November sets off the season of family gatherings, and life gets a bit more hectic.

Our friend and familial obligations bring us together -  in pairs, in trios and in large groups.

You should do the same with your jewelry.

A great pair of earrings that go perfectly with a statement ring makes getting dressed for events and gatherings much easier; having more than one piece that you are completely in love with doesn’t hurt either.

And, like in life, your jewelry suite doesn’t have to be matchy matchy to work. Sometimes the most unlikely pairings are also the best.

Below, some of my favorite combinations of current Doyle & Doyle antique and vintage jewels, and some things to think about when picking out your duo:

Tip #1 – Take the High (End) Road.

I picked this pairing because what goes better with diamonds then, well, other diamonds? The Opal and Diamond Ring may be fashioned in yellow gold, and the Deco Diamond Drop Earrings in platinum, but their glamour is their commonality.

Opal and Diamond Ring

Deco Diamond Drop Earrings

Tip #2 – Be Prepared for the Unexpected.

Like seeing a so-so dress on a rack that looks amazing on, you never know when two pieces will just go together and look great, despite evidence to the contrary.

Take the Georgian Foil Back Garnet Pendant that I’ve paired with these Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings – their physical shape is similar (round and oval), and they are both yellow gold, but the visual similarities stop there.

But there’s no denying it – something about them together just WORKS.

Georgian Foil Back Garnet Pendant

Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings

Tip #3 – It’s in the Details…

Rather than finding matching colors for your two pieces, why not concentrate on their smaller, style details?

This Victorian Turquoise Bangle has a rope pattern that surrounds a line of turquoise stones. As soon as I saw this beautiful bracelet, I was reminded of our Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle Diamond Knot Earrings.  Finding similarities such as this make make your jewelry pairing more subtle than bold.

Victorian Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond Bangle

Diamond Knot Earrings - Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle

Tags: Earrings, garnet, georgian, opal, Rings, rose cut diamonds, turquoise, victorian.

Roman goddess Diana rules the hunt, the moon and nature. She was the original ‘independent woman’, a chaste huntress who once turned a man  into a stag, and then had his 50 hounds tear him apart. Ah, the wrath of a woman…

This poster by Alberto Vargas illustrates the fair goddess quite well:

This vintage locket ring – engraved with the name Diana – is just like that: a strong exterior, but with a tender edge.

'Diana' Locket Ring

The shape of the ring itself is quite masculine, but the curly script of the ‘Diana’ and the swirly embellishments are all feminine.

Now my name isn’t Diana, but that wouldn’t stop me from wearing this ring. I like pieces in their ‘original’ state – lockets with the engraving (or even photo!) of the original owner. To me, it’s the small details like that that make antique and vintage jewelry really sentimental and special.

Tags: Rings.

August is filled with golden beaches, golden tans and bodies bedecked in gold bangles and necklaces.

Maybe that’s all just wishful thinking, or possibly too much sun, but one can’t deny that from Columbus’ voyage to the Americas, to the California gold rush, gold has always been a prize to possess.

Gold is the most malleable of all metals, explaining its widespread use in jewelry.

We know gold best in its yellow form, but other colors can be produced by adding other metal alloys – copper for pink gold, silver for green gold and zinc, silver or palladium for white gold.

The higher the karat (or percentage of pure gold) that is present in a piece, the more yellow it will be.  For me, when you really like a piece, karat is more a matter of taste  – many jewelers of the Victorian era preferred 10k gold and a recent trend in pieces made in the Roman and Byzantine style is that they are fashioned in bright yellow 22k gold to emphasize their exoticism.

Of course at Doyle & Doyle, we are surrounded by many representations of gold, in forms like embossed chain link bracelets, gold beaded necklaces and colored-gold rings in pink and green.

With all this variety, you’d think it difficult to find a favorite, a ‘gold standard’ of a piece if you will, but I’ve managed to pick out a few, with emphasis on the interesting multi-colored gold pieces and that we’ve recently acquired:

I love how this 14k yellow gold piece uses gold instead of stones as embellishment.

Victorian Bead & Drop Festoon Necklace

O.m.g. – the leaves of this ring are 14k green gold, and the flower is 14k rose gold!

Diamond Rose and Green Gold Band

The links of this bracelet alternate between 14k white and 14k yellow gold.

Retro Geometric Link Bracelet

Although this bracelet looks chunky, the 18k yellow gold embossed links are hollow, as was common during the Victorian era.

Embossed Link Bracelet

Ok, this necklace isn’t all gold, a part of the chain is made in platinum, but the rest is fashioned in warm 14k rose gold.

Engraved Perfume Flask

For those looking for something a bit different in their wedding band, a 22k vintage band (this one is vintage Tiffany & Co.!) will stand out from the 14k crowd.

3mm Comfort Fit Band

For tips on how to clean your gold piece, go here and here.

Tags: Bracelets, Necklaces, Rings.

There’s always tons of excitement in July – the long weekend of the 4th, music festivals, outdoor activities, beach excursions and long summer nights.

So, in the jewelry world, it’s only fitting that the stone of the month is the fiery ruby.

