Antique Diamond Engagement Ring, Old Mine 1ct, centering an Old Mine Cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.00ct (E-F color, SI2 clarity) which is framed by sixteen Old Mine Diamonds weighing approximately 0.25ctw. The diamonds are set in silver, while the shank is fashioned in 22k gold. The ring is comprised of a Georgian (1714-1830) diamond set portion with a later shank from 1870. EGL-US63838602D. Size 6 3/4. 098411R $9800

This ring is significant, not just because of the era in which it was created but also because it is a timeless piece. The center stone of this ring is a beautifully proportioned Old Mine Cut, with a very pleasing cushion outline. Old Mines and Antique Cushion shapes of this era are simply exquisite and while their faceting may not be completely symmetrical, their hand tooled quality make them interesting and unique.

Shown with a Vintage Diamond Wedding Eternity Band, measuring approximately 2.75mm wide, set with twenty-eight Single Cut diamonds weighing approximately .56ctw., fashioned in platinum. Engraved "5-30". Size 6. Item #098378R $2300

Left: Art Deco Asscher Engagement Ring, 2.02ct, centering an Asscher (Square Emerald Cut), D color, VS2 clarity, additionally set with round diamonds weighing approximately 0.30ct, and sapphires* measuring app. 1.5 x 1 mm, fashioned in platinum. Size 6 3/4. 098895R $34,000 GIA-12563536 Right: Art Deco Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring, Old Mine 1.73ct, centering an Old Mine Brilliant weighing approximately 1.72ct (H color, VS1 clarity), flanked by calibre cut sapphires and set with twenty-four single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.28ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 6.5. 098810R $22,500 EGL-US63727001D

The East-West setting is a style that is commonly seen in Deco engagement Rings. Catherine Zeta-Jones’ engagement ring from Michael Douglas has an East-West orientation. The ring was inspired by a ring from the 1920s.

Having an East-West setting can give a diamond a whole new appearance and can sometimes even make the diamond look larger. It is also a good option for those who are concerned with the gap that will occur when worn with a wedding band, by minimizing the space between the engagement ring and wedding band.

These Victorian green enamel lockets are so beautiful and such an unusual color for enamel. I wonder if they may have been owned by the same person...?

Vintage Marquise Diamond Ring, centering a Marquise diamond weighing app. 2.10ct (J color, VS2 clarity), additionally set with 32 single cut diamonds weighing app. 0.35ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 6.5. GIA#1146430034 098652R $15600

Your style: Old Hollywood (think: silver screen siren). Your relationship: He puts you on a pedestal and lets you shine. But he's not afraid to help you laugh at yourself when you get too big for your britches. Your wedding: Pure glamour. You'll create an enchanted atmosphere that wedding guests will never forget. "What Your Engagement Ring Says About You." msn living (blog), http://living.msn.com/love-relationships/weddings/what-your-engagement-ring-says-about-you (accessed April 19, 2012).

Enchanting, glamour, old Hollywood style... I think msn living got it just right.

Flower Bar Pin, fashioned in 10k. Item # 092919p $125

Enamel Orchid Pin, length 1 13/16 inches, fashioned in silver. Item #091432 $585

Opal & Diamond Enamel Pin/Pendant, centering an opal measuring approximately 10 x 7mm, flanked by Old European diamonds weighing app. .06ctw, fashioned in 14k. Krementz. Similar example on page 219 of C. Jeanenne Bell's "Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry." Item # 095578P $2800

Diamond Pansy Ring- Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle, centering a Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. .02ct, fashioned in 18k Pink & Yellow. Size 5. Item # 096276R $425

Lavender Jade Gold Earrings, designed as a flower set with lavender jade and measuring 25mm long by 20mm across and fashioned in 14k yellow gold. Screw back. Retro. Item # 3098E $525

Enamel Diamond Violet Pin, measuring approximately 25 (length) x 31mm (width), set with two diamonds weighing approximately 0.30ctw., fashioned in 14k. Item # 098385P $1800

Ruby Square Flower Earrings, centering on clusters of rubies surrounded by layered openwork square motif frames. Fashioned in 18k yellow gold. Post back. ca 1960. Item # 6624E $775

Diamond Enamel Flower Pin Item # 4955 $4300

Diamond & Enamel Flower Pin/ Pendant, centering an Old European weighing approximately .07ct, enamel petals with seed pearl accents, measuring approximately 1 1/16 inches in diameter, fashioned in 14k yellow gold. Krementz. Suspended from a 16 inch contemporary chain in 14k. Item # 093708N $2250

Victorian Enamelled* Pansy Diamond Bracelet with 3 enamelled pansies centering Round Brilliant Cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.06ctw. 2 1/4 x 2 inches inside dimensions. Fashioned in 18k. *Although vitreous enamel forms a hard, durable surface, it is susceptible to chipping and breakage upon impact. Item # 097754B $1800

Carved Coral & Diamond Earrings, measuring approximately 1 15/16 inches in length, with carved coral flowers measuring approximately 10mm. & 11.5mm. additionally set with Old Cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.40ctw. fashioned in platinum topped and 14k gold. Item # 097222E $2800

