Blog CF - Fine Jewellery & Antiques

Antique & Vintage Aquamarine Jewelry - 2017-03-16

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 - 2017-02-01

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.

Antique & Vintage Garnet Jewellery - 2017-01-07

Antique & Vintage Garnet Jewellery

Garnet is January's birthstone, find out why garnets still continue to surprise and Dazzle!

In the frost and chill of winter January marks a month of New Beginning, and what better way to mark new beginnings than with a birthstone that has withstood the test of time but still continues to surprise and dazzle.

The Garnet is a stone of strength, loyalty, vigor and faithful love. If any of those qualities sound like the January baby in your life come in to Cynthia Findlay's and we will help you select a very special antique or vintage garnet jewellery treasure.

Curious to know more about January's birthstone? The most common colour for Garnet is a deep red, however these gemstones can also be found in shades of orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, pink and (on very rare occasions) blue.

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Vintage Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Ring

A garnet can be cut to showcase a high glasslike shine or can be found in a resinous, bead quality in longer necklaces or earrings.

Garnet rates a 6.5 - 7.5 on the MOHs scale of hardness.

The word 'Garnet' is claimed to descend from the Latin word 'Garanatus', meaning seed-like; as the garnet closely resembles the rich, juicy red seeds of a pomegranate. It's from this resemblance to pomegranates that many of the most intriguing mythologies surrounding January's birthstone were born.

In Greek mythology Hades is said to have given a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to ensure her speedy return. A garnet given to your beloved is thought to hold the same power to help heal the bond of distance and ensure a safe and speedy return. What a lovely sentiment an antique or vintage garnet bracelet or necklace would make in reminding the wearer to follow their heart back home to you after their travels.

Garnets have been called the 'women's stone' as their color and ties to the pomegranate are a reminder of the power and fertility of the female womb. Many men wear garnet as well, and in fact the King of Saxony is said to have a Garnet weighing over 465 carats!

A Legendary Stone, Garnet Boasts A Long And Interesting History

One of the earliest discoveries of garnet was as a necklace in the grave of a young man from 3000 BC (the Bronze Age). Egyptian pharaohs wore garnet both as decoration and as part of their ceremonial garb to symbolize their strength and endurance. Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet by a Roman engraver. Stories say that the 'Barbarians' who took over the Western Roman Empire wore the Garnet stone to improve their strength and perseverance as warriors. Garnets have also enjoyed popularity in many different cultures and religions, and can be seen decorating Bohemian churches as well as in many religious texts.

Garnet held incredible popularity in Victorian jewelry during the 18th and 19th centuries, and many breathtaking Victorian necklaces, bracelets and earrings can be found here at Cynthia Findlay's.

Garnet is not only the stone of separated lovers, January birthdays and new beginnings, it is also the official gemstone for the second year of marriage.

We invite you to give the gift of meaning and lore this January, in the form of a unique vintage or antique piece of Garnet jewelry from our collection.

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