Among natural gems, only diamond is harder, one reason for the ruby’s popularity in a variety of jewelry styles.

In Victorian jewelry, rubies were set in the heads of snake rings; in Art Nouveau pieces, which are often nature-inspired, they were set to resemble the petals of flowers; and you’ll see rubies often in Retro jewelry, boldly set in yellow or rose gold

Below, a look back in time to where  (and how!) the ruby was worn:

Victorian Era

It’s widely circulated that Queen Victoria’s wedding band was a snake biting its own tail. Whether or not this factoid is true, we  may never know, but what I do know for sure is that there are tons of snake rings to be found (in a variety of styles) from the Victorian era.

They are often set with precious stones in their eyes or on top of their heads, and this particular one is set with a ruby, as well as a diamond and a sapphire.

Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring

There was a period of time during the Victorian era when jewelers were fixated on the design techniques of the Etruscans (ancient Romans). This 18k yellow gold necklace showcases both this design inspiration and beautiful old cut bezel set rubies.

Etruscan Revival Emerald & Ruby Necklace

Art Nouveau Era

Art Nouveau jewels are rife with organic shapes and motifs. A bright ruby (the color of flowers, fruits and other natural delicacies), only enhances this naturalistic beauty,  as seen with these two curvaceous Art Nouveau pieces.

Art Nouveau Enameled Lady Festoon Ruby & Diamond Necklace

Ruby & Diamond Art Nouveau Necklace

Retro Era

Due to the dearth of platinum and other jewelry materials during the Retro era (which spans World War II, from 1940 to 1950), jewelers used alternative metals  such as yellow and rose gold, and alternative stones such as citrines,  amethysts and, of course, rubies.

Their lack was our gain, because ruby jewelry from this era is always some of the boldest.

Retro Ruby Wire Frame Earrings

Diamond and Ruby Retro Flower Ring

Contemporary

With the Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle line, we take inspiration from the motifs and designs of some of our most favorite antique pieces and fashion them anew. A great example are these serpent earrings, accented with ruby drops.

Ruby Drop Serpent Earrings

With all these great examples, it should be easy (or very, very hard if you are indecisive like me!) to add a ruby jewel to your collection.

Tags: Art Nouveau, Earrings, Heirloom, Necklaces, Retro, Rings, Ruby, Snake, victorian.

Paris in the springtime may have a song, but New York City at this time of year is really where it’s at.

It helps that the city, with all its boroughs, is one of the greenest urban areas in the United States. New Yorkers have landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to thank for two of its verdant parks – Central Park in Manhattan, and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, and warmer weather means more time frolicking in these parks, enjoying the simple pleasures of spring and summer

I’m way more interested in baking pies and laying on picnic blankets than deciding what to wear on a beautiful day, but I can never go completely unadorned. That’s why I rely on my simple jewelry staples of an everyday pendant, a small ring and delicate earrings during days spent outdoors.

Here are a few of my recommendations for your carefree jewelry wardrobe:

Pendant Necklaces: I’ve started wearing a simple stone pendant necklace lately, taking it off only when I go to sleep, or when I step into the shower.

I like the lozenge shape of the amethyst in this necklace, and the flowy gold Nouveau border really makes this piece stand out.

Art Nouveau Amethyst Pendant, $425

We just added this charming Diamond Pair of Owls Necklace to our Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle line, and it already has a lot of fans. Besides being completely cute, this pendant also holds meaning – owls symbolize truth and wisdom.

Diamond Pair of Owls Necklace, $575

Flies are an ancient symbol of protection and this Diamond Set Fly Necklace is one of my favorite pieces from the Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle line.

Diamond Set Fly Necklace, $350

Small Rings: Although I have more than a few cocktail rings or larger statement rings that I bring out for special occasions, during the warmer months, I like the delicacy and ease of a small, everyday ring.

Even though this clover isn’t four-leafed, it can still bring a little bit of luck into your life. The use of three precious stones makes it especially charming.

Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Clover Ring, $950

I like that the shape of this Victorian ring has a slightly masculine edge to it, but that the smaller size if the ring keeps the look feminine.

Pink Sapphire Embossed Ring, $1200

This old mine cut diamond gives this solitaire ring some edge; the fineness (22k) of the gold, makes it especially bright, both in color and in beauty.

Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring , $750

Yes, another clover ring, but this one is in a navette shape and fashioned in rose gold!

Single and Rose Cut Diamond Clover Ring, $195

Delicate Earrings: I like the subtlety of a smaller pair of earrings, and they hardly ever get caught in your hair.

The small diamond drop earrings are a great alternative to a pair of diamond studs.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Drop Earrings, $225

Studs are always a great choice as an everyday piece, and although these yellow gold Fleur de Lis Studs are small, the detail of the design makes them stand out. Plus, they are also an everyday piece in my personal jewelry wardrobe!

Fleur de Lis Studs, $85

I’m partial to purple, but if I were you, I would get a few pairs of semi-precious stone studs and alternate which color I wear depending on my mood.

Amethyst Stud Earrings, $175

Tags: Earrings, Necklaces, Rings.

The most recent issue of Time Out New York caught happy soon-to-be Doyle & Doyle customer Janean Morris on her way to our boutique to pick out her antique engagement ring!