Art Nouveau Enamelled Foliate Motif Necklace with enamelled foliate and flower motif measuring 31mm x 51mm accented with two 2.5mm pearls and a bezel set 2.5mm emerald. An additional baroque pearl measuring 4.5mm x 6.5mm is suspended from the bezel set emerald. Chain measures 13'' inches long. Fashioned in 14k yellow gold. Item # 091449 $4800

Left: Martyn Lenoble proposed to Christina Applegate on Valentine's Day with an Edwardian ring. The delicate ring features approximately 4ctw of diamonds. Right: Vintage Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring, centering a Marquise diamond weighing app. 0.45ct., framed by Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.60ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 6.25.

L: Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Engagement Ring was a heirloom given to her by Ross McCall. The center diamond is approximately 1.5 carats, surrounded with floral diamond accents set in platinum. The antique engagement ring has been in Ross’ family for over 100 years. R: Vintage Engagement Ring, TRB 1.02ct, centering a Transition Round Brilliant weighing 1.02ct (F color, VS1 clarity), framed by Old European diamonds weighing app. 3.00ctw, fashioned in silver-topped 14k gold. Size 7.EGL-US87153403D

L: Javier Bardem proposed to Penelope Cruz with a vintage three carat sapphire ring. The sapphire is surrounded by a halo of diamonds, which brings out the beauty of the stone. R: Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring, centering an Oval sapphire weighing app. 1.10ct, framed by eight Old Mine Cut diamonds weighing app. .85ctw, fashioned in 14k gold. Size 8.5.

L: Writer Lee Kirk proposed to "The Office"'s Jenna Fischer with a vintage solitaire engagement fashioned in yellow gold. R: Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring, centering a diamond weighing app. .17ct. fashioned in 14k & 18k gold. Size 7 3/4.

L: Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother's (Princess Diana) engagement ring that she has selected from the Crown Jeweller's Garrard, after Prince Charles' proposal. The ring is centered by a 18ct sapphire and surrounded by diamonds. R: Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring, centering a natural sapphire (no evidence of heat treatment) weighing app. 3.20cts, framed by Round Brilliant Cut diamonds weighing app 1.60ctw, fashioned in 18k. Size 7.50

Stylist, Dani Michelle, photographed by Mark Iantosca and Doyle & Doyle's Antique Garnet & Rock Crystal Rondelle Long Gold Chain Necklace, fashioned in 14k. Item # 090543N $2200

Refinery 29's L.A. Editor, Breena Egan, photographed by Luke Wooden and Doyle & Doyle's Victorian Turquoise & Pearl* Festoon Necklace. Item # 095752N $2500

Actress, Camilla Belle, photographed by Seth Browarnik/ WorldRedEye.com and Doyle & Doyle's Victorian Black Onyx Cross, fashioned in 10k. Item # 097540N $250

Designer, Magda Berliner, photographed by Maia Harms and Doyle & Doyle's Engraved Two Toned Locket Fob, fashioned in 14k gold. Czechoslavakian import marks. Item # 091929N $1975

Actress and Singer, Vanessa Hudgens, photographed by Tiffany Rose/WireImage and Doyle & Doyle's Antique French Pink Sapphire Necklace, fashioned in 18k yellow gold with French hallmarks. Item # 090274N $7500

Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring, 1.12ct, centering a round cut ruby weighing app. 1.12ct, flanked by four single cut diamonds weighing app. .08ctw, and two square cut rubies*, fashioned in 14k. Size 6.75. Item #098806R $4950

Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring, centering a sapphire weighing 0.76ct, flanked by Round Brilliant cut diamonds weighing app. 0.15ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 6.25. Item #098841R $1800

Vintage Ring, Aquamarine 1.04ct*, centering a Cushion cut aquamarine weighing 1.04ct, flanked by four Old European cut diamonds weighing app. 0.08ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 7.75 *Aquamarine is not original to vintage mounting. Item #098847R $2850

Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring, 2.0ct, centering a rectangular faceted sapphire weighing app. 2.0cts, flanked by triangular diamonds weighing app. .60ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 6. Item #098793R $6500

Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Ring, Old Euro 0.25ct, centering an Old European cut diamond weighing app. 0.25 ct., flanked by two round sapphires weighing app. 0.32ctw., with an additional 28 Single cut diamonds weighing app. 0.55ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 6.5 Item #098674R $1950

Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring, 1.30ct, centering an Oval faceted Sapphire weighing app. 1.30ct, flanked by triangular diamonds weighing app. 0.40ctw, fashioned in 18k. Size 6.5. Item #098799R $3500

Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Band, measuring app. 8.4mm at widest, with a central row of channel set, Square cut sapphires weighing app. 0.84ctw., framed by rows of Baguette cut diamonds weighing app. 0.42ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 7.5 Item #098762R $2800

Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring, centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing app. .50ct, additionally set with two Old European cut diamonds weighing app. .70ctw., fashioned in 14k. Size 7.5. Item #097399R $2800

Art Deco Marquise Sapphire & Diamond Ring, centering a marquise sapphire weighing app. 0.57ct., set with 52 Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.52ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 5. Item #098475R $2400

Vintage Morganite & Diamond Ring, centering an Emerald Cut morgnaite weighing 4.46ct, flanked by round diamonds weighing app. 0.12ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 6.75. Item #098840R $3100

Along the coast of Japan there are a group of divers well known for collecting pearls. A majority of these divers are women and are called ama, meaning ‘sea woman’.

