Happy Stories From our customers

“The Farnese Blue,” a 6.16-carat pear shaped fancy dark gray-blue diamond.

Most gems of this magnitude have a storied history. And the stunning 6-carat Farnese Blue Diamond is no exception.

Passed on to generations of Spanish royalty, the Blue Diamond makes it way to the auction block soon. “The Farnese Blue” will be offered at the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale at Sotheby’s Geneva on May 15 where it’s expected to sell for between $3.7 million and $5.3 million.

According to the National Jeweler:

It was uncovered in the Golconda mines of India, which also produced the famous Hope and Wittelsbach diamonds.

The stone was given to Elisabeth Farnese, Queen of Spain (1692-1766) and descendant of Pope Paul III, following her wedding to King Philip V of Spain, grandson of Louis XIV, King of France.

The wedding was celebrated in Parma, Italy in 1714, after the War of the Spanish Succession, which had depleted the country’s finances. To be able to offer a suitable dowry for the new queen, the Spanish government sent word to its colonies, demanding they send wedding presents to Madrid.

[Read more about its lengthy and fascinating history.]

 

Margie,

Just wanted to thank you again for making this such an amazing ring purchase experience.

A.M.

If you’re like me, you have a jewelry box packed with goodies…but you tend to where the same items every day. In my case, its gold hoop earrings (two sizes: one smaller pair and the other my oversized “disco” pair for dressing up and going out).

But what about all of the other beauties in my jewelry box? What about new pieces I wouldn’t dare to wear except for that “one occasion”?

With Spring on its way, I decided it was time to break the chains!

First, I cleaned out my jewelry box. I donated several items that had seen its day (goodbye mood ring) and arranged the items neatly in the box. This way, the appearance of my collection became more inviting and less…well, messy.

Second, I decided within one week I would wear one of those “only for the special occasions” pieces. I chose a statement necklace with layers of brightly colored baubles on it. That special occasion? Going shopping with my friends. The takeaway? Don’t wait for that special occasion: today is that special occasion.

Third, I added to the collection with a spring item. (Nothing breaks the rut like buying something new, right?) My green and yellow hoop earrings are a fun and bold replacement for my traditional hoops. They also help me usher in a new season with a more updated look.

So there you go: simple steps to break out of your jewelry wearing rut. All it requires is a little spring cleaning, risk-taking and chain breaking.

Thank you for all your help and advice. You were right on the mark with size and cut. I love the Old Mine! So worth the wait!!!   I couldn’t stop looking at it today. It’s so refreshing to deal with a company who really earns all of those amazing reviews. I kept thinking “there’s no way that they only get 5 star reviews” but now I believe it!!!!   You guys have absolutely done it again. I appreciate how hard you work to make it perfect. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.

Your very happy customer,
C. H.

In general, there are six eras of antique jewelry. Each era has identifiable aspects that help define it and the culture that surrounded it. And as this video points out, each is more gorgeous than the last.