’m fabulous!”  These stones are unique, like you, and like you should be held in awe.  You should walk down the street and feel powerful and in control and for me, this is by definition what a chunky ring is all about.  It’s about ferocity, vigor and confidence.

MCL

Hard to think an accessory can mean so much right?  Yeah, these rings are beautiful.  Yes, they go well with your boho or punk rock ensemble.  But, they also help define who you are.  So, next time you’re picking out a ring at your favorite shop, stop and think about what ring best represents you. You might be surprised at the company you attract. 🙂

Check out some chunky rings I found at some of my favorite online retailers below! And, of course, in true vintage nature, also some amazing vintage rings! Click on the picture to shop!

From the Stores
Free People	Urban	ModCloth
Ruche	NastyGal	SpanishMoss

From You!
English Antiquities	JeanJean Vintage	LarkinAnd Larkin
“Deco Sterling Agate & Marcasite Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: A stunning silver 1930s art deco ring set with a rich brown agate and marcasites. The silver is unstamped but has tested positive as sterling. The agate is in superb unchipped condition. Unfortunately two of the marcasites are missing and one is chipped but this in quite hard to notice and could easily be replaced. We have of course reduced the price to reflect this. Probably the most iconic Art Deco design we have seen on a ring so far!	“1940s Shell Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: A lovely blister pearl pinkie ring set in sterling silver. The band of the ring widens near the shoulders and is cast with seven dots as it approaches the feature stone. The abalone blister pearl is set in an elegant frame with crimped accents. It has an iridescent glow and a peach-tinted tip. The ring is in excellent condition!	“Wood Cocktail Ring” Vintage & Handmade What the Seller Says: I found these killer wood components at my favorite jewelry haunt here in the most charming of cities, Providence, RI. I strongly affixed it to an adjustable brass ring base and the result is stunning! A real head turner, this earthy cocktail ring is sure to be a new favorite!
AGVintage Jewelry	AdobeHouse Vintage	LemonDrop Knits
“1960s Art Glass Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: A fabulous ring from the 1960s! The large pressed glass stone is opaque red and it has an elaborate design that is highlighted in blue and green. Set into a heavy gold tone setting it makes a really impressive ring!	“Navajo Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: Become enveloped in beauty like this oval sliver of turquoise in this authentic vintage Navajo ring. A remarkably beautiful border of sterling silver embraces this bright oval of turquoise and wraps the finger in a beautiful whisp of silvery light.	“Vintage Sterling Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: This Indian vintage ring is a size 8.25 and features a stunning blue green natural turquoise stone that measures 1 1/4″. It is very sturdy at 9.2 grams and is solid 925 sterling silver. The tannish lines running through the stone show its natural matrix and look gorgeous within the teal stone. It is in good vintage condition and is sure to be noticed!
Smalland Mousey	MadisonStreet Vintage	VioletVille Vintage
“Amber Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: This pretty silver tone metal ring is in good vintage condition with minimal wear.	“Gold Cocktail Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: Vintage Cocktail Ring, 10K Gold Filled, inside of ring reads “ESPO 10K G.F” Excellent condition. Circa 1970’s	“Black Onyx Ring” Vintage What the Seller Says: Antique Edwardian ladies tested 10K white gold ring with an oval onyx cabochon. The polished onyx stone is set with a center diamond chip which is open at the back. The cabochon is set with floral motif claws. In excellent condition.

My Vintage Obsession..

There is one vintage accessory that I will NEVER tire of and no matter how many I purchase, could never stop! What is this jewel that has so much power over me you ask that I am so compelled to give in? Well, my friends, believe it or not my vintage obsession is the small, yet powerful Turquoise Ring!

A flashback to the 60s and 70s, this miniscule accessory still screams free love and peace! With colors ranging from pale blues to the dark blue-greens reminiscent of deep ocean water, turquoise is a stone that speaks to its wearer.  It’s magnetic and stunning and makes its presence know once slipped onto your finger.  And I have to tell you, this jewelry speaks to me like no other.  It connects me back to Earth and Nature, reminding me of my Indian heritage.  I feel instantly empowered when I wear this stunning stone.  And coming  in hundreds of shapes and sizes, it makes it virtually impossible to choose only one!  Which is the predicament that I constantly find myself in! A truly independent and unique stone, you have to be one fierce Fashionista to sport this heavy rock! Check out some of these killer turquoise stones I sniffed out!

I love this style of ring! The long finger length ring that stretches from the base of your finger to the knuckle and sometimes beyond (which I love!).  It’s makes for such a dramatic statement and can be worn going out for a night on the town or even to work, giving your suit some personality.  Personally, I would slap this Vintage Sterling Silver Green Turquoise Ring from CrystalTown on with one of my Maxi dresses and Gladiator Sandals! A cool detail about this ring: “The makers mark is a bell hanging from a post and is the mark of Bell Trading Post. Bell Trading Post made Navajo jewelry in Albuquerque New Mexico from 1932 through the late 1980s.” Pretty neat little piece of history, I think!

Talk about big and beautiful! Don’t you just love this circular Vintage Silver and Turquoise Ring from Lucra?  It features beautiful tear drop shaped stones in a wonderfully aged setting that is adjustable to your finger.  The worn look only adds to this rings unique look and to me, increases the vintage value. Maybe not value in dollars, but value in its spirit, its history.  A bit on the heavy side, this ring will be the center piece of your outfit and will definitely be the accessory to dress around! But to the girl who can sport it, hats off as you will be sure to make a statement!

