Gatsby, Revived – Art Deco Rings

What's Shopping For Art Deco Rings Like?

Shopping for Art Deco Rings is like dipping a finger into The Roaring Twenties or even into the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. These Art Deco rings are unique and the epitome of luxury jewellery - they feature geometric designs with fine details. The beautiful aesthetic of this art movement is fueled by a demand for glamour; if there is joie de vivre, there must be Art Deco. Art Deco jewelry represents a hunger for fashion, style and life. In more recent years it has gained popularity in the celebrity world of engagements, both Pippa Middleton and Scarlett Johansson wear Art Deco rings as a symbol of their found love.

To See Art Deco Rings Click Here.

Antique & Vintage Aquamarine Jewelry

Channeling March with Antique & Vintage Aquamarine Jewelry

The name aquamarine finds its origins from the Latin for seawater. Antique and vintage aquamarine jewelry is sought after as the birthstone of March and is said to bring more happiness to a marriage – it is also the gem of the 19th wedding anniversary.

It comes from the Beryl family and according to the Gemological Institute of America, the mineral beryl gives the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation. It’s an interesting allegory, the aquamarine is a delicate light blue and the crystal is transparent and reminds you of the whimsical sea, and not a gloomy battle field.

At Cynthia Findlay's there is a wide selection of aquamarines; from antique aquamarine filigree pendants, to vintage aquamarine and diamond art deco rings, to vintage earrings, vintage bracelets and antique brooches.

The aquamarine can be cut into most shapes, but the popular fashions are emerald cuts, round and oval brilliants. It is the hardness of the gemstone and the beauty of its transparency that have made it popular with age-old sculptors, designers and artists. These Victorian earrings made of 18 karat yellow gold and a silver top have two briolette aquamarines and are accented with eight aquamarines of 3.05 carats and sixty diamonds at 0.25 carats.

Another stunning example of antique and vintage aquamarine jewelry is this pair of platinum and 14 Karat white gold wing like earrings with two heart-shaped aquamarines of 14.43 carats, surrounded by twenty four brilliant cut diamonds of 0.65 carats VS clarity.

One of the things Cynthia Findlay is known for is the wide selection of estate aquamarine rings, and this beautiful 18 karat white gold ring, circa 1940 houses a 24.1 carat aquamarine accented with twelve round brilliant, straight baguette and marquise brilliant cut diamonds of 1 carat and VS clarity.

Visit our antique and vintage aquamarine jewelry to view more unique aquamarine pieces.

Amethyst, the Reigning Birthstone of February

February Dawned, Cold and Bright In The Cool Amethyst Glow Of Winter Snowfall.

The stately Amethyst reigns as the birthstone of the shortest and coldest month of the year: February.  The Amethyst is a stunning purple descendant of the quartz line of gemstones and measures a 7 on the MOHs scale of hardness. Amethyst is thought to embody stability, peace and courage in it's wearer; providing strength and purpose during February's chill.

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February pays tribute to St. Valentine- the patron saint of romantic love- who wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of a Cupid.  The Egyptians also used amethyst as a stone for carved intaglios, and lovers still find meaning and excitement in gifting jewelry featuring the deep purple hues of amethyst gemstones.

The amethyst is also the official gemstone for the 6th and 17th years of marriage, and makes a lovely and sentimental present for the love of your life.

Amethyst is also often called the 'sober stone'.  Greek people drank from amethyst goblets to prevent intoxication from wine.  This theory may stem from the legend of Amethyst, a young girl whom Diana turned to a pure clear stone to defend from the rage of Bacchus (God of intoxication).  When Bacchus saw what he had done he wept wine soaked tears of remorse and turned the stone of Amethyst a deep purple.  It's from this legend that Amethyst became known as a stone of patience and calm, a reminder to think through your actions.

In the Middle Ages the amethyst became the symbol of royalty because of its rich violet hues.  The most famous amethyst owned by the British crown is a set of brooches, earrings, necklace and a hair comb that was passed down by-and named after- Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent.  The most commonly seen piece from the 'Kent amethyst' set is a brooch that the queen wears to flatter her purple outfits.

Capture the regal style with Victorian era, amethyst brooches, such as this beautiful one. For a vast selection of February's dazzling birthstone in a rainbow of stunning amethyst shades and settings find us at 284 King St. W. In Toronto.  We look forward to your visit.