We’re ecstatic that she picked us as her go-to engagement ring spot, and even more excited that Time Out caught her at such an amazing moment!

Check her out here.

Tags: Rings.

Yes, the stories are true…

Your diamond ring can be cleaned with a simple soak in warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. It only takes a few minutes:

First, soak your ring in water diluted with mild dish soap .

Next, gently scrub the piece, making sure to get underneath prongs and the stone, usuing a soft bristle brush (maybe an old toothbrush)

Lastly, rinse under warm water and gently dry.

One last note, when you are cleaning jewelry with set stones, often dirt or other residues can be holding the stone in place, so always be sure to clean and rinse the piece with something underneath it, and not over an open drain.

Tags: Rings.

Blue is a color that has long been associated with friendship, faithfulness, eternal loyalty and devotion. It is also the color most associated with sapphire, and the most popular and recognized color of the sapphire family. Thus, blue sapphire came to symbolize these most desired of traits, making it a more than suitable choice for a ring that represents a union that will endure.

How to choose the perfect shade of blue? Although there are certain hues that have been deemed more desired in this magnificent gemstone – historically, the pure intense blue of the Kashmir sapphire has come to represent the ultimate in color – color should always be a personal choice. The variety of hues and intensities of blue that are available, however, have created a wonderful variety for anyone’s preference.

Size, color and transparency all are factors affecting value. Geographical origin of the stone will play a part as well, but usually in stones of very fine quality. Whether or not a stone has received some treatment will have an effect on price as well. Most sapphires receive some treatment, however, and unless otherwise stated, this should be considered the case.

Regardless of what color variation of blue sapphire you choose, these remarkable products of thousands of years of pressure and heat inside the earth are all unique gifts from the earth and will each present us with their one of a kind splendor. Let the individual beauty of each stone (and its unique color) speak to you!

Tags: Rings, Sapphire.

One question I hear often when working with customers to find the perfect ring is, “I don’t want a traditional engagement ring, is that weird?”. The answer is – absolutely not! More and more women and their husbands-to-be are choosing alternative styles and stones for this milestone piece of jewelry and when you’re open to other options, the world of antique jewelry is your oyster!

An engagement ring is first and foremost about what it means to you; so if you’ve been eyeballing that Victorian ruby and diamond rose gold ring then there is no reason why you can’t rock it as engagement ring! I’m going to present some new and old trends in engagement ring styles that I’ve been seeing.

Over the years, many women and their suitors have been lured by the romance of the flowerhead as an engagement ring. A “flowerhead” describes the overall look of the ring, generally characterized by a larger central stone, usually a colored stone such as sapphire or ruby, surrounded by diamond frame comprising it’s “petals”. An antique flowerhead ring is a feminine look that is classic enough to wear well for years to come, yet always evocative of the romance of times long ago.

1.6ct Sapphire and Diamond Flowerhead Ring

You’re a chef, artist, musician, mother or anyone else who uses their hands often and can’t have an engagement ring that reaches for the sky! Recently I’ve seen a lot of active women and their partners choose band-like styles with diamonds or other stones as their engagement ring, then stack them with a plain platinum or yellow gold wedding band. All of the sparkle with no fuss!

Criss Cross Pattern Diamond Band (Front)

Criss Cross Pattern Diamond Band (Side)

Snakes, why did it have to be snakes? Don’t listen to Indiana Jones – during the Victorian era, some of the most amazing snake pieces in existence were produced and that includes rings! Queen Victoria had a penchant for wearing snake jewelry and fashionable Victorians followed suit, wearing entire parures of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches all in the snake style. There are endless styles from the delicate, coiled snake to triple-headed bands with jeweled eyes and tongues. If you’re looking for something different with a bite, try on a snake ring and you might just be charmed!

Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Snake Crossover Ring

Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Tags: Rings, Snakes.

The diamond engagement ring has traditionally been recognized as the lasting symbol of love and commitment… or maybe not.

As far back as the 14^th or 15^th centuries, sapphires, rubies and emeralds were used by the wealthy classes to mark a betrothal. Each of these stones’ unique characteristics, rarity and lore lent to the desire for them to be worn for this most important of life events. The sapphire has long been associated with romantic love and longing.

The sapphire was, and remains, the most favored of these gemstones for a variety of reasons. Among them are its beauty, its variety of magnificent colors, its transparency and its durability.

Sapphire is a member of the Corundum family (ruby too, but more on that later), which has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale (a scale that rates the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder mineral to scratch a softer mineral). This is only exceeded by diamond at 10. A sapphire is easy to wear and maintain thanks to this property, which also makes it the perfect stone choice for a ring worn as frequently as an engagement ring.

Usually associated with the color blue, sapphires are also available in pink, yellow, orange, purple, green and colorless. These colors are represented in a variety of other gemstones, but one of the things that makes sapphire so special is its high refractive index – notice how much the stone sparkles!

Here are some samples of the beauty of sapphire in its variety of colors:

The possibilities are endless. The opportunity to have a truly unique engagement ring that is both traditional and non–traditional is part of sapphire’s allure.

Tags: Rings.