Vancouver’s historic Gastown district is named after the area’s first Saloon proprietor “Gassy” Jack Deighton. And while the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver has come along way from its rough-and-rowdy days as a resort for off work loggers, it’s never lost it’s offbeat vibe. The cities charming cobblestone blocks are chock full of rambling Victorian homes that cut a classic, elegant figure in an otherwise cutting edge modern town.

Some of our favorite style setters and the haute haunts whose doors they darken call Gastown home, and today we’re taking a tour through the places these creators of what’s been called the “urban woodsman” look go for inspiration, as well as curating some complementary accessory looks.

Inventory Stockroom is the 900-square-foot storefront HQ of arbiters of global cool, Inventory Magazine. A living, breathing manifestation of the pages of their expertly curated tome, you can get a sneak peek into what will be featured in upcoming issues while you explore the shop’s clothing, accessories, and objects created by a variety of designers and craftsmen from around the world.

An important element in a finely tuned life where commitment to craftsmanship is central, Revolver serves up a rotating selection of the finest regional coffee roasts to Gastown’s well-heeled. Ask the knowledgeable baristas for a made to order recommendation and enjoy it in this sun-filled cafe.

Gastown’s Dutil is the home for premiere denim supply offering more than 2,000 pairs of high-end, hard to find jeans. Their singular focus means they have the ability to procure such rarely seen denim delights as Japan’s Momotaro and San Francisco’s Tellason, alongside essential staples like A.P.C., Rag & Bone and Canada’s own Naked & Famous.

Old Faithful Shop is a modern-day wonder emporium specializing in uncommon furnishings – stocking everything from glass terrariums to vintage cage lamps to Chemex three-cup hourglass coffeemakers. A special treat is their fragrant, locally made house soap brand, Staples & Sundries.

If you prefer to create your own handcrafted wonders, then Dressew Supply is a one-stop shop for all sorts of craftsman, packed to the rafters with a huge selection of fabrics, notions, craft supplies, costume pieces, yarn, sewing tools and more. Be sure to check-out their year round costume stock.

In the know locals are hip to the fact that there are more then delicious chicken on ciabatta and meatballs with Sambal hot sauce to be found at Gastown’s favorite sandwich shop, Meat & Bread. Chase this quick bites with sandwich of a sweeter sort, of the bacon-maple ice-cream variety. 

Top your day off in this effervescent nabe with craft-cocktails at former music hall The Diamond’s secret speakeasy (please report back if you can find it!) and bask in the chill vibes and delicious flavors of this beloved local watering hole.

Punch up the natural, earthy, low-key tailored looks that Vancouverites like Milliner Jessica Fortin are known for with a bright pop of Victorian bijoux. Try a matching set of Victorian Carved Coral Bacchante & Amphora Necklace and Earrings paired with our Late Victorian Jade Ring in homage to Gastown’s beautiful homes.

Does your favorite Spring time city have a signature style? Tell us in the comments, what looks and accessories are delighting the sartorial savvy in your neck of the woods?

Tags: vancouver city guide, Victorian jewelry.

This season we’re celebrating the climes where Spring-like weather is a year-round phenomenon. The soft rains create colorful skies and keep these cities vibrant both culturally and ecologically. Not only does the ever-present promise of a passing shower make for an existence lived seamlessly between indoors and out, but unique styles, as well. Once shrouded in flannel shirts and the cigarette smoke of indifferent grunge rockers, Seattle has re-emerged as the tech center of the Pacific Northwest, without losing its individualist edge. Locals and newcomers alike are reclaiming the once defunct and unused spaces to reimagine a city teeming with life in every corner.  We love how nature and the spirit of invention blend to create a unique lifestyle as potent as the strong brew this city is still known for.

Residents like artist Michelle de la Vega epitomize the Seattle way of shaping the world around them, having transformed an old garage into a 250 square foot fully functioning living space (complete with sleeping loft). Not local to the Emerald city but want to live a weekend in a Seattleite’s shoes? You can rent this space via Air BNB!

