Gray & Davis Holiday Gift Guide: For the Trend Setter

In today’s world of mass-produced jewelry, the most fun way to find unique and original pieces is to go 100 years back in time.

Victorian 18k gold earrings, available in our online shop.

The Etruscan earrings

These crazy earrings aren't for the faint of heart. Incredible gold wire work on conical dangles was inspired by pre-Roman design, all in 18k yellow gold.

Art Deco platinum and diamond necklace, availabe in our online shop.

The Revival necklace

Art Deco jewelry is celebrated for its bold geometric interpretations of ancient design, and this elegant pendant is no exception. Three geometric shapes fashioned in platinum swing from a delicate chain, allowing the necklace’s lucky 13 old cut diamonds to catch the light. 

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Gray & Davis Holiday Gift Guide: For the Gold Obsessed

King Midas has nothing on this group. The good news? Antique gold jewelry comes in a beautiful array of rosy pinks, rich yellows and even subtle greens that are no longer produced today. 

Victorian three diamond gypsy ring, in our online shop.

The gypsy ring

Three bright diamonds are set low in this delightful little 18k yellow gold ring. This ring was made in London in the late 19th century, but it’s still sturdy enough for every-day wear over a century later. A perfect piece for someone who wants a touch of diamondy sparkle swimming in a sea of gold.

The Rose Bangle 

A true piece of Victorian alchemist’s art. A delicately textured golden flower and green gold leaves grow from a rose-tinted branch. The tiny garden rests atop a slender bangle in 18k yellow.

Victorian 18k yellow gold bangle bracelet, available at Gray & Davis. 

Vintage 14k gold locket, in our online shop.

The ruby locket

Velvety, 14k bloomed gold is the backdrop of this turn of the century piece. A half-carat stripe of blood-red rubies add contrast, but the gold is the standout here. All it needs is a great gold chain!

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Gray & Davis Holiday Gift Guide: For the Diamond Maven

The diamond maven wears their diamonds loud and proud. They know that sometimes it’s all about that bling! Luckily, ours is not the first era to possess this sentiment. There are some incredible examples of antique jewelry just dripping with diamonds; much is museum-quality and lives behind glass, but allow us to present a few options that are ready and willing to be taken home.

Retro diamond ring, available in our online shop.

The Crazy ring

We’ve written about this incredible ring before. An explosion of old cut diamonds in platinum atop 18k yellow gold. All funky old cuts, all fabulous. 30 diamonds in total have an approximate carat weight of 6.41ctw. This is the ultimate New Year’s Eve ring.

The Diamond Brooch

Art Deco diamond and 18k white gold brooch, available at Gray & Davis. 

A quintessential Art Deco piece. Three carats of step cut and old brilliant diamonds are arranged in a sleek, geometric frame of 18k white gold open-work.

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Gray & Davis Holiday Gift Guide: For the History Buff

For those who know that half the fun of wearing antique jewelry is telling stories about it!

The dirk pin

This pin would look just as much at home on a lapel of your tweed jacket as it would on the Victorian tourist that picked it up as a Scottish souvenir. Pretty tartan patterned enamel is studded with two yellow glass “paste” stones and crowned with a pale yellow citrine at the hilt. Extra points if you can name the clan it was meant to represent.

Victorian sterling silver pin with citrine, enamel and yellow pasts. Available at Gray & Davis.

Georgian Stuart Crystal earrings in silver, 14k gold, made c.1820. Available at Gray & Davis.

The Stuart crystal earrings 

Clear rock crystal is set atop a gold-wire monogram backed in pink foil in these Georgian earrings. Stuart crystal jewelry was first worn in secret support of King Charles I after his execution in 1659. The style caught on, and soon “Stuart” crystals were made in memorium for all sorts of individuals (we’re not sure whose initials are written in this specific pair).​

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Gray & Davis Holiday Gift Guide: For the New Collector

Know somebody just recently bitten by the antique jewelry bug? Go for a classic collector’s piece; something that’s obviously from the olden days that can act as both adornment and conversation starter.

Victorian Sardonyx and 14k Gold Cameo Fob, in our online shop.

The watch fob

A relic of yesteryear, watch fobs are large charms used to counter the weight of a man’s pocket watch, when worn with an Albert chain (photo) on a vest. Today, we co-opt these neat pieces as pendants. The come in all sorts of cool shapes, and look great on a longer chain. Often, each side of the fob has a separate design; it’s like you get two pieces in one!

The snake ring

Victorian 10K gold nested snake ring, in our online shop.

Snake jewelry hasn’t been out of style since ancient Egypt, but the Victorians really took it to the next level. Queen Victoria herself received an emerald set snake ring from Prince Albert as her engagement ring.  A symbol of eternity, wisdom, and fidelity, a snake ring is one of the most recognizable pieces of Victorian jewelry out there. 

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