Rare Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger diamond leaf-shaped brooch, American, c. 1960″s. Samuel Saidian & Sons. Derived from the Greek word “adamas” meaning “invincible,” April’s birthstone, the diamond, is thought to be the hardest substance on earth, making it a natural fit for the gemstone that best symbolizes enduring love. Mario Buccellati eternity band, 18K gold […]
Due to its brilliant hue of purple, the longstanding color of power, the amethyst has been associated with royalty since its early history. A very old gemstone, the amethyst was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans 25,000 years ago, on the tombs of early Egyptian pharaohs, and on English regalia in the Middle […]
The perfect stone for embarking on a new year, garnet, the January birthstone, has long been associated with journeys. Derived from the Latin word “granatus,” which is related to the word “pomegranate,” garnet was named thus due to its resemblance to the deep red, seed-like fruit when in its natural form. In Greek mythology, it […]
There may be a decided chill in the air this month, but November is also the month of changing fall colors, showcased so beautifully in Gustav Baumann’s “Road of the Morning,” and the start of the holiday season. This month, we feature festive decorations for the home and for yourself for this season of entertaining. […]
Scallop edged Victorian mourning brooch, pinchbeck and enamel. Contains hair of the beloved, and inscribed “In Memory Of”, possibly American, c. 1880-1890. Clifford Baron Gallery. As the spirit of the Halloween season tightens its grip on all of us, our thoughts inevitably turn to all things deathlike. Perhaps on a certain level, all antiques are […]
Pin, fashioned as a floral spray, multi-colored sapphires and 18KT gold, American, circa 1980; Clifford Baron Gallery. September’s birthstone, the sapphire has long represented purity of the soul. In the Middle Ages, the clergy wore sapphires to symobolize heaven and to protect against temptations, and commoners believed it to attract heavenly blessings. Among its roots, […]
18K gold ring with a large central ruby, surrounded by sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds, American, circa 1940-50. Hoffman-Gampetro gallery. Dorothy didn’t know it but when she first put on her ruby-encrusted slippers in The Wizard of Oz, the magic of the land passed to her. There have been many interpretations of the meaning behind Dorothy’s […]
This month, we celebrate June weddings and Father’s Day (June 16) with beautiful baubles for brides, and a host of elegant accessories for gentleman, including debonair canes, designer cufflinks, antique toys for gents who are young at heart, and more!
A brooch made for Daisy Buchanan: In the style of Art Deco, platinum over 14K gold, with a large central citrine, surrounded by sapphires and diamonds, American, circa 1920-1930. Clifford Baron Gallery. The last line of F. Scot Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby reads “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into […]
A rose that blooms forever. Sterling silver, Cartier, France, 1990s. Leah Gordon Gallery. Of the many origin myths of Valentine’s Day, the most popular by far is that of Saint Valentinus, an early Christian saint put to death for performing marriages for young soldiers at a time when it was forbidden. According to one legend, […]