So usually I tend to gravitate toward the larger, more prominent turquoise rings, but I have to say that I was quite taken when I spotted this beautiful vintage SHADOW BOX Native American Ring from AnotherSeason. My obvious fascination being with the unique “shadow box” feature around the turquoise.  It really makes the stone pop and become seperated from the setting, therefore forcing it to be made the most important piece of the ring.  Which, as the stone and centerpiece it should be! I also adore the intricate etched detailing around the stone, which makes it pop even more.

This is another style of ring that I can’t seen to stop buying! The layered ring! Stones piled on top of stones! Delicious!  And I especially love this Vintage Native American Blossoming Ring from NeldasNook.  How adorable! I am swooning over the delicate turquoise flowers set in sterling silver! They make me smile every time I look at them! And I totally picture a hippie sporting this ring as she ran through the woods and bathed herself as she layed in grassy fields! Such a hippie statement and I love it!

Since we’re talking about obsessions today, let me tell you about another one of mine, the Owl! Yes, that curious creature called Owl who forever plaques my wallet wherever I go.  I don’t know if it’s the adorable eyes or those puffy cheeks that get me, but the owl is the quintessential hipster accessory that I find I can’t resist.  So, you can imagine how excited I was when I found a ring that combined both of my vintage obsessions.  This Vintage Owl Ring from TheOwlLady is uber-cute and I literally screamed when I saw it! This pewertone ring, with turquoise eyes is in great condition with no noticeable wear marks! Look at those eyes! How can you resist!

Lucra

Nelda's Nook

My Mother’s Jewelry…

Home for the weekend I decided to roll up my sleeves and dig through the ocean that is my Mother’s Jewelry. A smorgasbord of vintage and modern my mom has amassed quite an impressive collection since the 70s and I do believe that she has yet to throw any of it out. Sure, there has been the occasional broken necklace strand and a too tarnished to save silver bangle and yes, I have stolen some…I mean borrowed….over the years, but even those exceptions have not made a dent. I wonder how much of it she even wears anymore or if she even thinks about how much of it she really has. I have to admit, it was quite fun to peddle my way through the endless nooks and crannies of boxes, vases and what other holding containers filled to the brim with pearls, clip-ons and bracelets. It was like being in a history class with my mom as the subject. I could see where she came from, where she had been and where she is now going. Knowing my mom had a whole other life before me fills me with a sensationable curiosity and I wonder what she was like when she was my age. I could ask her I guess, but that make take all the fun out of discovering it for myself. Back to digging..

A Sparkling Delight…

Not to long ago I was fortunate enough to stumble across an eclectic jewelry shop on Etsy called Sparkling Lotus Design.  This vintage/vintage inspired shop tugged immediately at my heart strings as I scrolled through its categories; Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings, some vintage, some not, but all with a Native American, Art Deco feel to them.  And all with stone elements from turquoise to lapis to agate with most embedded in aged sterling silver.  Absolutely delicious.  Just looking at S.L.D’s beautiful jewelry was almost to much as I wanted to purchase everything from the shop and then insist on wearing all of it at once! Could you imagine how much of a mess that would be!  But, this was enough to get me interested in the shop and to make it a weekly, if not a every other day, occasion to stop by and check out the merchandise.  What I discovered was that this particular shop is not the shop that will carry a ton of pieces, but the ones that it does carry are unique, stunning, and flawless in their aged perfection.  Usually these pieces do not last a long time in store as I never see too many of the same items twice, so you have to act fast if you really like something!  But, with reasonable prices the decision isn’t tough and more times than not you will be clicking that “Add to Cart” button!

So what is this store all about, you’re asking?  Why, besides the fact that they carry some of the most amazing Vintage Native American Jewelry I’ve seen at stellar prices, should you stop by?  Easy.  Because it is owed by a genuine, warm heated, caring soul who is not only invested in her store, but lives and breathes her passion.  Not only does express herself through the wear of her own personal vintage jewelry, but inspired by it she designs and crafts her own jewels.  Seen as an artistic expression, she aims to create (and sell!) pieces that connect her customers to their inner selves and hopes to inspire individuals in their daily lives. What better shop to visit than one who’s owner is someone that wants to help inspire and who truly believes and stands by her products quality and preservation?

And to prove just how generous and delightful this shop owner is I will just have to show you.  As you are aware, if you have to been reading my blog for a bit, I feature many Etsy and Ebay shops when creating fun vintage outfits or in posts about my favorite shops.  So, I happened to use SLD in two posts, one as a featured piece in an outfit and the other in a favorite vintage shop feature.  In these posts I used a certain piece of jewelry twice as I just loved it so much and I thought it was simply beautiful.  Now, I never ask for compensation if I just happen to use your shop or product without being asked and I never assume that I will ever get anything but a “Thanks” in return for doing so.  So, you can imagine my utter surprise (and giddy delight) when I received an email not only thanking me for the feature of her store, which I was grateful for, but stating that in appreciation of doing so that she would be sending me the piece of jewelry that I had featured twice! I mean how amazing and generous is that!? I was totally taken by surprise when she told me that! How amazing is that?  No more validation needed!  Check out my gift: