I was going to post these for Valentine's Day, but did not get around to it.
These earrings are the big sister to the others, with the mystery red stone, which I would say is paste likely or maybe synthetic ruby if we want to be totally accurate.
These are a mix of old and new, but the bulk is old. I am a big fan of doing conversion pieces so the bits and bobs that exist can have a use.
Sako, of Old Miner Jewelry/Cicada Jewelry worked on these with me. These earrings came to be as a result of antique French Victorian components he was able to purchase in a grouping. Probably came from a necklace or larger piece, because around that time I saw a few other vendors with similar components on offer, bit nobody had that many. The halo frames are about 1.5 ctw of old mine diamonds in each. Some are probably closer to an OEC, but majority I would say are OMC. They custom cut old mine rubies to fit in the settings and made little tiny prongs to hold them, from the components.
The original components:
With the stones, but not set:
As finished earrings:
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Oooooh boy I cannot wait for this thread to continue unfolding! Each pair is unique and full of charm...just love it. I gasped out loud at that last pair - Sako did an incredible job!
Gah, I love these earrings!! Sako really did do a wonderful job. They are stunning @elizat!
I was going to post these for Valentine's Day, but did not get around to it.
These earrings are the big sister to the others, with the mystery red stone, which I would say is paste likely or maybe synthetic ruby if we want to be totally accurate.
These are a mix of old and new, but the bulk is old. I am a big fan of doing conversion pieces so the bits and bobs that exist can have a use.
Sako, of Old Miner Jewelry/Cicada Jewelry worked on these with me. These earrings came to be as a result of antique French Victorian components he was able to purchase in a grouping. Probably came from a necklace or larger piece, because around that time I saw a few other vendors with similar components on offer, bit nobody had that many. The halo frames are about 1.5 ctw of old mine diamonds in each. Some are probably closer to an OEC, but majority I would say are OMC. They custom cut old mine rubies to fit in the settings and made little tiny prongs to hold them, from the components.
The original components:
With the stones, but not set:
As finished earrings:
![]()
the Edwardian ring
The look and construction of that gorgeous filigree
:swoon:
that maltese cross /OMC is dreamy!
I love this ringFor you @YadaYadaYada , I will do a ring!
I was going to try to make it everything grouped together, but I can break it up.
This ring actually has one of my first "larger" antique diamonds in it. Before that, I had rings that were usually a cluster style with smaller stones or stones that did not really need a certificate because of the size. This stone is 1.4, K color, with a GIA certificate. The stone definitely has what I would call a pinwheel pattern in the center. GIA actually calls it an old mine brilliant on the certificate, but some people would just call it a cushion. It has a pretty small table as well.
Not to get too far off the beaten path, but something I think is very interesting is that you can tell a lot about a stone as far as when it was cut and where, by the patterns.
Interesting book:
![]()
American Cut: The First 100 Years
Did you think you knew where the term Ideal Cut came from? American Cut: The First 100 Years, by Al Gilbertson, chronicles the evolution of what we refer to as the Ideal Cut from its earliest beginnings. It was known as the American Cut because of Henry Morse, a diamond cutter in Boston, who by...store.gia.edu
For me, I don't need a flower petal pattern that many seem to prefer. I like those too, but I have a fondness for pinwheel patterns, maltese crosses, and generally, I like less than perfect stones. The modern newly cut optical light OEC stones are not really my flavor. My cut of choice is pretty much always on old mine or an early cushion.
It is in an Edwardian mounting, with French cut sapphires, and scrolling filigree that looks to me to be a leaf or ivy pattern. It has tab prongs that have patterning on them north and south and east and west It has two little rounded claw style prongs. All in, it's a really charming setting. This is the third setting that this stone has lived in and I think it's the one that suits it best.
![]()
Love your beautiful Edwardian ring, @elizat ! That stone is really special and so pretty. It looks to be slightly elongated, unless it’s an optical illusion. Love the setting too! I am also a big fan of OMC’s and transitional cut stones. Loving each one of your gems!
The photos you take are mesmerizing, @elizat! Love the descriptions and history of the pieces. This is like visiting an antique store with knowledgeable staff!I love this thread.
I was going to post these for Valentine's Day, but did not get around to it.
These earrings are the big sister to the others, with the mystery red stone, which I would say is paste likely or maybe synthetic ruby if we want to be totally accurate.
These are a mix of old and new, but the bulk is old. I am a big fan of doing conversion pieces so the bits and bobs that exist can have a use.
Sako, of Old Miner Jewelry/Cicada Jewelry worked on these with me. These earrings came to be as a result of antique French Victorian components he was able to purchase in a grouping. Probably came from a necklace or larger piece, because around that time I saw a few other vendors with similar components on offer, bit nobody had that many. The halo frames are about 1.5 ctw of old mine diamonds in each. Some are probably closer to an OEC, but majority I would say are OMC. They custom cut old mine rubies to fit in the settings and made little tiny prongs to hold them, from the components.
The original components:
With the stones, but not set:
As finished earrings:
![]()
Thank you for the comment on the photos! I used to take crap photos. Terrible photos. I have a Pixel phone and I think it does an awesome job. One day, I do think it would be fun to set up a little side business for jewelry but I'd want to hoard it all!
For you @YadaYadaYada , I will do a ring!
I was going to try to make it everything grouped together, but I can break it up.
This ring actually has one of my first "larger" antique diamonds in it. Before that, I had rings that were usually a cluster style with smaller stones or stones that did not really need a certificate because of the size. This stone is 1.4, K color, with a GIA certificate. The stone definitely has what I would call a pinwheel pattern in the center. GIA actually calls it an old mine brilliant on the certificate, but some people would just call it a cushion. It has a pretty small table as well.
Not to get too far off the beaten path, but something I think is very interesting is that you can tell a lot about a stone as far as when it was cut and where, by the patterns.
Interesting book:
![]()
American Cut: The First 100 Years
Did you think you knew where the term Ideal Cut came from? American Cut: The First 100 Years, by Al Gilbertson, chronicles the evolution of what we refer to as the Ideal Cut from its earliest beginnings. It was known as the American Cut because of Henry Morse, a diamond cutter in Boston, who by...store.gia.edu
For me, I don't need a flower petal pattern that many seem to prefer. I like those too, but I have a fondness for pinwheel patterns, maltese crosses, and generally, I like less than perfect stones. The modern newly cut optical light OEC stones are not really my flavor. My cut of choice is pretty much always on old mine or an early cushion.
It is in an Edwardian mounting, with French cut sapphires, and scrolling filigree that looks to me to be a leaf or ivy pattern. It has tab prongs that have patterning on them north and south and east and west It has two little rounded claw style prongs. All in, it's a really charming setting. This is the third setting that this stone has lived in and I think it's the one that suits it best.
![]()
Same! I've learned I have a soft spot for imperfect stones or pieces. Maybe it's that they have more character or story to them or something. But nice to hear someone else say something similargenerally, I like less than perfect stones. The modern newly cut optical light OEC stones are not really my flavor.