According to Herman Rahn and Tetsuro Yokoyama, authors of "Physiology of Breath-hold Diving and the Ama of Japan," the Japanese practice of ama may be 2,000 years old.

Traditionally, and even as recently as the 1960s, ama dove wearing only a loincloth. Even now, ama dive without scuba gear or air tanks, making them a traditional sort of free-diver.

While ama are mostly known for pearl diving, they originally dove for food like seaweed, shellfish, lobsters, octopus, sea urchins and oysters (which sometimes have pearls).

Ama can keep diving well into old age. The older divers are generally able to stay submerged longer than the younger. Unlike other traditional crafts, there is no formal apprenticeship system of training for ama divers. While diving skills such as breathing techniques can be acquired relatively easily through practice, the most valuable knowledge, the best places to find abalone, are a closely guarded, even between mother and daughter divers.

A photo by Japanese photographer Iwase Yoshiyuki from his series on ama divers next to Mie Hama from the Bond movie "You Only Live Twice" where she plays an ama woman who makes a living by diving for shells, while also working for the secret service.

Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring, centering a Round Brilliant Cut diamond set in square mount weighing app. 0.40ct. flanked by ten Single Cut diamonds weighing 0.20ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 7. Item # 098189R $3200

Art Deco Filigree Engagement Ring, Old Euro 1.55ct, centering an Old European Cut diamond weighing app. 1.55ct (H-I color, VS1 clarity) in an octagonal frame, with accent diamonds weighing an additional 0.10ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 5.5. EGL-US59341401D Item # 098500R $19500

Vintage Old Mine 1.32ct Engagement Ring, centering app. 1.32ct ( F-G color, VS2 clarity), framed by Old European Cut diamonds, fashioned in platinum. EGL-US098501R Item #098501R $14500

Vintage Engagement Ring, TRB 0.45ct, centering a Transitional Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. .40ct, in a square mount flanked by eighteen Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.24ctw., fashioned in platinum. Hand engraved "11-21-33" on the inside of the band. Size 6.25. Item #098509R $2800

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, Old Euro 0.54ct., centering an Old European diamond weighing app. 0.54ct. (F-G color, SI2 clarity), with four Round Brilliant diamonds weighing app. 0.55ctw, and 28 Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.42ctw., fashioned in platinum. Stamped "C.J. Auger" San Francisco. Size 7.75. EGL-US63577105D Item #098573R $4250

Vintage Engagement Ring, TRB 1.01ct, centering a Transitional Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. 1.01ct (E color, VS2 clarity), flanked by triangular shaped sapphires* measuring app. 1.5mm, and Single cut diamonds weighing app. 0.10ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 6.5. GIA-5141471173 *Stones are assumed to be simulants or synthetic as was typical in jewelry of this style/era. Item #098655R $12400

Vintage Engagement Ring, TRB 0.60ct, centering a Transition Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. 0.60ct (G-H color, VS1 clarity), flanked by two baguettes & four Single Cuts weighing app. .15ctw., fashioned in platinum. EGL-US63490704D Item #098667R $4500

Vintage Three Stone Engagement Ring, centering a Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. 0.53ct (F-G color, VS1 clarity), flanked by two Round Brilliant Cut diamonds weighing app. .70ctw., fashioned in 14k. EGL-US63490702D Item #098669R $4500

Vintage Engagement Ring, TRB 0.57ct, centering a Transition Round Brilliant diamond weighing app. 0.57ct (F-G color, SI1 clarity), flanked by two Baguette diamonds weighing app. 0.07ctw., fashioned in platinum. Size 5.25. EGL-US63577106D Item #098700R $3100

Vintage Engagement Ring, Old Euro 2.28ct, centering an Old European weighing app. 2.28ct (I-J color, SI1 clarity), additionally set with eight Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.12ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 8.25. EGL-US56694701D Item #098786R $24200

Vintage Diamond Filigree Ring, Old Euro 1.88ct, centering an Old European weighing 1.88ct (G color, VS1 clarity), set with eight Single Cut diamonds weighing app. .16ctw, fashioned in platinum. Size 5.25. EGL-US63532801D Item #098788R $26350

Art Deco Engagement Ring, Old Euro 1.56ct, centering an Old European weighing app. 1.56ct. (Fancy Brown Yellow), in a filigree mount set with six Single Cut diamonds weighing app. 0.12ctw, fashioned in platinum. GIA 5141446329. Size 6.5. Item #098791R $10200