Not unlike Miss de la Vega’s home, Melrose Market in Capitol Hill has emerged like a phoenix from the detritus of a once defunct auto parts manufacturer to become a center of creative commerce. Now the home of a dozen retailers and restaurateurs, this revamped building features locally sourced, independent and organic goods including Still Liquor, Sitka & Spruce, Rain Shadow Meats and Calf & Kid. Visitors need not rush out of Capitol Hill if visiting Melrose Market, as it’s one of the reportedly oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Seattle. Take in some of the historic architecture as you wend your way to Volunteer Park Cafe for cocktails, or follow in the president’s footsteps and stop by Top Pot Donuts. Then you should head over to South Lake Union where you can hop on a streetcar to tour local galleries like Woodside/Braseth or Honeychurch. Residents or visitors looking to cap their day in a more grunge-era fashion can check the listings at the historic Paramount theater.

If you’re lucky enough to take in a post-grunge era show at the Paramount (like Animal Collective pictured above), be sure to accessorize appropriately. Take a page from local culture maker and boutique owner Hana Ryan Wilson’s book and choose some of our fiercely independent and exciting pieces to complete your look. What is it about the Victorian period that seems a perfect fit for women like Hana of the Pacific Northwest? Mix and match – or if you’re feeling daring, layer a few of – these signature Victorian pieces that would be a crown jewel in any Seattle girl (or Seattle girl in spirit’s) jewelry box. Learn more about our Victorian Black Onyx Locket, Tiger Claw Pendant, Long Chain and Bloodstone & Sarb Fob on the website. Or you can call or come by for more information on getting the perfect post-grunge era staples from one of our expert sales associates at Doyle & Doyle.

Tags: seattle city guide, Victorian jewelry, Victorian necklace.

In just five short days we welcome back an extra hour of sunshine into our lives as we spring forward into lush white blossoms and the sweet scent of the season of rebirth. And less than two short weeks after the vernal equinox, spring will officially begin! We’ll be ready with bright whites in whimsical shapes and gorgeous florals in colors so vibrant you’ll be amazed they occur in nature.

BCBG, Rebecca Taylor, Vera Wang Spring 2013 Whimsical Whites

Erdem, Lela Rose, Anotnio Marras Spring 2013 Florals

And what better to pair with these perfect pieces in white and our favorite hand-painted botanicals than our collection of spring themed styles?

One stand out piece is our Victorian Amethyst ring with flower and pearl detail. It is more than just a sweet homage to our favorite season, it’s also a richly symbolic love letter sent from nearly 150 years ago. Highly sentimental, Victorian bijoux were commonly crafted as love tokens, mementoes, and souvenirs rife with symbolism. This piece is comprised of amethyst, symbolizing devotion; wild roses, symbolizing simplicity; and pearls, symbolizing tears. It’s a beautiful, complex puzzle of meaning representative of the era, with the design giving us a hint to the feelings of purity, longing, and devotion the giver may have intended to convey thru the design.

Another stunning complement to festoon your spring fashions is our vintage tri-gold lily pad pin pendant; which can to be worn as both a pin and necklace. Lily pads symbolized the sun and rebirth to ancient Egyptians and they will have the same revivifying effect on your wardrobe during your seasonal transition. It’s sure to add a touch of gilded elegance pinned at the waist to an elegant belted gown or worn hanging from a long gold chain.

And last but certainly not least is our beautiful colored stone and enamel bracelet featuring cloisonné detailing, an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects using enamel. The finely engraved flowers in this piece are a testament to the beauty of spring florals, and present an opportunity to carry them with you year round.

Our curated collection of spring baubles is overflowing with fresh ideas to brighten up your seasonal wardrobe – what pieces are you dying to take out on the town?

Tags: Bracelet, Pin, Spring Trend, Victorian jewelry.

Amethyst, Pearl & Onyx Locket, $1200 094370N

Onyx is a black type of chalcedony quartz, a mineral that has long been fashioned into jewelry by polishing it into cabochons and beads. The glossy and smooth finish of black onyx provides an ideal canvas to showcase bright gemstone and metal plaques– the colors and details exhibit wonderfully!

Victorian Whitby Jet Earrings, $650, 095719E

Jet is a unique type of fossilized driftwood– naturally black in color, very light in weight, and either matte or polished in finish. Jet has been used in personal adornments since prehistoric times. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that a jet cross was an antidote to witchcraft.Jet experienced its peak in popularity during Victorian times: it was the only acceptable material to be worn as jewelry during full mourning. Rich deposits of this material exist near Whitby, England where factories that produced the jewelry thrived. The most common forms fashioned from jet were chunky chains, geometric earrings, long strands of beads, and medallions with intricate carvings.

Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring, $2100, 094320R

Enamel is finely ground glass powder fused to a metal base. Black enamel on a gold background was especially popular at the end of the 19th century. Intricate designs were carved into the metal and enamel filled the crevices, creating fine patterns and a dramatic contrast between the deep black and rich gold.

Click here to see more black beauties!

Tags: black jewelry, enamel, jet, Locket, mourning, onyx, Ring, victorian, Victorian jewelry, Victorian necklace.

Let’s set the scene:  a winter wedding, an elegant sheath gown, soft, warm lighting and the bride emerges in glowing, golden jewels that channel the power of the ancients!

The magnificent craftsmanship of the Etruscan granulated gold unearthed while excavating Pompeii so astonished Victorian goldsmiths that it inspired an entire movement in jewelry!  Now you can wear these amazing and inspiring pieces made in the 1850′s and onward.

Etruscan Revival Amethyst and Pearl Necklace 14k

Etruscan Revival Amethyst Bangle Bracelet

Etruscan Revival Amethyst Cabochon Drop Bulla Earrings 15k

Want to try these pieces on?  Come see our amethyst and granulation case in the front window!

Tags: amethyst, Earrings, Etruscan Revival, granulation, victorian, Victorian jewelry.

If you met him at concert and he has a sleeve of tattoos, and maybe you do, too.

If your first date was to see a foreign film or documentary, and then stop for some beers at a dive bar.

If you live in Brooklyn, Austin, Portland or San Francisco.

Then you are probably an Indie Bride.

The Indie Bride marches to her own tune, and doesn’t follow any of the constructed wedding rules.

Your wedding day jewelry doesn’t have to match, but it does have to be something interesting and edgy that matches your equally as interesting and edgy personality.

Pair your yellow gold vintage diamond engagement ring with a funky engraved wedding band, a Victorian necklace and some vintage patterned hoop earrings to pay homage to your rock roots.

Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

Patterned Two Toned Wedding Band

Ruby and Diamond Lavalier Necklace

Bamboo Hoop Earrings

Tags: engagement ring, hoop earrings, Victorian jewelry.

I found this little organdy and silk number on Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery.

I love the lattice work of the sleeves and the little spray of flowers hanging from the ecru satin waistband. This dress would be perfect for an outdoor, spring wedding – perhaps somewhere near the mountains?

Vintage White Organdy Wedding Dress

Vintage White Organdy Wedding Dress

Since the neck of the dress is quite plain, I would recommend adding something shiny to make the neckline pop – this simple Star Set Diamond Locket would do just fine:

Vintage Star Set Diamond Locket

Nothing too crazy on the earring front – you’ll probably want to wear your hair down and free to reflect the Joie de Vivre feel of this dress. A nice set of Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings give both a hint of color, and of fun.

Emerald and Diamond Earrings

This Embossed Ball and Link Bracelet reminds me of the fairy tale of the princess, the frog and the golden ball. The princess loses her golden ball, a frog retrieves it for her, they end up kissing, and he turns into a handsome prince. It’s also a great finishing touch to an already charming vintage wedding ensemble.

Vintage Embossed Ball and Link Bracelet

Tags: antique locket, Victorian jewelry, vintage jewelry, vintage wedding dress.

The Victorian era was when many jewelry trends were popularized – partly because of the rise of the industrial revolution and the development of better ways to produce jewelry, and partly because of the stylish matriarch Queen Victoria.

Much of the jewelry from this era was fashioned in yellow gold.  Often, the center stones of these rings were not diamonds, but rubies or sapphires.

If a ring from the Victorian era is set with diamonds – it is often a rose cut or Old European cut, which was how many diamonds were cut during that time.

Many rings that would be considered engagement rings, both then and now,  from the Victorian era do not look like the traditional solitaire, but are designed as a flowerhead or snake,  set in buttercup settings or even resemble a more ‘masculine’ style ring.

Pink Sapphire Ring

Victorian Buttercup Set Diamond Ring

Old European Cut Diamond Enamel Ring

Tags: engagement ring, old european cut diamond, snake ring, Victorian jewelry.